New Reloader, power selection starting point questions

[luckey]

After getting my RL550B, finally almost finished my reloading bench(see pics here: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1281127-spent-250-to-get-two-1911s!!!), now it's time to think about some of the details which I need some help from the gurus again.

this time, it's the starting point power selection questions.
first, some background.

1. Powder: HS-6 & Longshot
2. Will reload 9/40S&W/45ACP for now.
3. Pistol: MP40(also 9mm barrel)/G22(also 9mm barrel)/SR1911/G41/P226/CZ75 SP01 Tactical

Reading so far: Layman Handbook 49th Edition/ABC Reloading/Hornady Handbook 9th Edition/Hodgdon site(for load data)/Various other sites for load data

I DEFINITELY WILL do my own dummy rounds(for OALs), test rounds with different charges etc. as I read from all other posts here, but still have some generic questions as below,

1. Based on all the readings, especially Hodgdon's site, "LONGSHOT is the high velocity pistol choice in 38 Super, 40 S&W, and 357 SIG at lower than usual operating pressures."
HS-6 seems to be more wide applications for all other rounds, including everything that can be done by LONGSHOT. So, would it be good to start with LONGSHOT for 40S&W, then use HS-6 for 9mm & 45ACP only?
2. for the load data, while all the manuals and sites I read are pretty consistent with the data I need, I found Hornady has wide range, especially for 40S&W. In Hornady, it's 4.8gr to 7.5gr for 180gr FMJ-FP bullets, while on Hodgdon site, it's between 6.3gr and 7.5gr with Barry FMJ bullets.
I also saw mostly people use 7gr'ish as starting point. Are there really somebody starts with as low as 5gr? Or it's just all the tests in Hornady lab with that specific gun(S&W 4006) that they want to show in the book and it doesn't really have real application for day-to-day reloaders like us.

Thanks

 

[H4831]

First off, if you have a manual(s) that shows HS 6 as a suitable powder for every calibre you are using, I would definitely use only HS 6 for them all, at least until you have gained experience and may want to branch out.
Hornady manual is showing that the powder is suitable for the wide range of 4.8 to 7.5 grains. This does not mean they are showing you a wide range in order for you to build up to full velocity. They are thinking you may be doing target shooting where 4.8 grains will give you all the velocity you require.
There is a very important point to know about reloading for pistols. On reloading you will be given no end of instructions to start low and build up to your maximum load.
However, this does not apply to loading for pistols, because you have no way, whatsoever, to judge the pressures, or to know when the pressures are getting to dangerous levels.
None of your calibres will have enough pressure to enlarge the brass, in any way, to let you know the pressure is getting too high.
Thus, you just go by the figures in reliable manuals. With your auto loaders your minimum load will be that which cycles the action properly.

 

[luckey]

Hi H4831, thanks for the advice which I know they are sound. However, the reason for my question, especially on the selection between hs-6 vs longshot on 40S&W is because both powders have good data for all 3 calibers I am going to load. However, for 40S&W, longshot has low pressure and much wider range than hs-6 which is why I thought it may be better for me, to the same point you mentioned, as a newbie, I would have more room to play with and safer(lower pressure as mentioned and recommended specifically by the manufacture for this caliber). what do you think?

First off, if you have a manual(s) that shows HS 6 as a suitable powder for every calibre you are using, I would definitely use only HS 6 for them all, at least until you have gained experience and may want to branch out.
Hornady manual is showing that the powder is suitable for the wide range of 4.8 to 7.5 grains. This does not mean they are showing you a wide range in order for you to build up to full velocity. They are thinking you may be doing target shooting where 4.8 grains will give you all the velocity you require.
There is a very important point to know about reloading for pistols. On reloading you will be given no end of instructions to start low and build up to your maximum load.
However, this does not apply to loading for pistols, because you have no way, whatsoever, to judge the pressures, or to know when the pressures are getting to dangerous levels.
None of your calibres will have enough pressure to enlarge the brass, in any way, to let you know the pressure is getting too high.
Thus, you just go by the figures in reliable manuals. With your auto loaders your minimum load will be that which cycles the action properly.

 

[H4831]

Hi H4831, thanks for the advice which I know they are sound. However, the reason for my question, especially on the selection between hs-6 vs longshot on 40S&W is because both powders have good data for all 3 calibers I am going to load. However, for 40S&W, longshot has low pressure and much wider range than hs-6 which is why I thought it may be better for me, to the same point you mentioned, as a newbie, I would have more room to play with and safer(lower pressure as mentioned and recommended specifically by the manufacture for this caliber). what do you think?

By all means use Longshot, if that will do it for you.
I suggested HS6 because I have no personal experience with Longshot.
Bruce

 

[luckey]

thanks. I vaguely remembered someone very seasoned here suggested Longshot a while back. will give a try and see how it turns out.

By all means use Longshot, if that will do it for you.
I suggested HS6 because I have no personal experience with Longshot.
Bruce

 

[calvados.boulard]

First off, if you have a manual(s) that shows HS 6 as a suitable powder for every calibre you are using, I would definitely use only HS 6 for them all, at least until you have gained experience and may want to branch out.
Hornady manual is showing that the powder is suitable for the wide range of 4.8 to 7.5 grains. This does not mean they are showing you a wide range in order for you to build up to full velocity. They are thinking you may be doing target shooting where 4.8 grains will give you all the velocity you require.
There is a very important point to know about reloading for pistols. On reloading you will be given no end of instructions to start low and build up to your maximum load.
However, this does not apply to loading for pistols, because you have no way, whatsoever, to judge the pressures, or to know when the pressures are getting to dangerous levels.
None of your calibres will have enough pressure to enlarge the brass, in any way, to let you know the pressure is getting too high.
Thus, you just go by the figures in reliable manuals. With your auto loaders your minimum load will be that which cycles the action properly.

Very nicely put.

Thanks,
Cal.

 

[Ganderite]

When I get a load that meets my needs (usually - accuracy but occasionally - power), I stick with it.

I use both Longshot and HS6. each of them is a "favourite" in one caliber or another.

HS6 is what I use for a power load in 38Spl. I have proven to myself it needs magnum primers to get top accuracy.

Longshot has no tricks. It is good for max power in high pressure rounds like 9mm and 40S&W.

I suggest you start with HS6, if you are looking for accurate ammo. use magnum primers and start with the Start Load and load up to Max in 0.3 gr increments. Shoot off a rest and find what groups best. Will probably be near the max end, but one never knows. I load ten of each, and take them to range in baggies.

Longshot has a greater range of loads, so do a similar survey, but in 0.5 gr increments.