Do not mix Hodgdon and IMR 4895, they are not the same and have different load data for each. Would also be pointless since if you did find a good load you would never be able to duplicate it again once you run out.
I use the chrony after I find a good load so I can use it in ballistics programs. It can also be useful to compare your velocity to factory loads, for loads for rifles like my 45/70 I like my 405gr cast loads to stay under 1800fps as they get rather uncomfortable to shoot hotter than that and the best accuracy seems to be around 1700fps. The chrony is useful but I don't find that I need one to make an accurate load.
One thing I've found is it's best to stick to one bullet and one powder until you realize that combination won't work in your rifle, if you keep switching you will always be chasing and load development will never end.
When choosing a powder I look through my books and find powders that are listed for the lighter bullets but not for the heavier bullets and also powders that aren't listed for lighter bullets that are listed for heavier ones. That will give you an idea which powders are suitable for different bullet weights. The Hodgdon website also posts pressures with their loads which helps. I like powders which give higher velocities while generating lower pressures. You can see it in the other books as well when one powder has a load for 3100fps but another powder doesn't have loads published for over 2900fps.
The Hodgdon site is really good, I print off load data from there all the time. If you need data for Hornady or Nosler bullets PM me and I can give you data from either book.
I've never had great results with Varget and the 223 but it works well in my 308.
I like IMR4198 for 223 with light bullets. Still working on the heavier ones
I use the chrony after I find a good load so I can use it in ballistics programs. It can also be useful to compare your velocity to factory loads, for loads for rifles like my 45/70 I like my 405gr cast loads to stay under 1800fps as they get rather uncomfortable to shoot hotter than that and the best accuracy seems to be around 1700fps. The chrony is useful but I don't find that I need one to make an accurate load.
One thing I've found is it's best to stick to one bullet and one powder until you realize that combination won't work in your rifle, if you keep switching you will always be chasing and load development will never end.
When choosing a powder I look through my books and find powders that are listed for the lighter bullets but not for the heavier bullets and also powders that aren't listed for lighter bullets that are listed for heavier ones. That will give you an idea which powders are suitable for different bullet weights. The Hodgdon website also posts pressures with their loads which helps. I like powders which give higher velocities while generating lower pressures. You can see it in the other books as well when one powder has a load for 3100fps but another powder doesn't have loads published for over 2900fps.
The Hodgdon site is really good, I print off load data from there all the time. If you need data for Hornady or Nosler bullets PM me and I can give you data from either book.
I've never had great results with Varget and the 223 but it works well in my 308.
I like IMR4198 for 223 with light bullets. Still working on the heavier ones
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