best reload data??
- Thread starter tob1onone
- Start date
No single manual has the best load data.The difference in listed loads among the manuals is due to differences in barrels,chambers and components.Those variations are why manuals instruct you to work up from a starting load while watching for pressure signs.
Harold Manback
CGN Regular
Another vote for cross referencing. Some of the variations you see in reloading data can be explained by differences in the components used. Case capacity of brass and differing primer brisance between brands used when developing the data can explain some of the disparities. Some loads are developed in pressure barrels with a universal receiver others in a common firearm which again could lead to discrepancies.
Some cartridges have no SAAMI pressure standard and different reloading manuals may be loading to different pressures. Some manuals provide data for older cartridges such as the 45-70 that are far above SAAMI pressures for use in much stronger and more modern firearms, opinions of just how much pressure the new more modern firearms can be safely loaded to can variate between the different camps developing the loads.
If two manuals show different max loads for the same cartridge, take note of which primers, and brass are being used. Also note the test firearm and barrel length, this will likely explain some of the variance. As for who's data is best, I can't tell you, choose the data that matches you components and firearm. I always prefer the data to include the pressure that the starting and max loads develop. Some manuals don't do this.
Some cartridges have no SAAMI pressure standard and different reloading manuals may be loading to different pressures. Some manuals provide data for older cartridges such as the 45-70 that are far above SAAMI pressures for use in much stronger and more modern firearms, opinions of just how much pressure the new more modern firearms can be safely loaded to can variate between the different camps developing the loads.
If two manuals show different max loads for the same cartridge, take note of which primers, and brass are being used. Also note the test firearm and barrel length, this will likely explain some of the variance. As for who's data is best, I can't tell you, choose the data that matches you components and firearm. I always prefer the data to include the pressure that the starting and max loads develop. Some manuals don't do this.
I have found that the speer manuals tend to use realistic barrel lengths and actions therefore giving you data that is more typical of hunting firearms. That is they use a 22 inch barrel for a .270 instead of a 26 inch test barrel on a vise mounted test gun.
Two 'identical" cars get different mileage. Each rifle is different. The book is intendedto suggest a starting palce and tells you where THEIR max was. Your max might be about the same as the suggested start load. I have seen that.
That would "Waters", Ken. Older data but some is very good. Newer manuals I like the A-Square and Nosler. Hornady is pretty tame, typically room to keep going above max if you watch what you're doing. Hodgdon's site is another good one - they're not afraid to load things to SAAMI spec. I won't even go to their max loads in the leverguns - don't know how they even got all that 3031 powder in a .45-70 case and kept it at OA feeding lengths! You really should own them all - they all have different twists on things and some of their explanations of what's going on can be real interesting reading.
This is the whole point of reloading your own ammo. You get to WORK UP A LOAD for your own gun, and see the pro's and con's first hand. I would not suggest just to jump in and try to find the "Wonder load" right off the bat. Use the older books as a reference. I keep every one of mine, and use them as much as the newer books. Therre's lots of fun in safely experimenting. Sometimes itt's a real eye opener. Go buy factory ammo if you don't have the time...or patience
