Since I started reloading Ive got all my data from the (Lyman Pistol And Revolver Reloading Handbook 2nd edition). Recently I was on the Hodgdon reloading data center and noticed there max loads were far less the Lyman book. Hodgdon sight says for clays max load for 180 grain bullet is 3.5 grains, in the Lyman book for the same it says max load is 4.6 grains. For my Beretta I load 4.0 grains clays (180 grn. bullet) Can anyone make sense of the conflicting data or maybe have an answer why such a difference.
conflicting reload data
- Thread starter J3W3LL
- Start date
ultimate_monkey
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- victoria BC
read down a few threads there happened to be another thread just like this
at the time of the load date there will be many contributing factos, bullet weight, ambiant weather, powder batch etc etc etc, the best you can do is get as many data sources as possible, chances are you will end up with one that is way off from the rest... start with the lower of the two min loads and work up from there to the bigger max load make sure to take care in paying attention to any pressure signs that might develop
at the time of the load date there will be many contributing factos, bullet weight, ambiant weather, powder batch etc etc etc, the best you can do is get as many data sources as possible, chances are you will end up with one that is way off from the rest... start with the lower of the two min loads and work up from there to the bigger max load make sure to take care in paying attention to any pressure signs that might develop
- Location
- The Conservative part of Ontario
Bullet material makes a difference too.
Lead in general gives a higher velocity for a given bullet weight and powder charge.
The new no lead style bullets have a variety of different materials that can also affect the powder charge for a given velocity, and or pressure. But you also need to consider things like bearing surface.
A round nose generally had considerably longer bearing surface than either a PSP, or a boat tail design, and as such tends to run at higher pressures to get a given velocity. Bearing in mind what I said above about materials.
Lead in general gives a higher velocity for a given bullet weight and powder charge.
The new no lead style bullets have a variety of different materials that can also affect the powder charge for a given velocity, and or pressure. But you also need to consider things like bearing surface.
A round nose generally had considerably longer bearing surface than either a PSP, or a boat tail design, and as such tends to run at higher pressures to get a given velocity. Bearing in mind what I said above about materials.
I too, have that Lyman Pistol and Revolver Hanloading book you have. Mine may be the first edition, not sure without looking. I consider that to be the best reloading book for handguns that one could get.
I also soon noticed that when it states "Maximum," you better believe it! I never found any loads that I considered too heavy for my guns, but they certainly were heavy enough. With a handgun in good condition, I wouldn't be afraid to use any maximum load shown for it.
The book shows so many powders, as well as a accuracy load for each bullet.
In short, I consider that book to be the bible on handgun loading and any further manuals just confuse the situation.
I also soon noticed that when it states "Maximum," you better believe it! I never found any loads that I considered too heavy for my guns, but they certainly were heavy enough. With a handgun in good condition, I wouldn't be afraid to use any maximum load shown for it.
The book shows so many powders, as well as a accuracy load for each bullet.
In short, I consider that book to be the bible on handgun loading and any further manuals just confuse the situation.
Johny Cannuck has it. Bullet material and shape hugely affect pressures. Lead versus jacketed, long tapered versus short blunt, even Barnes' Triple X with the new surface area-reducing grooves will affect pressures. The data in a book is good only for the EXACT components listed. Which is one reason why we reduce our starters 10%. Even bullet manufacturers change jacket thickness, ogive, etc. and still call the bullet by the same name and product number.
I very much agree with h4831, I also agree that the Lyman book is the bible for pistol reloading and have herd that from many hand loaders. Thanks also to all the other input, regardless of how many years of hand loading a person has done its always good to get other input and keep on learning.
