If exact load data isisnt in your manual? Newbie relaoders questions....

[.Ben]

ok so im new to reloading and all is going well but ive hit a problem....what do you do if your manuals dont have the exact bullet type and weight?

the heavier bullets use less powder so could i use the next heaviest load data and work it up from there safely?

also if thats true and you use the same bullet type but lighter grain weight what COAL do you use?


im loading 135 grain Lead round nose in 9mm and my lyman maual only lists 90, 120 and 147 grain....

using titegroup powder so should i load the lighter bullets with the book max of the 147 grain and expect decent starting results?


also what COAL should i use it says 1.058 for the 147 grainers but i kno my gun will feed and chamber 1.100 so should i just load at max COAL all the time?


Thanks for the help, oh and if anyone has an idea of a good starting load for 135 grain lead with tiegroup feel free to mention it

 

[Ganderite]

Good question. A problem we all face, all the time.

OAL - Determined by magazine and feeding preference of your own gun. Book is only a guide. Nose shape will change length from bullet to bullet. Just don't seat a pistol bullet super deep. Big spike in pressure.

Powder charge. If your bullet weight is not listed. Use the data for the next heaviest bullet and test. But note that cast bullets have their own set of loads, as do jacketed bullets.

Whenever possible - just ask here. Read below.

 

[.Ben]

Good question. A problem we all face, all the time.

OAL - Determined by magazine and feeding preference of your own gun. Book is only a guide. Nose shape will change length from bullet to bullet. Just don't seat a pistol bullet super deep. Big spike in pressure.

Powder charge. If your bullet weight is not listed. Use the data for the next heaviest bullet and test. But note that cast bullets have their own set of loads, as do jacketed bullets.

Whenever possible - just ask here. Read below.

thanks man the max load for 147 grain is 2.8 grains of titegroup i think ill load up some 135's at 3 grains and give em a shot tomorrow thanks for the help!

 

[Ganderite]

No. I see what you are thinking and your logic and math is correct.

But, there is something else. The "max" in the book was max in their gun, with their bulelts, powder and primers. If you are going to load identical components (and you are not) you must start low and work up.

Two reasons. First, with your componets in your gun, the start load might be too hot. I have seen this.

Second, and I do this all the time with new guns, or a new bullet or new powder, you wnat to load about ten rounds at the start load and the work up in 0.2 gr increments. Shoot groups, using a rest, and see what the gun likes.

I just ran this test in 3 1911 45s and 3 9mms. In both tests, all 3 guns had a clear preference, and the preference was the second lightest power charge. The smallest groups were about a third the size of the hottest laod I tested - and I did not bother shooting the 'max' loads.

Your proposed load might be too hot and is very unlikley to be the most accurate.

 

[.Ben]

alright loaded some up at jsut over 2.8 grains will give them a shot and see....