Even though I've worked up a pretty good load for one of my guns, I guess I'm still a novice at this, so here goes with another newbie question. My load information calls for a 165g Nosler SP and I'm using a 165 Hornady SP instead. How much does it matter? I've loads ready to test but the question has been nagging me so I thought I'd better check.
Substituting Bullets
- Thread starter Norm99
- Start date
Doesn't matter as the bullets are similar. My Speer Reloading Manual, for example, does not list recipes by bullet manufacture, it lists them by bullet type and weight.
You can (and should) double check the powder manufactures websites too and see that they will specify a specific bullet but powder weights will be similar to identical to your info.
Just remember, anytime a component is changed, it is best to work up your load and watch for signs of pressure.
You can (and should) double check the powder manufactures websites too and see that they will specify a specific bullet but powder weights will be similar to identical to your info.
Just remember, anytime a component is changed, it is best to work up your load and watch for signs of pressure.
Fall guy: Actually, the Speer manual is for data using bullets made by Speer only. As a general rule you can use similar bullets with no problems but you should do a work up nonetheless. Some bullets have considerably more surface in contact with the bore despite being the same weight and pressures can change as a result. And don't even consider using data for the common construction lead core bullets with solid core bullets such as the Barnes without consulting Barnes data or reducing loads quite a bit and working up with those bullets.
My personal experience has indicated that Hornady bullets will often take a but higher powder charges than will bullets from Nosler or Speer. Therefore it is prudent to drop back a couple of grains and work up again, rather than simply switching bullets on a load developed for a different bullet. Regards, Eagleye.
Stocker is quite right. The Speer manual is for Speer bullets, that's why they don't list a manufacture. They aren't going to list data for competing bullet brands.
They may be the same weight but unless your load is already a low starting load you should start over. You might find the new bullet has a different sweet spot than the old.
Fudd
They may be the same weight but unless your load is already a low starting load you should start over. You might find the new bullet has a different sweet spot than the old.
Fudd
I asked Stan Watson something of the same question. He pressure tested a book full of loads for couple of 30-06s.I would have thought that solid center Nosler Partion would increase pressure,he said ,no,but the copper clad Swifts did.
I have had a simple bullet brand change drive my normal load into a very sticky bolt condition!! Most of the time you can simply swap similar bullets but my advice is drop a couple gns & fire a couple first just as a double check!
