Substituting load data .

Kc.338Lp

Kc.338Lp

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Hey , so ive been reading my reloading manual a bit for some loads i think i want to test out in the future , specifically 40sw and have a question for the more experienced.

I wanted to know if its ok for instance if you have 180 grain Flat points , can you use the same load data for a 180 grain hollow point , as long as your OAL is as specified ?

It seems like you should be able to but i didnt want to waste good reloading supplies being stupid so thought i would ask first ..

My first impression would be to start 10% on the low side and work up .
 
Yes, you can use the same data with different bullets of the same weight, as long as you work up.

OAL is whatever chambers and feeds in your pistol. Don't worry about the number in the manual. Choose an OAL first, then make your test batches with different powder charges.

Part of the reason manuals specify a range of charges is to allow for component substitution.
 
I think you'll be fine doing that because your barrel doesn't know it's a different bullet. A couple things like bullet length and bearing surface might make a slight difference. As long as you don't start on the ragged edge of a max load, I wouldn't worry at all.
 
Well how about a bullet of a different weight .

I loaded 100 cast 180gr CN BB projectiles using 175 load data , max load using bullseye was 5 , minimum was 4 . so i started at 4 and made 4 , 4.5 and 4.8 , seated to 1.100" which headspace perfectly in the barrel .

The only other cast loading was using 150 grain load data but i thought that may be too far off to risk .

Looking at both jacketed and cast , 5 grains seems to be a universal maximum .
 
Just do as you said, and start lower if you are using a heavier bullet.

Start even a full grain lower and work up testing first for function.

Once you have a minimum functioning load you know where to start testing for accuracy.

I don't reload anywhere near Max and in many cases I'm even below minimum.

I usually swap bullets of different weights without concern for changing the load. Within reason of course.
 
well the reason i didnt start any lower with my initial loads was because i remembered reading in the introduction section of my reloading manual that a lower than minimum listed charge could cause either A) insufficient power to load another cartridge or B) create enough space that the powder detonates rather than burns ..

B scared me because i cannot afford to have my nice M&p blow up as i cant afford to replace it lol .
 
It would take a significantly lower than minimum charge to cause a detonation, and even that is not common.

I reload .357 magnum cases down to super light loads and hav't had an issue.

And yes if you start to low the rounds will not have the power to cycle the gun, but it isn't gonna do any harm.

Like I said it is all about testing the loads out. Don't go loading a bunch only to find they don't work.

It is fun experimenting just take it slow, and use common sense.

Seems like your on the right path.

Have fun.

Mark
 
Kc.338Lp said:
Well how about a bullet of a different weight .

I loaded 100 cast 180gr CN BB projectiles using 175 load data , max load using bullseye was 5 , minimum was 4 . so i started at 4 and made 4 , 4.5 and 4.8 , seated to 1.100" which headspace perfectly in the barrel .

The only other cast loading was using 150 grain load data but i thought that may be too far off to risk .

Looking at both jacketed and cast , 5 grains seems to be a universal maximum .
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175 grain load data is close enough for loading 180 grain bullets. Actual weights for cast bullets will vary from the nominal weight designated for the mold, depending on alloy.
 
Too light a load may stick the bullet in the barrel, while still cycling the action. Should you not sense the change in recoil or report, you next shoot will significantly modify your pretty new pistol.

As a general rule, minimums and maximums are just that, and without instrumentation and the knowledge and experience to assess what you are seeing, it is good to go with the date developed by the pros. YMMV
 
ykkid said:
Too light a load may stick the bullet in the barrel, while still cycling the action. Should you not sense the change in recoil or report, you next shoot will significantly modify your pretty new pistol.

As a general rule, minimums and maximums are just that, and without instrumentation and the knowledge and experience to assess what you are seeing, it is good to go with the date developed by the pros. YMMV
Click to expand...

If your dumb enough to load some test rounds that are really light, and go out and rapid fire them off, then I agree.

Testing your loads and making small changes not big ones you should never have an issue.

Guess what? Many loads, and even cartridges, have been developed and tested by everyday shooters, with some general knowledge and a little bit of caution.
 
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