[quiknot]

Being somewhat new to reloading and this forum, I read alot about reloaders going to the max end of reloading...while others talk of the pressures and load till the get to that point and back off...

My question is basically....how do you know what these pressures are and do you need specialized equipment to get them....?

I never see any data except for specs that I can not relate to...seems they were gotten from some type of electronic data...

Thanks

[Chawbaccer]

Your manual will have max loads listed, just because it is listed doesn't mean it is safe to use for your gun. That is why a prudent reloader starts about 10% low and works up. If your primers are flattened, or show signs of leaking, or the bolt is difficult to open, brass flowing into the ectractor, you are past the safe pressures. I know there are bragging rights for who can say that their loads are the hottest, but for safety's sake avoid them. Start low and work up untill you get the best accuracy for your gun, if you are near the listed max and accuracy isn't there, start over with a different powder, or maybe a different bullet.

[Grumulkin]

I usually start in the lower third of those listed in a manual and work my way up until maximum accuracy is obtained and the groups start to widen again. Maximum accuracy is what I go for and not maximum loads or maximum velocities. I also won't exceed the maximum listed loads by very much. The increments by which I increase powders varies depending on the size of a case I'm loading for. For high volume cases I'll go up a grain at a time. I also compare recommended loads in several different reloading manuals. As noted above, you should also back off if you get pierced primers, sticky cases, etc. as those are signs of excessive pressure.

Once you've loaded a fair amount for one gun, you can get an idea of whether it tends to like loads in the low, middle or high end of those listed as acceptable. My 458 Lott likes loads towards the middle while my 357 Herrett likes them hot.

[quiknot]

i take it i should have a few manuals around to look up this information on loads...correct?...any of this info on line?

[MNgoldenbear]

Yup. Can't really have too much info. Some have been confused by data that appear contradictory, but each set is determined under different conditions. They actually have some other useful and entertaining stuff in them, as well as load data. Each uses specific components, and even when you use these, you may experience differences due to different lots of components, temperature conditions, and, more significantly, different chamber and bore conditions. By having several on hand, you can compare loads and determine a good starting point. Also, if the manuals tend to be in agreement on particular charges, powders, bullet weights, etc. as being more suited to a particular application, this will sometimes stand out as you compare the data as well. I need to update my library, but I have a Sierra (4th) and Lyman (48th) that I use a great deal, as well as a Speer (12th), Nosler (4th), and Vihtavuori (2nd) that I consult as well. (Also have Lyman (4th) for shotgun.)

[scotty]

I agree. You can never have too many loading manuals.

I have manuals from Lyman, Hodgdon, Speer, Accurate, and Sierra as well as handouts from various powder companies (free for the asking). Hodgdon puts out their annual manual in magazine form available for a few bucks on the magazine rack at most book stores.

For online info, check out the powder manufacturer websites. Hodgdon, IMR (now owned by Hodgdon), Accurate, Winchester, Alliant, Vihtavuori, and others.

[steve4102]

http://accuratepowder.com/loaddata_caliber_rifle_standard.htm
http://recipes.alliantpowder.cohttp:


http://www.hodgdon.com/

http://www.ramshot.com/powders/

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/index.php

http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm

[USSR]

My question is basically....how do you know what these pressures are and do you need specialized equipment to get them....?

quiknot,

The reloading manuals give you a good idea as to what components to use and where to start. Load development and getting good performance from your reloads is accomplished with a chrony and being able to read pressure signs on your brass. While this won't tell you exactly what the pressure is, it will tell you where you should stop.

Don