changing powders

[chief99]

Loading 40 cal. , 165 gr. plated bullet . Have been using Universal but have ran out. Will be switching to Bulleye . Data for 165 gr for jacketed or XTP show 5.1 to 5.8 for bullsye . I belive bullseye burns much faster than universal so I started well below those numbers. Loading some today with 4.4 grs. of bullseye. Recoil felt good and fairly accurate. What do you think. Does this load sound to light ?

 

[Potatohead]

I guess if it works, it works, but why go so much lower than the data calls for, because they are plated maybe?

 

[chief99]

I guess because the big difference in the burn rates of universal versus bullseye . Really not knowlegeble enough to know how important that is.

 

[Jlr2267]

Too light for what? If it works the slide, is accurate, and punches a hole in your target, what else is there?

 

[Walkalong]

I guess because the big difference in the burn rates of universal versus bullseye . Really not knowlegeble enough to know how important that is.

It is very important, but that is also why they provide data for us. If you follow the data, it doesn't matter about burn rate.

Sure, a fast powder will go from OK to not OK quicker weight wise at the top than a slow powder, but again, that is why we use proven data.

That said, plated doesn't have a ton of data out there yet, but there is some. Three or four powder makers are supplying some in their online PDFs.

4.4 sounds pretty low, but as long as they function 100% and always get the bullet out of the barrel, you'll be OK.

I belive bullseye burns much faster than universal so I started well below those numbers

They took this into account when they worked up the data. They are not guessing, they are pressure testing. Follow the data.

 

[gamestalker]

The problem with that, is you may get good reliable function for 100 rounds, then one time, whether it be initiated by a temperature difference, a different bullet, different primer, or some other inherent element of the reloading process, and then you encounter an unexpected squib.

I wouldn't personally deviate that far from published data. Bumping a charge up or down .1 gr. - .2 grs. is one thing. But as Walkalong stated, published data is good, it is scientifically devised and tested to produce safe operating pressures.

GS

 

[rcmodel]

+1

Starting loads are starting loads for a reason.
Even with a different bullet.

I do not recommend an inexperienced reloader EVER going below the tested starting load for any reason.
Especially 0.7 grains below!!!

It can result in a bullet sticking in the barrel and a ruined gun.

You can't get in too much trouble sticking to the tested starting load with the same bullet weight, no matter what type of bullet it is.

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Like said above, follow the load data. Bullseye data was developed for Bullseye and Universal data was developed for Universal. The data is correct for the powder it's developed for. You should not go below the starting load data especially as low as you went.

The companies who make plated bullets tell us to use lead bullet data or up to middle level jacketed load data. If the data you have tells you to start @5.1gr and go to 5.8gr Bullseye with a XTP bullet you should start @ 5.1gr and go to ~5.4gr Bullseye but not below the 5.1gr weight. (especially 14% below the starting weight)

 

[Matt Dillon]

The only issue that I have with bullseye, is that in some cartridges, the volume is so small that it might be easy to overlook a double charge, whereas a powder that takes up more space overflows some cases, should a case receive a double charge. But if you are careful bullseye is economical.

 

[chief99]

changing powdres

Thanks for the replies. Did not load anymore when I realized just how much I was below started data. Learning everytime I post . Will load a magazine starting at 5.1 grains of bullseye .

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the replies. Did not load anymore when I realized just how much I was below started data. Learning every time I post . Will load a magazine starting at 5.1 grains of Bullseye.

And if the slide cycles 100% of the time and the ammo is accurate you will have no reason to go any higher if you're only looking for a light range load.

Keep asking questions when you have them. There are plenty of reloaders on this forum who are more than happy to help.