Using cheaper bullets for load dev?

mwsenoj · Nov 20, 2012

Just bought 140gr Bergers for my 260 at $10 more per box than the AMaxes of the same weight. Can I do my ladder test with my AMaxes and save the Bergers for final load tuning or am I just wasting AMaxes? I realize that their bearing surface will be different, but if I have them coming out at the same speed... well, that's the question.

Thanks Highroaders!

Fredo0621 · Nov 20, 2012

I would only recommend if you are doing OCW style of load development and not a ladder test. I did the the same thing with 155 gr AMAX in 308 vs 155 Berger Hybrids for my OCW and I think I saved one range session and about 50 Hybrids( about 20 bucks).

Walkalong · Nov 20, 2012

Wasting A Max bullets, unless you want a nice load with them.

David E · Nov 20, 2012

It seems to me that the bullet is a primary part of the load you're developing. Substituting it for another means you're developing a different load using the different component.

45lcshooter · Nov 20, 2012

Different bullet, same weight, very possible your going to get mixed results. Use your bullets you want to shoot with,then just order more when you get low. Or buy in bulk.

mwsenoj · Nov 20, 2012

I got the responses I expected, however i might explain my reasoning for thinking it might work, and that someone might have had already had success trying...I am merely thinking that the ladder test is not so much about the bullet as it is the "whip" the barrel experiences and trying to find a node where the bullet exits the bbl at the extreme of the bbl movement. The part that I am not sure about is the bearing surfaces and their impact on bullet speed and pressure inside the bbl and how that relates to bbl whip intensity or frequency.

JLDickmon · Nov 20, 2012

45lcshooter said:
Different bullet, same weight, very possible your going to get mixed results. Use your bullets you want to shoot with,then just order more when you get low. Or buy in bulk.

what he said ^^^

gamestalker · Nov 20, 2012

It's really contradicting the purpose for a work up to use a different component, especially the bullet. Different bullets fly different and will even effect operating pressures curves to the extent that you'll have wasted your time. I know, when I first started reloading I tried what your asking and the loads were two completely different worlds of performance.

GS

Cleftwynd · Nov 21, 2012

mwsenoj said:
I got the responses I expected, however i might explain my reasoning for thinking it might work, and that someone might have had already had success trying...I am merely thinking that the ladder test is not so much about the bullet as it is the "whip" the barrel experiences and trying to find a node where the bullet exits the bbl at the extreme of the bbl movement. The part that I am not sure about is the bearing surfaces and their impact on bullet speed and pressure inside the bbl and how that relates to bbl whip intensity or frequency.

The different bearing surface, and composition of the jacket will definitely change the pressure and therefore bullet speed, which will "whip" your barrel differently. You answered your own question but don't like the answer I am guessing. If you want to play with Bergers, don't be so darn cheap! lol

mwsenoj · Nov 21, 2012

Cleftwynd: "The different bearing surface, and composition of the jacket will definitely change the pressure and therefore bullet speed, which will "whip" your barrel differently. You answered your own question but don't like the answer I am guessing. If you want to play with Bergers, don't be so darn cheap! lol"

Its not that I didnt like my own answer, it is that I am ignorant to the inner workings of internal ballistics. Sure, I thought that I might be right, but how many times have you thought that you've been right and been wrong! Just watch Mythbusters a bit

helotaxi · Nov 21, 2012

mwsenoj said:
Just watch Mythbusters a bit

I watch Mythbusters for the explosions...and to poke holes in their testing methods.

No free lunch with load development. As much as it sucks, you just have to suck it up. Look at it this way though, you're still getting trigger time and even loaded with Bergers, the rounds are cheaper than factory ammo.

Using cheaper bullets for load dev?

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