Working up loads. Powder increments increase amounts?

Tallbald · Feb 14, 2015

Again, I've talked with my friend and BP mentor real life about this in the past, but over time have forgotten the answer among the topics we have discussed over the years. Embarrassed to ask him again so will ask here, (although Bob I bet you see this anyhow...don't want to keep calling you buddy LOL).
Making paper cartridges for my CVA Optima V2 .50 caliber inline pistol. Made up 20 rounds of 45 grains as measured with the sliding measure that goes 10 to 120, using T7 FFG behind a waxed felt wad and 250 grain Lee REAL bullet. Pictures are in another thread this sub-forum.
I have an extra 100 grain brass tube for my powder "horn" I can trim shorter for variety. How much T7 FFG would likely make a difference for another experimental load? I know I'm not dealing with Bullseye powder here, so tenths of a grain may make no difference. Suggestions please?
Oh.The rest of my measures are in the 25 grain range for my Ruger Old Army(s) so they are too small.

Appreciate your alls time. Don.

DD4lifeusmc · Feb 14, 2015

load work up

Most measures are marked in 5 gr increments.
So 5 gr at a time.
But fire at least three shots from a rest each time.
Use the same projectile each time.

Work up until your accuracy starts failing again. then drop back 5 gr.
confirm the accuracy there.

I don't know the max load for your gun.
But assume 100 gr. for an example
You would start at around 70 gr and work up.
Max doesn't mean best accuracy.

mykeal · Feb 15, 2015

^Good advice.

Tallbald · Feb 15, 2015

DD4lifeUSMC thanks again. Mine is, unfortunately, graduated only in increments of 10 though. I've marked half-way on several of the graduation marks to try too. DOn

mykeal · Feb 16, 2015

"Eyeballing" the 5 grain mark is easily good enough. Even if the error is as much as 2 grains that small amount of powder is not going to be significant for everything except perhaps match target shooting.

rodwha · Feb 16, 2015

I eyeball mine too. It works as both my rifle and pistol measure, though I did get that cheesy one in the Cabella's starter kit. Don't care as much for it though... I figure the way my tongue is held makes more difference at that half mark (between 10's).

Rattus58 · Feb 20, 2015

In my opinion... if you're loading for accuracy, weigh the charge. I tap all my loads till they finally settle then scape across the volume measure. When that load is the "load" I'll take it back to the house and weigh it. From there I scale my loads and load them into little cups for loading or a speed loader for hunting.

Does it make a difference? For target shooting and plinking, you couldn't tell if its on or not, but Dutch Schultz once told me that habits matter. Your lube matters, your load matters and the process matters.... consistency. When we're introducing kids to muzzleloading, we use tossed 40 grains... + or - 3 or 4 grains isn't going to break anyones shoulder.... and they are happy to hit the target.... competition and hunting, I think it does matter.

And, if you are consistent, errors in accuracy more likely become your own...

Aloha...

EljaySL · Feb 20, 2015

My measure has a little funnel over the top, that you move to the side before filling. So each time you use it, it scrapes the top flat. It's really very consistent.

Rattus58 · Feb 20, 2015

EljaySL said:
My measure has a little funnel over the top, that you move to the side before filling. So each time you use it, it scrapes the top flat. It's really very consistent.

Yeah they are and if you tap and fill they are very consistent....

Working up loads. Powder increments increase amounts?

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