Assumtions on Dif Bullets of Same Weight

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T.A.Sharps

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I notice that a lot of load information will neglect specifics about the bullet.

Such as it will say "185gr JHP" not a specific bullet type ".451" Sierra 185gr JHP #8800".

It doesn't seem safe to me to assume all 185gr JHP bullets will give the same pressure given the same grains of powder used.

I'm not sure if handloads.com is a good source, but seems they do not list specifics of the bullet. I've also noticed some other sources giving data in the same way for the bullet.

What is the best source for load data?

I've read it was powder manufacturers, but their info always seems really limited as far as variety of bullets.
 
The best source of reload data is the reloading manual published by the bullet manufacture you are using.

Or, the Lyman #49 manual.

Within reason, bullets of the same weight, shape or design, and jacket type can be interchanged. (IE" Cast lead , jacketed, plated, solid copper, etc. are all different.)

rc
 
Although a given powder charge with a specific weight jacketed bullet is most likely safe,. because of variations in jacket and core material from one manufacturer to the next...it's best to stick with the data from the manufacturer if it's available. If it's not, drop to the starting data for the weight from a known manufacturer and work up whenever using a bullet from a different one.

With cast or swaged lead, it's generally safe to apply the same loading data.
 
The best source of reload data is the reloading manual published by the bullet manufacture you are using.
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Would the best loading manual publication to get then be those little 4"x8" paper books that look like they have photo copied pages from every company's loading manual, for each specific cartridge?

I don't know what they are called specifically. But they always seem to have them in every gun shop and they are all different colors for different cartridges.

But they seem like the perfect thing rather than buying one brand's manual, limiting yourself to loading with just the components they promote.

I already have a Lyman manual, and one called "ABC's of Reloading", so as far as a publication I want something talking about as many brand component combos as possible.
 
Much of what is in the "Loadbooks" is outdated manufactures data.

I still contend the best book is the one from the manufacture of the bullet for up-to-data data.

Or the Lyman book. It covers almost every available bullet weight & shape for each caliber.
So, you just match your bullet brand with the full scale pictures of thier brand.

As I said, if the bullet type & jacket construction are the same, the load data will be very close to the same.
That is not to say Hornady's data will be the same as Lyman's, but it will be close enough for GubberMint work.

rc
 
Would the best loading manual publication to get then be those little 4"x8" paper books that look like they have photo copied pages from every company's loading manual, for each specific cartridge?
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Loadbooks. Available at Midway and elsewhere. I have several, and they are quite good. However, they are not "current" in that some of the data are dated and not all bullets or powders are included ... at least in the couple I have. But I think they are good references for someone who loads only a couple of cartridges.
 
Depth of Seating is something to bear in mind in case a same weight different shape bullet of same kind of material happens to also seat shallower or deeper because of it's Crimp groove location ( if it even has one) .

Probably more of a Hand Gun condition than Rifle, but...

Having just learned that some while ago, I am finding it to be on my mind when looking at Bullet Candidates.
 
The Hornady .357" 158gr XTP (either HP or FN) has a seating depth of .372" and can be interchanged without changing data. The Sierra .357" 158gr JSP has a seating depth of .360" and the 158gr JHC is .395"; a difference of .035". Maximum loads with the JSP can be over pressure with the JHC.
They used to list seating depth in load manuals and wish they still did.
 
Yeahhh...I noticed for myself ( albeti, slightly ) differing locations of Crimp Grooves in different Lead Bullets for the .45 Colt Cartridge.

This gave me some pause for thought.

Not likely to matter much in any normal application...but, if one wishes to do things informedly, or deliberately, or, if one is at or near max loadings, it is worth thinking about in case the seating depth unwittingly is deeper, thus raising pressures.
 
They used to list seating depth in load manuals and wish they still did.
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They do.
Every manual I have from Lyman, Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Hodgdon, Alliant, and others list suggested OAL / seating depth as tested.

rc
 
Quote:
They used to list seating depth in load manuals and wish they still did.

They do.
Every manual I have from Lyman, Speer, Hornady, Sierra, Hodgdon, Alliant, and others list suggested OAL / seating depth as tested.
Click to expand...

I think he means "Seating" depth and not COAL. Meaning, the amount of bullet seated into the case. Which actually makes more sense as the amount of case capacity reduce by the bullet is the critical factor as far a pressure goes, not the length of the round.
 
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