Beginner Reloader Questions

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longshooter99

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I've finally got around to setting up my reloading set and made my first loads for my .270 Winchester. While I feel that I have a pretty good grasp on reloading, (so far) I do have a couple questions.

For starters, here is my set up:

130gr Barnes TTSX
52 grains IMR 4831 (starting load, only made 5 thus far)
Winchester Large Rifle Primers
Once fired PPU cases that have been neck sized (I have a bolt action)
Cases all measured to 2.535
COAL measured to 3.20
I have a couple manuals but not a Barnes manual

My two questions were,
1 Is 52 grains an appropriate starting load? My manuals didn't list IMR4831 as an option, though they did list H4831 which I know can't be swapped out so I came up with 52 grains based on what information from various other 130 grain bullets. I've only made 5 so if I have to pull them and redo it's no big deal.

2. How precise does COAL need to be? The information from Barnes' website has the length for their 130 gr TSX bullets to be 3.3 and MRX bullets to at 3.225. I can't seem to find anything definitive on the 130 gr TTSX. I know you don't want the bullet touching the lands while being too deep can cause pressure spikes. Will 3.20 acceptable?

Thank you for any help!
 
Never guess on anything when it comes to reloading. Get atleat two manuals to have a cross-reference. The two I use and like are Hornady 9th and Lyman 49th. Also when looking for powder/bullet combo that you can't find always check the powder manufacturers website. Hodgons has a great website and their reloading data is fairly broad.

When reloading there is no such thing as being too safe, always remember that.

Also 3.3in is SAAMI COAL for the .270 Win. Anything under or equal to that will be within spec. Anything over that depends on the individual rifle. Some rifles have short throats, others are long it just depends and has to be taken on a case by case basis.
 
I load for .270W and have loaded the Barnes TTSX bullets. 52gr. of 4350 is a good starting load. Excellent choice of bullets. I load them just like any other bullet of similar weight with no problems and my loads are ...shall we say authoritative. As far as OAL of the cartridge- I just load as close to the lands as I can without the bullet touching them. I have never measured the brass. I just trim with a Lee case trimmer so they are all the same length. I have 2 .270s and the OAL of the cartridges are different for each rifle. (bullet seating depths are different )
 
According to www.hodgdon.com, you're at the starting load.

a 130gr Barnes with 52.0 gr of IMR 4831 should give you 2,822 fps @ 46,600 PSI
MAX LOAD is 57.0 grains (compressed) should give you 3,113 fps @ 61,700 PSI
OAL should be 3.230"

Unfortunately, very few sources will give you the exact bullet brand & profile.

That's why we always say "Start low & work-up".

Good Luck & please stay safe
 
Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it. I was pretty confident in what I was doing but I have a habit of always second guessing myself. I do have the Hornady 9th Edition and I also have have "The Complete Reloading Manual for the .270 Winchester" though I do know I should get at least one more good book. Hopefully we'll get harvest wrapped up soon so I can get some range time in.
 
My barnes manual doesnt mention 4831
It does recommend a starting load of 52.0 gr for H-4350.
As mentioned, Barnes bullets are different from other bullets. I've compared their loads to regular jacketed bullets, and there is a difference. You bullet choice is a good one
 
The TTSX bullets I loaded were unlike other 130gr. bullets in that the bullet was constructed so that there were "rings" around the bullet that engaged the riflings rather than the rest of the bullet. There wasn't as much contact with the riflings as a non copper bullet thus reducing the friction. I loaded 60 gr. of IMR 7828 with no problems. The earlier Barnes bullets did not have the rings and different load data was needed. Disclaimer: I do not recommend that load nor any load, but as others have said, start low and work up.
 
For powders not mentioned in the Barnes manual, I highly suggest you take the time to call Barnes and IMR. They'll have a lot more data than what they publish. Tons more. They only publish a fraction of the data they collect.
 
One of my go to loads for my Tikka T-3 270 Winchester is the Barnes 130 grain TSX with 56.0 grains of IMR 4831, R/P case, Wolf L/R primer. COL 3.335". No pressure signs.

Shoots just over 1 MOA.
 
Once fired PPU cases that have been neck sized (I have a bolt action)
Click to expand...

Once fired in your rifle I assume? Since you neck sized only I would take a few cases and make sure they chamber in your rifle before you load 50 or 100 and discover chambering problems.

Ron
 
From my experience with 4 different .270win rifles I suggest you stick with the 130 gr bullet forever, and when you run out of your current powder try a hefty load of 4350.
 
Hello I have a recipe that calls for a 230 gr RCBS RNFP bullet and my question is can I use any brand of bullet besides RCBS as long as it is 230 gr lead bullet like the recipe calls for? Only difference may be that the RCBS is 454 and the Lee is 452 but both or 230 gr bullets and both are RNFP, these are being fired out of a 45 Colt. Thanks
 
Green Horn said:
Hello I have a recipe that calls for a 230 gr RCBS RNFP bullet and my question is can I use any brand of bullet besides RCBS as long as it is 230 gr lead bullet like the recipe calls for? Only difference may be that the RCBS is 454 and the Lee is 452 but both or 230 gr bullets and both are RNFP, these are being fired out of a 45 Colt. Thanks
Click to expand...
You really should start another thread.

I don't get the RCBS Bullets as RCBS doesn't make bullets do you mean possibly Speer Bullets through the RCBS Bullets or Bucks rebate program? Also, Lee does not make bullets, they do make bullet molds though so I don't know what you actually have. You should post the load data you have including caliber and people can better help you.

Ron
 
When I work up my own reloads with a non published recipe I look at the burn rate tables and look for a recipe from a similar powder and bullet weight. I start low and work up and usually take several different loads to the range to test in the same session.
With all of the information available to you there isn't any need to get too creative.
 
Yea, Greeny, start a new thread, Ron is right..you'll get some answers and not hijack somebody elses thread. No harm done, I didnt know the rules at first either-
 
Thanks for the help guys, harvest has been hectic so I keep forgetting to check my thread. I did have a tiny bit of time this morning to test my first 5 round batch of reloads. The used 52 grains of 4831, barnes ttsx 130 grain .270 bullet, necks sized PPU brass and winchester primers. My rifle is a browning a bolt. I've got a picture of my group if I could figure out how to post it lol.
 
Haha I think I figured it out except it's rotated 90 degrees to the left. Also this was at 100 yards and my zero was at 300.
 

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One note: H4831 and IMR4831 are pretty different. My advice is not to use the data interchangeably.

They are a LOT more dissimilar in burn rates, than, say H4350 and IMR4350.
 
Currently I have a 1LB cannister of I MR 4831 and will likely try 4350 next. I know you can't switch out Hodgdon and IMR of the same numbers but between the two brands which is really better? Or is that another endless debate?
 
I suspect it is a matter of debate, and depends on the gun. From best to less-best, my ranking for .270 win and 130 Gr would be:

1) IMR4831
2) Re-19
3) H4831SC
4) H4831
5) Ramshot Hunter

Many report success with the flavors of 4350...I didn't find success with either, getting mediocre results.

I haven't tried RL-22 or Ramshot Magnum yet.
 
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