Bullet question

[Chewy4480]

Where do you start when you can't find load data for a bullet you are reloading? For instance: Hodgdon list data for their benchmark powder for 55gr .223 bullets, but the only types are,

BAR TSX FB start load 20.0 max 22.2
SFIRE start 21.0 max 23.4
SPR SP start 24.0 max 25.6

Where do I start for FMJ and V-MAX?

 

[Sunray]

Load for the bullet weight. Who made it doesn't matter. Except for solids like the Barnes, a 5 grain jacketed bullet is a 55 grain jacketed bullet.
Use the SP data for FMJ's and V-Max bullets.

 

[rcmodel]

The Barnes TSX is a solid copper bullet.

The Sinterfire is a powdered metal frangible bullet.

The Speer SP is a true cup & core bullet like your FMJ and V-Max bullets.
So you would use that.

rc

 

[Chewy4480]

Ok thanks guys. I'm going to start at 24.0grs work up to maybe 25.0, thats what I've read other guys have been doing.

 

[mdi]

Yep as noted above start with the starting load for a same weight, similar design bullet. One thing I tell new reloaders to do, which eliminates a bunch of headaches is to go to your manual(s) and decide on a load before you purchase components. Sometimes it ain't possible, but it is a really good guide line for new reloaders...

 

[lysanderxiii]

Where do you start when you can't find load data for a bullet you are reloading? For instance: Hodgdon list data for their benchmark powder for 55gr .223 bullets, but the only types are,

BAR TSX FB start load 20.0 max 22.2
SFIRE start 21.0 max 23.4
SPR SP start 24.0 max 25.6

Where do I start for FMJ and V-MAX?

Check the bullet manufacture's data.

If you can't find any, start with the lowest charge that uses a similar design bullet.

Barnes TSX are solid copper.
Sinsterfire are frangible sinstered metal bullets.
Speer are conventional copper jacketed lead.

Just remember not all jackets are the same thickness, the cylindrical lengths can be different, and not all jacket alloys are the same, so the loading data changes slightly. Start low and work up.

 

[gamestalker]

You do have, and have read an instructional reloading book or two I hope. Your question is an aspect of reloading that would have been stressed in any reloading book, that being to begin with the published start charge, and then work up in reasonable increments.

Bullet profile isn't really a critical aspect, bullet construction more so. Cup and lead core bullets use the same charge tables for the most part, and although there are some minor variations, most C&C bullets can be safely approached by following the rule of thumb of working up from published start charge.

Now bullet weight is very important. Never use data not intended for a bullet of different weight. You will however run into small variations, for example, you might have a 62 gr. bullet, but the closest data you can find is for either a 60 gr. bullet, or a 65 gr. bullet. When this happens proper protocol is to use data for the next heavier bullet, never the lighter one.

In other words, let say you are using a 62 gr. bullet, but you can only find data for a 60 gr. bullet, or data for a 65 gr. bullet, use the data for the 65 gr. bullet, and begin working up from that published start charge.

Another data related issue is some published data isn't published with a start charge, and only shows one published charge. In this instance, the charge shown is the maximum. The proper approach would be to reduce that charge by 10% to obtain the starting charge, then of course proceed working up in reasonable / small increments.

GS

 

[Chewy4480]

gamestalker I read the Lyman 49th edition reading manual. It is more comforting to see 55gr V-MAX 25grs Varget or whatever the case may be. I do use the the SP data for my Fmj and V-Max but you can never have too much information.