Experiment

[BIZERKO666]

44 MAG. Hornady 300 gr. Hollow Point/XTP #4428 Win. #296 Powder

Last listing before recommended MAX LOAD per manual.

Sierra: 20.8gr. C.O.A.L. 1.735” @1050 f.p.s. LPM

Hornady: 19.1gr. C.O.A.L. 1.600” @ 1150 f.p.s. LP

Lyman: 20.2gr. C.O.A.L. 1.720” @929 f.p.s. LP/LPM

1 book/1 caliber: 19.0 gr. C.O.A.L. 1.610” @ 1228 f.p.s LP

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Average: 19.7gr. C.O.A.L. 1.666” @ 1089.2 f.p.s. 2.5 LP/LPM


Let me start of by saying I’ve been reloading for 27+ years, I’ve had ONE 9 mm squib load and ONE questionable 44 mag load, very early on…so my question is:

With growing data, internet input and some older loading manuals, has anyone else tried to ease the confusion by averaging out the data and going with that?

Appreciate input on this. Charges and lengths are well in safe perimeters, I know they'll go bang.


I’m going to load my last few L 300 GR. Hornady XTP’s and see what happens.
Ruger Super Redhawk, 9-1/2" bull barrel.

 

[Walkalong]

has anyone else tried to ease the confusion by averaging out the data and going with that?

No, I just take the various data, whose data it is, the bullet used, and the OAL all into consideration.

 

[sparkyv]

I obtain load data from various trusted sources old and new and set the lowest value as my start load and the highest value as my max load. Then I start by selecting a COAL that matches the headspace in my firearms for a given projectile, and begin loading well below the max, and work up in small increments while observing velocities and pressure signs.

 

[jmorris]

Let me start of by saying I’ve been reloading for 27+ years, I’ve had ONE 9 mm squib load and ONE questionable 44 mag load, very early on…so my question is:

With growing data, internet input and some older loading manuals, has anyone else tried to ease the confusion by averaging out the data and going with that?

I wouldn’t mess with success. I still use old manuals, almost all I have were printed last century. I go to manufactures website site for data for new stuff.

 

[FROGO207]

Before I attempt any new load I will research for it. Both old and new sources and compare data. If something seems off I will research more or email the propellant manufacturer for their take but use jmorris's answer as my method as well. Remember all load data will be what worked well in that test setup that day and a guide for your safe use. That's why we work up loads to begin with.

 

[Charlie98]

Remember all load data will be what worked well in that test setup that day and a guide for your safe use.

It took me a while... years... to figure this out... but, loading data is not an absolute. It was, absolutely, what the tester came up with the instance they tested for data, yes, but it's not necessarily what you will likely arrive at even if you duplicate as much as you can from the data testing parameters.... there is no way, there are simply too many variables. Loading data is a guide...

The idea of averaging out, say 4 sets of data, into a consolidated data set would be dangerous, IMHO, because it would negate the extreme examples the respective testers found during their testing.

 

[edwardware]

Remember all load data will be what worked well in that test setup that day and a guide for your safe use.

I'm with @Charlie98 , this realization is absolutely fundamental to correctly using data. If you've been doing this for 27+ tears, you should be able to recall cases where the published starting load showed excess pressure signs; I can recall cases where I worked up 5-10% above max loads before seeing pressure signs.

Data is just that: a carefully composed record of one set of experiments, with one set of equipment. It's history, not gospel.

So I don't average data. I survey what's available and work up, always paying enough attention to learn something I didn't know before. If the data in hand varies widely, that's a hint that you should pay attention to.

 

[FROGO207]

The final piece of the puzzle for me at least was getting a Crony. Then I was aware of the velocity as compared to their results. Also running a sample of factory rounds first gave me an idea of their speed and what I needed to look for in mine. I did not have a Crony for many years and made safe accurate ammo all the same but the added tool helps when you are at max and looking for a bit more accuracy. I once had a 30-06 that had hard bolt lift at starting loads. Found the same problem with factory loads and now it has a new barrel.