First Reloading Question....

[smoking357]

Dude, casting is cool to know if the SHTF, but with so many casters out there, I would no more cast my own bullets than make my own shoes.

 

[smoking357]

Note: How do all of you test a gun/load that is outside of the norm?

If it's outside of SAAMI, you don't - ever. There are so many powders, calibers and bullet weights that there is no published loading for every permutation. If you're going to avoid published loads, buy a chronograph. Learn what the max velocity is for your caliber, and gradually work up a load until you get the velocities you desire, and stop. If you have loaded rounds in your progression that are above your desired velocity, dismantle these rounds, and reload them with the correct powder charge.

For example, I prefer a 245 gr. bullet going around 1100 fps. Takes a pin off the table with authority, but doesn't bruise my hand.

 

[mcdonl]

"Dude, casting is cool to know if the SHTF, but with so many casters out there, I would no more cast my own bullets than make my own shoes"

I suppose, but it looks like it is going to be fun. I have no delusions that I will save time or money, or make a superior bullet then one on the market already. I want to do it for the enjoyment of doing it.

 

[kludge]

WRT the primers... lacking a chronograph, and using SPM primers, and knowing that the load functions in your gun, and is accurate, you could just leave well enough alone.

Even though I have a chronograph, for range ammo, I often use the start data, and if it functions and is accurate, I usually call it good. I don't have any good reason to experieince more recoil or muzzle blast or beat up my gun, or my hand.

On the other hand if I wanted to duplicate the recoil and POI of a defensive carry load, I have my chronograph, and I can do that too. Working up safely while monitoring function, velocity and POI on the target.

I would also use the chronograph when working up a load for hunting or match loads, since they will generally not be the start load, and usually somewhere near the max load. The chrony will help tell me when it's time to stop, regardless of what the data book says.

The exception to that would be the .454 Casull I use for whitetail hunting... the .454 is overkill for whitetail, and the starting loads are more than enough punch, as long as I get reasonable accuracy.