cat_IT_guy
Member
So I shot my first reloads today. .38spl, 4.5gr of Unique pushing a 125gr Berry's bullet. I was shooting them in my 6" 686. Despite feeling that I did pretty good QC, I was a bit apprehensive at first.
I chose this load because it was what I could do with he components that were locally available. From now on I'll be comparison shopping online - specifically looking to cast lead bullets for more load data and lower cost.
All went pretty well, and I only had to knock 1 bullet (out of 49.... 49 because I started with 50 and seated one bullet so deep that I couldnt salvage it, or the case) out of the barrel, which leads me to my first question. I THINK I saw some powder behind the bullet that was lodged in the barrel. I am using a Lee Perfect Powder measure (PPM), which allows for a bit of variability with powders like Unique. I know 4.5gr is a pretty light load for this bullet/caliber anyway. Is it possible that a light load, a bit under 4.5gr would be the difference between sending it downrange and sticking in the barrel? Or, did I just miss the case and the primer alone got it that far (abt 1" into the barrel)?
Second, I think I could detect an audible (and sometimes recoil) difference from shot to shot. Am I imagining that, or is the little variability from the Lee PPM and Unique such that one could tell the difference? Would .1-.2gr plus or minus be detectable to an average joe like myself?
Good news is, no pressure issues. Im thinking my next batch I'll bump up to 5gr of Unique behind the Berry's and assuming no issues stick with that load - if I want more power I'll shoot .357mag.
Speaking of .357... been looking for some loads with Unique and the 125gr Berry's. None of the manuals has a published load for this combo, but found online some references to using about 5.5gr and working up to about 7gr of Unique. I know the Berry's are not rated for use past 1200fps, which is fine I dont need any crazy hot loads. Anyone foresee an issue with this?
Thanks in advance for any insight. Im new to this, but already about hooked.
I chose this load because it was what I could do with he components that were locally available. From now on I'll be comparison shopping online - specifically looking to cast lead bullets for more load data and lower cost.
All went pretty well, and I only had to knock 1 bullet (out of 49.... 49 because I started with 50 and seated one bullet so deep that I couldnt salvage it, or the case) out of the barrel, which leads me to my first question. I THINK I saw some powder behind the bullet that was lodged in the barrel. I am using a Lee Perfect Powder measure (PPM), which allows for a bit of variability with powders like Unique. I know 4.5gr is a pretty light load for this bullet/caliber anyway. Is it possible that a light load, a bit under 4.5gr would be the difference between sending it downrange and sticking in the barrel? Or, did I just miss the case and the primer alone got it that far (abt 1" into the barrel)?
Second, I think I could detect an audible (and sometimes recoil) difference from shot to shot. Am I imagining that, or is the little variability from the Lee PPM and Unique such that one could tell the difference? Would .1-.2gr plus or minus be detectable to an average joe like myself?
Good news is, no pressure issues. Im thinking my next batch I'll bump up to 5gr of Unique behind the Berry's and assuming no issues stick with that load - if I want more power I'll shoot .357mag.
Speaking of .357... been looking for some loads with Unique and the 125gr Berry's. None of the manuals has a published load for this combo, but found online some references to using about 5.5gr and working up to about 7gr of Unique. I know the Berry's are not rated for use past 1200fps, which is fine I dont need any crazy hot loads. Anyone foresee an issue with this?
Thanks in advance for any insight. Im new to this, but already about hooked.