Hello all I just purchased a set of reloading equipment and I am about to try my hand at it. Before I started I have been researching different loads, powders, bullet weights, etc. I have noticed a trend it seems that if you have a 150 grain bullet in a specific caliber load data sheets will list a specific powder and powder weight in grains - starting and maximums. Than if you look at the same caliber bullet with a heavier weight (i.e.) 200 grains you will see that they recommend less powder (grain weight) if you are looking at the same powder brand. Why is that? If you have a heavier bullet wouldn't you need more powder to push it than a lighter one? Or does this have to do with the heavier bullet causing more pressure to build in the chamber before it is pushed? Can anyone help me with this question? (FYI I do not plan to disregard any of the load data I have found I just noticed this trend and I am curious)
Handload Grains of powder versus bullet weight
- Thread starter mookiie
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Captcurt
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Because the bullet is heavier the gas pressure of the burning powder spikes quicker than it does with a lighter bullet. The powers that be are keeping the pressure in the cartridge case/chamber within safe limits.
If you look at you manual, notice that in most cases the light bullets take a different powder than the heavy. (e.g. 110gr. 30cal. vs 220 gr.) This is because the powders have a different burning rate. The faster powders work better with the lighter bullets and the heavier bullets take a slower burning rate.
If you look at you manual, notice that in most cases the light bullets take a different powder than the heavy. (e.g. 110gr. 30cal. vs 220 gr.) This is because the powders have a different burning rate. The faster powders work better with the lighter bullets and the heavier bullets take a slower burning rate.
That's a good question and something some would not notice.
An overly simplistic answer is a heavier bullet will "create" more pressure and is loaded "lighter" not to exceed pressure limits.
Research of free information is not enough to start reloading.
Just another way to say: buy a book (or 2,3) and studying up on the why(s) of reloading before you start.
Getting just one element wrong could be dangerous.
Take a class or find a hands on mentor if you can.
An overly simplistic answer is a heavier bullet will "create" more pressure and is loaded "lighter" not to exceed pressure limits.
Research of free information is not enough to start reloading.
Just another way to say: buy a book (or 2,3) and studying up on the why(s) of reloading before you start.
Getting just one element wrong could be dangerous.
Take a class or find a hands on mentor if you can.
You need to understand the relationship between case volume and pressure. A heavier bullet is longer, takes up more case volume, and is harder to push out the barrel. Decreasing case volume increases pressure, so we have to compensate by reducing the powder charge.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
This will help you understand.
Get yourself a soccer ball and a bowling ball. (same size - different bullet weights)
Set them side by side on a table.
Now hit the soccer ball as hard as you can with your fist. (Max pressure)
Now do the same with the bowling ball with the same max pressure hit.
Better have your medical insurance paid up for the bowling ball test.
rc
Get yourself a soccer ball and a bowling ball. (same size - different bullet weights)
Set them side by side on a table.
Now hit the soccer ball as hard as you can with your fist. (Max pressure)
Now do the same with the bowling ball with the same max pressure hit.
Better have your medical insurance paid up for the bowling ball test.
rc
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