Handload variables

[AZrider]

I have a question and I'm sure there are many of you who probably have an answer(s).

Background: I have a Sig229 .40 S&W. Really nice gun that I bought used and is very reliable and accurate. I recently decided to start reloading as I have been shooting combat at our local range here in Sierra Vista. I bought a Dillon Sqaure D and am very pleased with the unit. I asked the salesman at the Sportsman about bullets and he pointed me to a large box of X-Treme 155 grain RNFP copper plated bullets. He shoots IDPA and pretty much knows his stuff about reloading. I reloaded about 100 rounds using 6 grains of Alliant Unique powder. This is one of the powders recommended in the Loadbooks USA and also Guns and Ammo's site. I used CCI #500 small pistol primers and Winchester brass.

I didn't get to shoot any loads as I had surgery about this time (December) and was not able to get out to the range. After the holidays I went back to the Sportsman and bought 100 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 155 grain hollow points figuring that it would be nice to have some personal protection ammo around. I loaded it with 7.5 grains of Unique per the loading handbook. They listed 6.8 to 8 grains max. About this time I looked at the Guns and Ammo site and saw that they listed 7.5 as max for a Speer 155 g HP round.

Anyhow I went to the range today and thought, what the heck I'll shoot 50 rounds of each and see how they compare. I was very surprised and hence my question.

We shot at a silouette target from 15 yards, five rounds of each time.

The X-treme 155 loads shot a group of about 6 inches in diameter but the pattern was not symetric, that is the grouping seemed to be variable within the group.
The Speer Gold Dot 155 load shot a group of about 2-3 inches in diameter and the pattern seemed to be very symetric. It didn't seem to matter who was shooting.

One of the shooters said that the hollow point had more mass towards the base of the bullet and therefore was more stable in flight. That made some sense as it is true for any moving object, move the center of mass back and the object becomes more stable.

However, I also wondered about the load as someone else commented that every round likes a particular load and maybe the hotter load of 7.5 grains was better. I wondered about this and thought maybe there was some truth to that as well.

What do you folks think? I would welcome any comments or advice.

AZ

 

[Dave R]

My guess, its one of two things.

1. The Gold Dots are a better bullet, more consistent and better built. So they'll shoot more consistently. Plated bullets are sometimes less consistent.

2. You pistol just likes the other load better.

By way of disclaimer, I shoot a lot of plated bullets and have not been disappointed with their accuracy.

 

[Shoney]

I will attempt to address several points. I started hand loading in 1960, but do not consider myself an expert.

Accuracy with almost all handguns is better than the majority of shooter can shoot them. The real accuracy of the weapon and the load can only be done with a Ransom Rest (not discussed here). Without the Ransom, you can test loads by shooting from a sandbagged rest, making sure only your hands, not the pistol, are touching the rest.

The difference in the 2 loads accuracy can be caused by crimping of the plated lead bullet. Lead plated bullet manufacturers recommend light crimps. I have found accuracy best by seating lead bullets, leaving the slightest hint of the belled mouth, then using a second pass, crimping them just enough to prevent bullet set back. Many use a factory crim die for the second crimping.

Different weight loads of the same powder can definitely affect accuracy. I test several powders with each bullet weight and brand that I use. Try starting at the minimum load, loading 5-10 rounds, then increase the charge by 0.5 grains until you reach the max load. If one or more of these loads proves to be more accurate, I then test loads in 0.2 grains, up and down.

Once you have determined the bullets you want to practice with, I suggest you buy them in bulk. In some cartridges that I shoot regularly, I usually buy in 5-10K lots.

Best to you, and good shooting.

 

[AZrider]

Thanks

Shoney,

I used to load my rifle ammo back in the late 60's and forgot about loading my pistol rounds in the same manner. I will try that and load a assortment of loads, low through high and see if there is a "good" number in there.

Dave,

One shooter said that as well, that Speer built a better bullet. I can't afford to shoot combat 200-300 rounds in a morning with Speers however.

Thanks, I'll check back and read other comments.

AZ