So I'm just getting started and have tried to work up some loads from several sources and think I've got them down but I'd feel better having some experienced eyes go over them before I start putting powder into brass.
1st load: .38 special 148gr remington cast wadcutters with Bullyseye. Just a plinking load, 2.6 to 3.1 grains max. Maybe make 10 of 2.6, and 2.8 or 2.9, check for over pressure and accuracy, run which ever works better. I have no interest in working toward a max charge here. Seat flush, crimp with lee factory crimp since they're going in an airweight.
2nd load: 5.56 remington 55gr fmj over varget. Again a plinker, 25.5 to 27.5 max. I assume seat to put cannelure in neck and be as close to saami max length as possible. How would this be best worked up? 25.5, 26.5, 27, 27.5? Also these are going into nato brass, how does that change my loading?
3rd load: 5.56 hornady 75gr bthp over varget, going for an accuracy load here and from most sources it looks like 22.5 to 25 gr. No cannelure so seat to 2.260 inches and use lee factory crimp? These will be going through an ar15.
Finally I want to work up some 10mm fireballs. I have brand new starline brass, nosler 150gr jhps, winchester large primers, and blue dot. 150gr is a little light so I'll be using data for 155gr jhp's as a starting point. It looks like 10.8 to 12 max, so maybe make 5-10 rounds at 10.8, 11.5, and then 12. If those all still fine maybe try a few 12.2 and perhaps even 12.4 and 12.6 eventually since I'm using a lighter bullet and keep watching for pressure signs. I've heard mcnett from double tap has safely used 12.8 of bluedot under 155 gr gold dots. It seems like there is a lot of potential here if I'm willing to work it up slowly and carefully. Seat to just under saami max of 1.260 and crimp with lee factory die.
1st load: .38 special 148gr remington cast wadcutters with Bullyseye. Just a plinking load, 2.6 to 3.1 grains max. Maybe make 10 of 2.6, and 2.8 or 2.9, check for over pressure and accuracy, run which ever works better. I have no interest in working toward a max charge here. Seat flush, crimp with lee factory crimp since they're going in an airweight.
2nd load: 5.56 remington 55gr fmj over varget. Again a plinker, 25.5 to 27.5 max. I assume seat to put cannelure in neck and be as close to saami max length as possible. How would this be best worked up? 25.5, 26.5, 27, 27.5? Also these are going into nato brass, how does that change my loading?
3rd load: 5.56 hornady 75gr bthp over varget, going for an accuracy load here and from most sources it looks like 22.5 to 25 gr. No cannelure so seat to 2.260 inches and use lee factory crimp? These will be going through an ar15.
Finally I want to work up some 10mm fireballs. I have brand new starline brass, nosler 150gr jhps, winchester large primers, and blue dot. 150gr is a little light so I'll be using data for 155gr jhp's as a starting point. It looks like 10.8 to 12 max, so maybe make 5-10 rounds at 10.8, 11.5, and then 12. If those all still fine maybe try a few 12.2 and perhaps even 12.4 and 12.6 eventually since I'm using a lighter bullet and keep watching for pressure signs. I've heard mcnett from double tap has safely used 12.8 of bluedot under 155 gr gold dots. It seems like there is a lot of potential here if I'm willing to work it up slowly and carefully. Seat to just under saami max of 1.260 and crimp with lee factory die.