Minimum and Starting Loads

[targetshooter]

Is there anything wrong with loading below the starting load for metalic pistol cartridges PROVIDED - ignition is always reliable and complete, there's a consistent report, and a clean hole through the target ?

For instance, I load 125 gr. Flat Nose and 148 gr. D.E.W.C. with 2.7 - 2.8 gr of Bulleye. This is well below the suggested starting load in all of the Reloading Manuals I've consulted. But it sure is a nice shooting round and cuts a clean hole at 25 yards.

Similarly, I load 200 gr L.S.W.C.'s for my 1911 with only 4.5 gr. of W231 or HP38. They cycle the firearm just fine (with a 14# recoil spring) and chrono at about 750.

Thanks,

john

 

[rcmodel]

A starting load is presumed safe in almost all guns in any condition.

Going below that can result in a stuck bullet in the barrel in guns with rough bores, excess cylinder gap, excess leading in the bore, etc.
In otherwords, pressure loss or excess friction beyond the control of the loading data publishers.

Going below a starting load is fine if you pay attention to what you are doing and don't burn through a magazine or cylinder full in two seconds flat all the time. Doing so will not allow you time or perception to stop shooting if one does stick in the bore.

The other thing is going so low accuracy suffers because of reduced velocity.
Leaving the bullet in the barrel that extra split second leaves you more time to move the gun before the bullet is out of the barrel.

Bullseye competition shooters long ago figured out best accuracy could not be achieved at abnormally low velocity.

It's possible to get the pressure so low the powder doesn't burn right, and velocity & accuracy will wander all over the place.

Also, some slow burning Magnum powders become unsafe / eratic if loads are reduced below the starting load.

rc

 

[targetshooter]

Thanks RCM. Both of these loads have proven to be extremely accurate, and I do pay close attention to their ignition and performance. Thanks for the input - that was the confirmation I was looking for.

 

[rfwobbly]

Building on RC's comments....
I agree, a lot of light revolver loads don't burn right simply because of excessive room inside the case. Therefore...

• These loads are always going to work better with "fluffy", low density powders such as Unique and TrailBoss. Bullseye may be one of these, I have no experience. Stay away from the denser powders like N320.

• You might point the gun up before firing (to run the powder back) and run those shots over a chrono. Then fire a couple after pointing the gun at the floor and run those shots over a chrono. Any big differences you see will be the effect of too much vacancy inside the case causing uneven burning.