My first range trip with my own reloads!!

[xxxleafybugxxx]

First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has helped me getting started with my whole reloading process. Even the act of making my reloads seems like a bunch of fun by itself, then I get to have more fun by shooting them!
I'll just give a quick overview of what i've done, followed by some more questions
I made 5 different loads so far. All with 230 gr fmj, and the only two powders i've used have been WST, and Universal. My favorite load by far was a 230 gr fmj, with 4.6 gr's of WST. approximately a 1.27 OAL. It just felt the best to shoot. It also happened to be one of the most consistent batches. One of my biggest questions was, How much of a difference in velocity should I see? I chronod all 15 shots of each batch. For my 4.6 WST load, the most variation was 65 fps. thats out of 15 shots. The most variation from 15 shots was 96 fps, and that was from 4.5 gr of universal. I just don't know whats alot, and what isnt. Also, my chorno seemed to be acting up a bit. it was the first time i've used it, but when I turned it on, it was showing an error message. The range has concrete slabs angled above to prevent stray bullets, but also effects the lighting as well. Could that be part of the issue? My chrony is a pro chrono, and it had the best reviews from cabellas, which is why I got it.
Anyways, there is my quick overview along with a few more questions. I can tell this new aspect of my hobby is going to be very rewarding and fun. (and also costly, but who needs to mention that?? )
Thanks everyone!!

 

[kingmt]

I rearly use a chrono. If it is shooting good who cares how fast it is going.

I do use mine when I am working a load for a given job as in hunting or SD. If I want so much penetration before the bullet starts coming apart.

 

[BYJO4]

Glad to hear you like your new hobby. I don't pay attention to speed. If my load groups well and recoil is in line then I'm good to go.

 

[1SOW]

A chrono needs indirect/diffused light to perform well. If you are in the shade of a roof, I wouldn't use the diffusers. It needs light, but not direct sunlight. The sky screens/diffusers are needed in direct sunlight. Early morning and late afternoon sun can often screw up chrono readings. Overhead sun is diffused by the screens.

I good way to check for proper light and set-up is to have a known "test round" to try before you chrono. A .22 rimfire is a good consistent speed to have on record for future checks.

The bullet speed is a rough check for case pressure. You need enough to cycle your gun reliably and put bullets on target consistently. It also helps keep you safe from testing loads that have excessive pressure in your load work-up. A chrono can help keep you SAFE.
Competitors use speed to ensure they meet minimum required bullet speeds EG., 9mm 125 gr needs about 1040 fps to reliably meet USPSA reqs.. The load can be "tuned" to your shooting needs with minimum recoil.

The ES (extreme spread) and SD (standard deviation) are used to show 'your' load consistency. Variations in oal, powder drop, bullet size/shape, pressure and more, can increase these numbers. On the other hand, sometimes the best shooting rds have less than stellar numbers. Less than 10 SD is bragging rights for me, for whatever that's worth.

I use the CE Pro-Chrono Digital too, and it works well, especially for load development.

 

[Walkalong]

Don't get too hung up in the numbers if it shoots well and the recoil is what you are looking for. Low ES & SD numbers are nice, and critical in long range rifle, but are not real important for pistol at close ranges. On target results are the most important.

One thing I can guarantee you, the 4.6 Grs of WST was faster than the 4.5 Grs of Universal, and my guess is that it gave better ES & SD numbers at that level.

 

[xxxleafybugxxx]

What should I want in spread? in 60-90 fps spread considered "consistent"?

 

[Walkalong]

That is not uncommon with some loads in .45 ACP. You can do better, (AA #2 for instance), but if it shoots well, that is acceptable. As the pressure goes up, the ES & SD numbers generally go down as the powder is burning better. That is with most powders.

 

[exbrit49]

Great days Leafybug, great feeling isnt it?

Sounds like you are having fun and by the way I have used the 4.6G of WST behind a 230 LSWC for years, Its very consistant and for general loading I will see about a 65 FPS SD as well. As another reply said. "It would be critical in a long range rifle shot but but not so problematic in a handgun".
I can bring that spread way down to almost 20fps but to get that I have to use the same manufacturers batch of brass, all cases trimmed to the same length. Each powder charge individually weighed and all possible slight variiations are kept minimal. Yes I can get the ES closer but it doesnt affect my targets. the accuracy is no better than the 65 ES shots.
I am sure you will have lots of fun playing around with some of these variables. and as time progresses you will develop your own Pet Loads.
One other observation is that the my P90 and the Convertable Blackhawk revolver both like the WST load but the Blackhawk provides much closer ES and about another 40 fps velocity.
Welcome to the ranks of reloaders and believe me, it will be even more fun as you work up new loads and expirement, let alone the extra fun added to your shooting hobby, (and the cash you will save reloading) and even better develop more accurate loads tailored to your specific guns, it doesnt get any better.
Roger