Newbie - Define "hot loads"? also Cabella's ammo okay?

[Strab]

I know what the term means, but I am unclear on exactly what specifications make it a hot load on the following ammo types"

.45 ACP
.38 special
.357 mag

Is it just the grain of the bullet? I understand that accidentally reloading too much powder will make it hot, so no need to explain human (or machine) error.

I have a SA WW2 1911 and a S&W .357 m19-3 and want to shoot them safely.

Ordered some bulk, jacketed ammo from Cabella's - are they okay?

thanks to all

 

[Vex]

Where I'm from, "hot load" has multiple meanings. The following are some examples:

1. That's a damn hot load! = Often said after someone shoots something more exotic... like a .357SIG or a .500S&W, or any of the +P or higher loads. It refers mostly to the recoil of the gun.

2. Are these super hot loads? = As in what you should be asking if you're broke enough to buy gun show ammunition. A "hot load" when applied to handloading means the SAAMI specs are way above recommended numbers. Some people don't "accidentally" put too much power in. It's done on purpose.

3. I loaded hot. = Something I've heard people say when they are carrying. Similar to "I've got one in the pipe," which is my favorite slang term.

Furthermore, I believe Cabela's sells bulk Sellier & Bellot reloads (http://www.sellier-bellot.cz/). I haven't heard much about them except one thing: Not as bad as Wolf.

 

[MachIVshooter]

A load is "hot" when the velocity/energy are at the upper end of that particular cartridges performance potential. For example, .45 ACP can run anywhere from 350-600 ft/lbs of muzzle energy, with the average being around 400 ft/lbs. So when a load is in the 500-600 ft/lb arena, it is considered hot.

And then there is nuclear, which is a term to describe a handload that exeeds anything commercially loaded and should only be used by it's developer This is a term frequently encountered when discussing 10mm.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I understand that accidentally reloading too much powder will make it hot, so no need to explain human (or machine) error.

Actually, lots of people load hot intentionally. I don't recommend it. That said™, I'll admit I did it in my youth.

 

[Ol` Joe]

A hot load is one that exceeds the SAAMI max pressure rateing for the cartridge being fired, reguardless of bullet wgt, or velocity.
Loads AT SAAMI max pressures are "normal"/warm. No manufacture offers "HOT" loads.

 

[bakert]

Sadly a "hot" load is often a load concocted by a damn fool that probably shouldn't be reloading in the first place and then passed on to other fools that are dumb enough to shoot it. Stick with published data!!

 

[AlleninAlaska]

Stick with published data!!

I would, except there is none for a 370 hard cast bullet in a 45 Colt case or 265 grain hard cast bullet in 41 mag. So I use my own recipes.

 

[stoky]

A hot load is a cartridge that makes your eyes water when you think about shooting it.

 

[MDG1976]

hot=high power. usually faster than a standard load (may also be called +p).

 

[Ben Shepherd]

If you are refering to the 158gr jacketed slug 357 loads from cabelas:

I've shot some-they aren't weak, but there aren't cor-bon or buffalo bore either. Just a good "full-power" load.

 

[MachIVshooter]

A hot load is one that exceeds the SAAMI max pressure rateing for the cartridge being fired, reguardless of bullet wgt, or velocity.
Loads AT SAAMI max pressures are "normal"/warm. No manufacture offers "HOT" loads.

I would say that statement borders on too technical and is slightly erred. No factory load or published load data is up to SAAMI max specs, not even +P loads. Buffalo bore calls their +P loads heavy and it is some of the stoutest factory ammo available, and still falls well withing SAAMI regs. So it stands to reason that a load could be hotter than any listed data or commercial ammunition and still be with SAAMI maximum.

The common use of the term "hot load" merely implies that it is significantly more potent than a standard load. .357 magnum can exceed 800 ft/lbs from a 6" barrel and NOT be overpressure. I don't know anyone who wouldn't call that a "hot load".

The term nuclear, however, tends to mean that you are shooting at your own significant risk.