next steps - I'd like some feedback -

[lturford]

I’m still very new to reloading and this is where I’m at – I’ve loaded about 125 Rounds of .40 S&W on a Lee Deluxe turret – I Purchased 250 Nosler 135Gn HP’s – I’ve loaded them over 6.2 and 6.6 Red Dot – 75 over 6.2 and 50 over 6.6 using the Auto-Disk Powder Measures that was included in the press set – I wish there was a way to get that to drop 6.4 or 6.5 – All have shot well although I need to pay closer attention to the accuracy as I’ve been more concerned that they just fired without any issues – So far so good –

I want to try some Berry bullets next – As a primary goal I want to reduce my cost but I don’t think I want to jump into a 1000 rounds of one bullet just yet – I’m thinking my best bet is to order 250 of each of the following – Berry .40 135gr RS – Berry 155gr RS as well as some 180gr either RS or HP – Orders above $50.00 get free freight from Berry MFG - Still not the most economical but cheaper then the Noslers that I bought from midway and it gives me some variety to see what the gun likes – I’m only shooting paper and want a light load so my wife and I can both enjoy the time at the range –

Along with the different bullets I was going to try AA#5 – from my reading and recommendations I’ve read on the forums this seems like a good metering powder that would suit the above – I’ve read the ABC’s a couple of times and have also read thru Lyman’s 49th – Looking for feedback – is this a good direction or does anyone have some better recommendations? I'm looking for some feedback - Thanks -

 

[cfullgraf]

You have discovered one of the problems with fixed cavity powder measures. You can't easily get charges in between what the cavities throw. It is always a compromise. Adjustable measures allow you to dial in the exact charge that you want.

Until you find the bullet you like, you may have to spend some extra, particularly if you are concerned about having a bunch of un-wanted bullets on hand. Once you find "the bullet", then buy in bulk and save the money.

I use alot of Berry bullets in 9mm, 40, and 45 and even 30 carbine.

AA#5 is a good powder.

 

[mbruce]

The $10 chargebar may get you the 6.4-6.5....

I use the chargebar and the only complaint one may have is it doesn't handle the very small calibers well and probably won't drop enough for the very large calibers.

 

[James2]

Lyman 55

 

[LiveLife]

You have discovered one of the problems with fixed cavity powder measures. You can't easily get charges in between what the cavities throw. It is always a compromise.

I buy extra disks at gun shows (last purchase was $5 for 4 disk set in very good shape for another shooter) and drill them out for in-between drop disks. For me, no more compromise as I can drop exactly the powder charge I want consistently.

You can buy a new double disk kit (Part 90195) with 4 disks for $10.98

 

[918v]

Whenever developing a new load, I make batches of five increasing either the powder charge in .2gr increments or decreasing the OAL in .010" increments. This gives me a pretty good idea how the load will shoot. I don't load 50 of something I haven't tested.

 

[lturford]

I buy extra disks at gun shows (last purchase was $5 for 4 disk set in very good shape for another shooter) and drill them out for in-between drop disks. For me, no more compromise as I can drop exactly the powder charge I want consistently.



bds - That's a good idea - may give it a try - Gun show is in town in a few weeks I look there 1st unless I put an order in with midway before then - Thanks -

 

[LiveLife]

When you are drilling the disks, be careful and go slow as to not remove too much material.

I usually use a drill bit that is snug to the hole and keep weighing the drop charges until it is just right.

 

[ljnowell]

I use the chargebar and the only complaint one may have is it doesn't handle the very small calibers well and probably won't drop enough for the very large calibers.

My Lee chargebar will drop as little as 2.7gr of AA#2 consistently and as much as 20.5gr of 2400 consistently.

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr Ford -
I would tell you you're going about it bass ackwords. When you set out to find the perfect load, measure all your powder on a scale. Load 10 rounds in 0.2gr increments across the whole published powder range. The tightest group at the lowest load is your gun's best load.

THEN go back and use whatever means possible to get your powder measure to drop THAT exact load. Your gun's best load is what you want to shoot. Making loads that are less than your gun's best is a waste of good range time.

Trying to discover a "good load" by using only what the powder measure wants to give you is like going to the drug store for a headache. Then being talked into buying some laxative because the druggist was all out of aspirin. Follow?

After all, who's in charge. the machine or the human ??

 

[[email protected]]

Look at powder valley for the berrys bullets they are actually cheapier there

 

[kennedy]

take a look at the rainier plated bullets also, my .40 likes the 155 and 165 gr.

 

[mbruce]

My Lee chargebar will drop as little as 2.7gr of AA#2 consistently and as much as 20.5gr of 2400 consistently.

Hey that's good to know because I just got in a shipment of AA#2... I couldn't get 231 to drop below 3.7gr.... Do you have luck with that powder at lower gr?

After all, who's in charge. the machine or the human ??

the machines are...you must watch/rewatch Terminator!

 

[ljnowell]

Hey that's good to know because I just got in a shipment of AA#2... I couldn't get 231 to drop below 3.7gr.... Do you have luck with that powder at lower gr?

I run it in 38spcl cases with 148gr DEWC. I also load it at 3.1gr in 357 cases with 148gr DEWC. Very consistently burning powder, very accurate loads.

 

[GLOOB]

FWIW, 180 gr bullets and AA#5 seem to have been responsible for an inordinate percentage of kB's in the .40 SW's earlier days. This combination might be more sensitive to setback.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

– I’ve loaded them over 6.2 and 6.6 Red Dot – 75 over 6.2 and 50 over 6.6 using the Auto-Disk Powder Measures that was included in the press set – I wish there was a way to get that to drop 6.4 or 6.5 –

The Adjustable Charge Bar (Part #90792) is a good tool to have as is the Micro Disk (Part #90302) for small light powder charges. The Double Disk Kit (Part #90195) is also a good tool to have around. When the other two fail you the Double disk will work and it allows for .1gr adjustments in powder weight.

I eventually bought all 3 but I find I use the Double Disk the least and use the Adjustable Charge Bar and Micro Disk more.