Pistol load development
- Thread starter bensdad
- Start date
- Status
10 or 12 is all I need to check a brand new load to see if I want to continue with that bullet or powder.
With auto rounds O.A.L. is tweaked for reliability before the powder charge is tweaked. Then it is set for the remainder of testing. For revolver rounds I crimp in the cannelure if there is one. If not I will tweak the O.A.L. sometimes to see if it effects accuracy.
I'll make up about 25 to really test a load. I shoot groups through the chrono and then I'll have numbers and a good idea if it is accurate. I also inspect the brass for pressure signs etc. If it continues to show potential it may get tweaked to suit and tried again. This may happen 2 or 3 times to get it just right or rule it out.
After that I will load it in volume. It really gets tested then, but usually passes with flying colors. After all, it had to pass a couple of tests prior.
With auto rounds O.A.L. is tweaked for reliability before the powder charge is tweaked. Then it is set for the remainder of testing. For revolver rounds I crimp in the cannelure if there is one. If not I will tweak the O.A.L. sometimes to see if it effects accuracy.
I'll make up about 25 to really test a load. I shoot groups through the chrono and then I'll have numbers and a good idea if it is accurate. I also inspect the brass for pressure signs etc. If it continues to show potential it may get tweaked to suit and tried again. This may happen 2 or 3 times to get it just right or rule it out.
After that I will load it in volume. It really gets tested then, but usually passes with flying colors. After all, it had to pass a couple of tests prior.
The Bushmaster
Member
Revolver---10 rounds for each powder weight, bullet style and/or primer. A total of 50 rounds. Pick the best one and see if it will develope with minute changes...I do this for each type of powder and bullet...The best one is logged for future use or becomes my mainstay.
Pistol---Pretty much the same routine. I do play with seating depth.
Rifle---6 rounds (fired in groups of three) for each powder weight, seating depth, primer and bullet style. Select the best one and continue developing it.
Handguns are tested at 25 yards and rifles are tested at 100 and 200 yards.
Like most...I use a chronograph to insure they are performing as they should.
Pistol---Pretty much the same routine. I do play with seating depth.
Rifle---6 rounds (fired in groups of three) for each powder weight, seating depth, primer and bullet style. Select the best one and continue developing it.
Handguns are tested at 25 yards and rifles are tested at 100 and 200 yards.
Like most...I use a chronograph to insure they are performing as they should.
jfh
Member.
Typically I used to do a simple ten-round set and used a ladder test to find a sweet spot load (low SDs, probable accuracy) and then second / tweaking sets when I loaded my 'barely major' semiauto rounds.
With my short-barrel reloading project, I've strived to develop a broad-based set of data for each powder. That is, the bullet weight is fairly well set, and a given bullet is used. Then I build 10-round sets through a published charge range. Accuracy is not the driving paradigm; velocity is, within generally-accepted parameters, and / or a recoil "feel" similar to desirable SD rounds.
Typically procedure involves 20 cartridges, fired in two sets of ten. The first ten is fired for "subjective recoil" assessment and usually goes over the chrono as well. Those are fired from a 640 (2"), and the second set then goes over the chrono from the M60 (3") or is used in the 640 if there has been unusual or incomplete readings from the first set.
The ones replicating a factory SD round are then loaded again for verification of the first data set and for accuracy and POA shooting. These tests are done at 15 yards.
Once tweaked, then a set of 50 rounds are built and fired one last time in four barrel lengths--1&7/8", 2&1/8", 3", and 4". Two of those are j-frame lightweights, and the 4" barrel is a 686.
Occasionally, I chase a particular load completely--recently I fired a set of 38 Spl / SR-4756 / 158LSWC cartridges throughout its reported loading range--from 4.8 gr. (current Hodgdon min, 38 Spl) through the two "FBI" variants (6.4, 6.8 gr. in 38 Spl) and on up through 8.0 / 8.2 gr. (the Speer #8 loads).
As you can see, OCD is a reloader's hazard. The above regimen also explains why I wanted to move in with either The Bushmaster or Walkalong in April, when Minnesota's winter refused to end.
Jim H.
With my short-barrel reloading project, I've strived to develop a broad-based set of data for each powder. That is, the bullet weight is fairly well set, and a given bullet is used. Then I build 10-round sets through a published charge range. Accuracy is not the driving paradigm; velocity is, within generally-accepted parameters, and / or a recoil "feel" similar to desirable SD rounds.
Typically procedure involves 20 cartridges, fired in two sets of ten. The first ten is fired for "subjective recoil" assessment and usually goes over the chrono as well. Those are fired from a 640 (2"), and the second set then goes over the chrono from the M60 (3") or is used in the 640 if there has been unusual or incomplete readings from the first set.
The ones replicating a factory SD round are then loaded again for verification of the first data set and for accuracy and POA shooting. These tests are done at 15 yards.
Once tweaked, then a set of 50 rounds are built and fired one last time in four barrel lengths--1&7/8", 2&1/8", 3", and 4". Two of those are j-frame lightweights, and the 4" barrel is a 686.
Occasionally, I chase a particular load completely--recently I fired a set of 38 Spl / SR-4756 / 158LSWC cartridges throughout its reported loading range--from 4.8 gr. (current Hodgdon min, 38 Spl) through the two "FBI" variants (6.4, 6.8 gr. in 38 Spl) and on up through 8.0 / 8.2 gr. (the Speer #8 loads).
As you can see, OCD is a reloader's hazard. The above regimen also explains why I wanted to move in with either The Bushmaster or Walkalong in April, when Minnesota's winter refused to end.
Jim H.
armoredman
Member
I usually make 20 testers of a single load.
Wow! I'm making too many on the first sample.
Thanks guys. I will significantly reduce my sample groups. Thanks for all your help. You (as a group) have made this "dangerous" hobby a wonderful addition to my firearms mania. Don't be surprised if I'm asking how to get started in casting sometime this fall.
Thanks guys. I will significantly reduce my sample groups. Thanks for all your help. You (as a group) have made this "dangerous" hobby a wonderful addition to my firearms mania. Don't be surprised if I'm asking how to get started in casting sometime this fall.
- Status
