Planning new loads how I do it.

[AJC1]

I'm sure most here have a process for how the determine what their next test or load development looks like,, but we seem to get a lot of questions about this charge and that charge don't match which is right. This is my worksheet for some Hornaday 168s that I got. I have not shot this particular bullet but I have shot this class quite a bit. I had two powders on hand that seemed a good fit so I planned for both. I use pencil because I make many modifications as I get new information. I start with the hard manuals I have on hand. Then I get data from sites like hogden and nossler. The big detail is to ensure I'm getting data for the same materials. Monolithic bullets have very different requirements and should not be combined with cup and core bullets. Then I check any notes that I've generated or that I have collected. My final step of data collection is internet videos. Tear down videos of rounds like a gold medal match or black hills loading of the same known components. I also look for load development videos, in this instance Jonnys reloading bench loaded the same bullet and powder, the case being different. I crunch the data and information into a load ladder I test. If I plan to be near max I ensure I have several steps below to begin my test on. My steps are normally the load in tenths. So 40 grain loads go in .4 grain incriments.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

When im trying a new to me load. I use yard sale stickers. And put the data on it. And stick it on the ammo box. Then see how the load performs. If it's a keeper. I record the data on my lap top.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I'm sure most here have a process for how the determine what their next test or load development looks like,, but we seem to get a lot of questions about this charge and that charge don't match which is right. This is my worksheet for some Hornaday 168s that I got. I have not shot this particular bullet but I have shot this class quite a bit. I had two powders on hand that seemed a good fit so I planned for both. I use pencil because I make many modifications as I get new information. I start with the hard manuals I have on hand. Then I get data from sites like hogden and nossler. The big detail is to ensure I'm getting data for the same materials. Monolithic bullets have very different requirements and should not be combined with cup and core bullets. Then I check any notes that I've generated or that I have collected. My final step of data collection is internet videos. Tear down videos of rounds like a gold medal match or black hills loading of the same known components. I also look for load development videos, in this instance Jonnys reloading bench loaded the same bullet and powder, the case being different. I crunch the data and information into a load ladder I test. If I plan to be near max I ensure I have several steps below to begin my test on. My steps are normally the load in tenths. So 40 grain loads go in .4 grain incriments.View attachment 1097515

Similar. Only difference is I use 4x6” cards and reference magazine articles instead of internet videos. I’m a written language guy more than a video guy. I used to keep the cards but found I tended to confuse myself with extraneous data so now I just keep the notes cards with the results and add on when I work on new loads. I’m pretty disorganized and not exactly the model of how it’s done so thanks for posting a reminder to get organized and keep better records. Might have to try that video thing again too.

 

[Charlie98]

That's pretty much my same system. I'll set and work through the manuals and my printed online data (think Hodgdon and Nosler...) The only thing that will mess me up is when data for a powder I'm trying to use is not available... like AJC's Hornady data with IMR4064. I wonder, sometimes, about those who generate data, and the powders they use to generate that data... how they pick them, and not more common powders.

It's also important to look at the finer details in load manuals and data. A test barrel is far different than a Winchester 70, for example... as a 4" revolver barrel is different than a 10" test barrel, etc. Things like primers and brass can factor in as well.

I do my workups on a legal pad, but once I'm done ciphering it out, I put it on a smaller note paper... where I'll use it to load. That data goes into my Excel spreadsheet... for actual load testing... with room for notes and my scribbles. Final data is transferred to another Excel spreadsheet where it becomes permanent record that I can reference without all my chicken scratches.

I'm not a big searcher. I work up simple data, normally with common references (...think COAL, etc) and throw it downrange. If the results meet my expectations, I pop a top and call it a day. If they don't meet my expectations, or I really believe I can get better results, I'll go back to the bench and cipher out some changes. I may even change something major... like the bullet. My biggest problem is access to a range on a regular basis... one that doesn't require me to drive 2 hours, or cost me $50 to use. If I had more time, or better access to shooting facilities, it might be different... and, of course, these days the component shortage is a factor.... but maybe not. I have some load data I worked up that is 20 years old or more... I see no reason to change it.

 

[lightman]

When I'm working up a new load, and I'm doing that right now for a new rifle, I look at several loading books. I look for a powder that will give me the velocity that I think I want with a safe load. I'll average the beginning charge weights for a starting load and I'll average the max loads for a safe goal. I give a little preference to powders that have worked well for me in the past and to other shooters pet loads. I also try to match the bullet with the rifling twist and also to the bullets intended purpose.

 

[Charlie98]

I also try to match the bullet with the rifling twist

Another good point. After I bought my first AR... a 1:7 H-Bar Colt, I was getting quite frustrated with the accuracy I was getting with my 55grn handloads... they were terrible. As soon as I moved to 62grn bullets, things worked out much better. Part of that is the weight, part of that is the quality of the bullet... so that's something else to think about.

 

[allisd17]

I'm sure most here have a process for how the determine what their next test or load development looks like,, but we seem to get a lot of questions about this charge and that charge don't match which is right. This is my worksheet for some Hornaday 168s that I got. I have not shot this particular bullet but I have shot this class quite a bit. I had two powders on hand that seemed a good fit so I planned for both. I use pencil because I make many modifications as I get new information. I start with the hard manuals I have on hand. Then I get data from sites like hogden and nossler. The big detail is to ensure I'm getting data for the same materials. Monolithic bullets have very different requirements and should not be combined with cup and core bullets. Then I check any notes that I've generated or that I have collected. My final step of data collection is internet videos. Tear down videos of rounds like a gold medal match or black hills loading of the same known components. I also look for load development videos, in this instance Jonnys reloading bench loaded the same bullet and powder, the case being different. I crunch the data and information into a load ladder I test. If I plan to be near max I ensure I have several steps below to begin my test on. My steps are normally the load in tenths. So 40 grain loads go in .4 grain incriments.View attachment 1097515

That's impressive. I need to have a system like that but I'm just not disciplined enough. Plus, I load for SO many different calibers/guns that it's virtually impossible for me to "fine-tune" loads for one before I get bored and have to move on to the next one, lol.

 

[AJC1]

That's impressive. I need to have a system like that but I'm just not disciplined enough. Plus, I load for SO many different calibers/guns that it's virtually impossible for me to "fine-tune" loads for one before I get bored and have to move on to the next one, lol.

Making a page like that, then documenting the results on the back is a great way to document your efforts, and be able to pick up where you left off when that gun falls back into the exploration rotation. I make a label I stick in my reload box and then into my manual as a backup.

 

[Bill_in_TR]

I really admire the organizational methods being described. I wish I was a bit more organized than I am. But I don't tend to experiment as much as many of you, particularly for handgun ammo. I do some research on good candidates for what I want to do with it. I will test a couple or three different loadings. If I find one that meets my needs then I tend to just stick with it. I have been loading the same recipe for 9, 40 and 45 for the vast majority of my shooting for a number of years now.

I experiment a little more for 357 and 44 magnum. That is because I like having a lighter everyday practice and plinking load as well as a heftier upper end power load.

I put more effort into rifle loads looking for accuracy. But even then when I find something I stick with it.

Any load I settle on gets written down but that's the extent of my organization. I reload to shoot more than I reload for reloading sake especially in handgun ammo. Maybe I should do better and maybe I will. But in the meantime I thoroughly enjoy reading about the work you folks do in calibers I have an interest in.

 

[allisd17]

Making a page like that, then documenting the results on the back is a great way to document your efforts, and be able to pick up where you left off when that gun falls back into the exploration rotation. I make a label I stick in my reload box and then into my manual as a backup.View attachment 1097569

I have a loose-leaf notebook in which I do something similar but there is really no method to my madness. Every time I turn around I am having to add another section for a new rifle

 

[BJung]

My plan can always use improving yet this is what I do. First, I separate my brass by headstamp for each cartridge I'm loading. I then develop a specific load for each diffrent casing. For handgun loads, my practice cast loads are using Winchester and Remington brass because it's the most common. Speer could take Gold Dots and my Fed cases are loaded with my FBI holllow point cast bullets or MP HP bullets. I use either Winchester primers for practice loads and CCI primers for the Speers and Federal loads. As for powder, I look up what is popular, looks best from the reloading manual. or last, what I want. I use a lot of AA powders. I then take a 6x9 spiral notebook and write down the test loads I want on the right side. From the range, I write in and circle popular accuracy load(s) I find and on the backside I write down want I find in forums like this.. The OAL could be what barely fits in my magazine or what is provided in the load manual. Later, after I find an accuracy load, I test loads by OAL. While testing, I line out testloads that performed poorly. When finished, I write my accuracy load into a load manual and on the label inside my die box with as much data as possible including OAL and BHN for castbullets. I almost do the same with rifle loads.

 

[kalielkslayer]

Handgun I start at the minimum load until I get reliable ejection, feeding, lock back. If I’m still well below max, I move up a few 1/10th grains. I’m lucky. I have the ability to load 10, put 5 in separate guns, walk 40 yards outside and test them.

If the handgun load will also be used in a carbine I will take the time to make sure it functions and play with accuracy some.

Rifle, entirely different animal. All my rifles are for hunting. My 1st step is to pick the bullet I want to shoot. After looking at all my manuals, I’ll check load data.com. Then I’ll select 2-3 powders I have on hand and build ladders starting 2-3 grains below max, depending on the size of the case.

I write everything down in my notebook and on the case I put the loads in.

I mark my targets with the load data on each group. If I feel I pulled a shot, I’ll write that down too.
I don’t really even look at my targets much until I get home. Most of my ladders are .3 grain increments.

My first range session will usually take hours. I’ll take at least 2 guns, preferably 3 and shoot 1 round out of a gun, then rotate to a second gun/target so the barrel cools.

When I’m real anal, I clean the bore squeaky clean between groups and fire 1 fouling shot. I try to make everything consistent so the paper shows only that load, not any other variables.

Once I think I have a winner, I’ll load 2, 5 round groups and shoot them. If I’m satisfied with that, the fun starts. I’ll shoot a couple of groups at 200 yards. Then keep moving it out to 5-600 yards. I will hold dead on with a 200 yard zero and document drop at each distance.

I have bullet drop compensator scopes, turret scopes and plain cross hair scopes.

On the plain crosshair scopes I write down the drop at each distance then use quality clear packing tape and tape it to my stock, making it waterproof. Haven’t done that in a while since I rarely use standard scopes much anymore.

I don’t think my system is the best, uses more components than just looking for velocity nodes with a chronograph but that’s how I was taught 40+ years ago and it does work.

 

[Walkalong]

All work up information is done digitally, with notes from the range trip recorded immediately afterwards if at all possible, don't like to postpone it.

I use preprinted sheets for data such as velocities, mils, temps, etc. When I'm not on my phone I'll upload some as an example

 

[Chuck R.]

I got tired of doing the long hand so I basically built a spreadsheet that calculates the increments based on the OCW method. I enter data into the grey boxes and Excel calculates increments to test. This is the simpler version:



A newer version also calculates OALs to test in .015 increments once I enter the Max OAL using a bullet comparator. I build workbooks by caliber/rifle and can upload the chrono data from my LabRadar into each work book.

 

[Walkalong]

A couple of prepared sheets I use to collect data at the range.

 

[BJung]

Another thing I do that I think is helpful is masking tape and bingo makers. I seal each of my test loads in homemade envelopes made from grocery bags or such.. The load data is written on the masking tape. At the range. I put the masking tape on my arm and put them on the target before taking the target down. Bingo markers can be bought at the dollar store. I dot each hole for each different load and make a note of the color used and the load that matches it.

 

[DMW1116]

I write all the powders I have on tiny pieces of paper. Then I put all the bullets I have in the desired size on little bits of paper. Then I get a punch bowl and and blindfold...

I generally just pick one powder or bullet at a time and go with it. It's usually based on what I have the most of at the time or what I can easily get more of locally. Selecting data to go by is the tricky part. I typically will go with data from the bullet manufacturer or data tested with the exact bullet I have on hand. After an issue with some 168 grain bullets in 308, I try to get at least 3 sources for data. These are usually my Lyman manual, Hodgden's web site, and the bullet manufacturer. Sometimes I can get four sources by adding the powder manufacturer for others besides Hodgden.