jhei88
Member
I would like to start reloading .45 acp using hogdon hs-6 and hp-38, and 230 grain hornady fmj rn bullets but cant seem to find any data for it? Can i us the hornady 230 grain fmj fp data?
reloading question?
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From the Hogdon's website...
Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
230 GR. HDY FMJ FP Hodgdon HS-6 .451" 1.200" 8.0 790 14,400 CUP 8.2 825 15,400 CUP
230 GR. HDY FMJ FP Hodgdon HP-38 .451" 1.200" 4.2 751 13,800 CUP 5.3 832 16,800 CUP
Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
230 GR. HDY FMJ FP Hodgdon HS-6 .451" 1.200" 8.0 790 14,400 CUP 8.2 825 15,400 CUP
230 GR. HDY FMJ FP Hodgdon HP-38 .451" 1.200" 4.2 751 13,800 CUP 5.3 832 16,800 CUP
35 Whelen
Member
Go to the Hodgdon website. they have load data for exactly the bullet and powder you mention.
35W
35W
jhei88
Member
I saw that, but can i still use that same c.o.l for round nose? Im pretty new to reloading.
J_McLeod
Member
You can use any load data for the bullet weight and type that you are using. So if you have a 230gr FMJ, you can also use data for a 230gr XTP, GDHP, JHP, CMJ, TMJ or any other jacketed bullet because they are all jacketed. Same with lead. You may want to change the OAL slightly to account for the different bullet lengths. If you go longer than the listed OAL in the data, it will reduce the pressure, and if you go shorter it will increase the pressure.
jhei88
Member
how do i no how much pressure to start with using that rn and not fp?
J_McLeod
Member
If you start at the starting load and work up, you should have safe results even at the min OAL with either bullet, because at the starting charge, the minor difference in bullet length won't put the pressure past max.
If you have both bullets, you could measure them and take the difference into account. Or you could ask here and I'm sure someone could provide the correct measurements.
My preferred solution is to always seat the bullet at least .010 longer than the OAL listed in the data. That way I know my load will be safe even with the differences in the mixed brass I use.
If you have both bullets, you could measure them and take the difference into account. Or you could ask here and I'm sure someone could provide the correct measurements.
My preferred solution is to always seat the bullet at least .010 longer than the OAL listed in the data. That way I know my load will be safe even with the differences in the mixed brass I use.
LiveLife
Member
No, this is not recommended as it may cause feeding/chambering issues or the nose/bearing surface of the bullet to come in contact with the start of rifling depending on the "ogive" of the bullet.J_McLeod said:
With any new bullet, you should always determine the Max OAL (that will not allow the bullet nose/bearing surface of the bullet to hit the rifling) and Ideal OAL (that will reliably feed/chamber from the magazine when the slide is manually released).
Once you determined the Max/Ideal OAL, then you should conduct a full powder work up using published start-to-max load data or 10% below max if load data only shows max charge (I will load 10 rounds of each .1-.2 gr incremental charges). If my OAL is shorter than published load data and/or the base of the bullet is seated deeper in the case neck due to different nose profile/longer base, I will start .2-.3 gr below start charge.
Consistent chamber pressures will translate to consistent muzzle velocities which will result in more accurate shot groups. If you do not have a chrono or can't use one because you shoot at indoor ranges, you can use accuracy trends when conducting your powder work up. For most powders, accuracy will improve (trend) as you approach mid-to-max powder charges from start. When I conduct my powder work up, I will first note the charge that will reliably cycle the slide of the pistol then note the charges that produce accurate shot groups. Depending on the powder/burn rate, you may end up with an accurate target load at mid-high range load data and/or accurate full-power load at near/max load data.
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dickttx
Member
I have the same question as the OP.
I am getting set up to load .38 Super. I have 115gn PD FMJ, I plan to load with HP38.
The only Hodgdon load listed with 115 gn FMJ and HP38 is for the Hornady XTP. Not having an XTP, I can't measure the difference in the lengths. Not sure that would work anyway, because the fit of the seating stem would be completely different on the two bullet tips. With that pressure (29000/32700) a little difference in seating could make a significant difference.
?????
I am getting set up to load .38 Super. I have 115gn PD FMJ, I plan to load with HP38.
The only Hodgdon load listed with 115 gn FMJ and HP38 is for the Hornady XTP. Not having an XTP, I can't measure the difference in the lengths. Not sure that would work anyway, because the fit of the seating stem would be completely different on the two bullet tips. With that pressure (29000/32700) a little difference in seating could make a significant difference.
?????
J_McLeod
Member
MtnCreek
Member
Also, check your mag capacity; sometimes a cartridge length that functions well from the mag, to the chamber and clears to eject can still reduce mag capacity by one.
06
Member
Try these sites... http://home.hiwaay.net/~stargate/powder/powder.htm
and http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
and http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
jhei88
Member
Sorry im still not completely getting this, I understand how to figure the max oal and i understand the ideal oal, but i dont know were to go from there? I Still dont know if that sets the bullet deep enough or to deep, or were to start with my powder to safely work it up
ImjinScout
Member
As what was stated, once you find your OAL, then just start to work up your loads, you can use the Hodgon site for starters. Just load 10 rounds of each powder weight and find what shoots the best and what you like the best. You will be in the neighborhood of a OAL of 1.250 and a charge weight of about 5.3grs of HP-38, that seems to be a common load. But just remember that you need to work up your own, to be safe
MtnCreek
Member
Short answer is: Get a copy of Lyman’s 49th manual and read it at least once, even the parts that don’t interest you. Then go back and read it again.
Once you determine the length with a particular bullet and weight, compare that length to the length stated in the data. If your length is longer than the data’s length, use the starting charge shown. If your length is shorter than the data’s length, you may want to back off the starting charge by a couple of percent. The .45acp will not be as sensitive to a little bit shorter length as a 9mm or .40sw would be.
Assuming your coal is 1.200” or longer, I would load one each with HP38 at 4.2gr, 4.4gr, 4.6gr and 4.8gr; write the charge (or # them) on the brass with a sharpie. If you wanted to, you could add 5.0gr to the mix. Fire the 4.2 and check for function. Make sure the bullet cleared the barrel. Inspect case and makes notes of everything you noticed (recoil, condition of fired case, where the case landed, …). Fire all the loaded cartridges (assuming no high pressure signs!) and that will give you a better idea of the range of charge weights you will focus on.
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