While I continue to read through all these Reloading threads I'd like to put forth a few specific question to avoid beginner damage.
My first loading attempts is .40 S&W for USPSA Limited Major. (later, when i know more, I'll work on 9mm for IDPA amd 9mm major) I have V. N320 Powder and 1000 165gr. Berry's HBFP. According to the Load data my range is 4.9 - 5.2 grains with an 1.126 OAL.
I'm using a Lee Turret (as my mentor uses the same and got me a 60% discount). The powder drop is the one with a wheel with preset holes. So I used the .61 dial which gave me a variance of 4.9-5.1.
My new question is... Am I being too anal? 4.9 grs. makes my velocity 995, which is below Power Factor. 5.0-5.2 is within power factor. Do I have to get one of those trickle powder drops so that I can drop 5.2 exactly? Those are pricey and I'm not a world-class, state-class, or town-class shooter. ( Yet ).
The Lee micrometer has a variance of 4.7 - 5.3. But I'm told over time it will 'season' and settle down. Is the occasional +.2 grain over max a risk? What do you guys think is the best accuracy goals competition loads?
Eventually, I'd like to be skilled enough to make up some 9mm major for my open gun. But that will require some time and knowledge to be correct and safe.
Thoughts? Questions?
My first loading attempts is .40 S&W for USPSA Limited Major. (later, when i know more, I'll work on 9mm for IDPA amd 9mm major) I have V. N320 Powder and 1000 165gr. Berry's HBFP. According to the Load data my range is 4.9 - 5.2 grains with an 1.126 OAL.
I'm using a Lee Turret (as my mentor uses the same and got me a 60% discount). The powder drop is the one with a wheel with preset holes. So I used the .61 dial which gave me a variance of 4.9-5.1.
My new question is... Am I being too anal? 4.9 grs. makes my velocity 995, which is below Power Factor. 5.0-5.2 is within power factor. Do I have to get one of those trickle powder drops so that I can drop 5.2 exactly? Those are pricey and I'm not a world-class, state-class, or town-class shooter. ( Yet ).
The Lee micrometer has a variance of 4.7 - 5.3. But I'm told over time it will 'season' and settle down. Is the occasional +.2 grain over max a risk? What do you guys think is the best accuracy goals competition loads?
Eventually, I'd like to be skilled enough to make up some 9mm major for my open gun. But that will require some time and knowledge to be correct and safe.
Thoughts? Questions?