Thoughts on max published load data

[cpirtle]

About 3 months ago I started reloading for the 45/70 and noticed the variety of published data for various guns. Obviously loads that a modern firearm can handle may blow a turn of the century or older gun to pieces. Makes total sense.

I got to thinking, does this also apply to pistol cartridges that were developed early in (or prior to) the 20th century and are still popular today? (38, 45acp, 45 colt etc)

More specifically, do reloading manuals publish max loads that are safe for any firearm that may shoot them? (assuming the gun is in safe working order to begin with)

I understand that the average reloader may be among the more technically inclined shooters and as such likely "students" of the sport, but wouldn't you think in todays day and age companies would want to protect themselves from someone loading max data loads into a 38 special manufactured in the early 1900's?

FWIW, don't take this post as advocating exceeding manufacterer specs, I personally reload on the lighter side of things for competition and leisure with the occasional upper scale loading for hunting/SD. Just looking for other's thoughts.

 

[Ol` Joe]

There are loads for the 45 LC that are specified as for the Ruger SBH or other firearm only. The 38 spcl and 45 acp are loaded to their old pressures unless loaded as +P, then they are recommended as for use in modern pistols only.

 

[tkendrick]

I second Joe's comments.

Also, if you haunt the old reloading manuals....and mean old, like from the 40's and 50's, you'll sometimes run into comments refering to reducing loads for balloon head cases.

It wasn't just the guns that got stronger.

In most cases, you can assume that the manual's are geared to the lowest common denominator, as far gun strength is concerned.

Having said that, most guns built since the introduction of SAAMI are going to be proofed to handle a specific pressure for a specific cartridge, and factory ammo (as well as reloading data) are going to not exceed that pressure.

It makes sense, but know that a lot of 1st generation SAA Colt's died spectacular death's because their owners weren't paying attention.

 

[tasco 74]

my policy has has been to consult several different loading manuals to see what the difference is in .357 magnum max loads then talor my reloads to what i feel comfortable with.. i'm alittle on the conservative side with all my reloads.. i know the revolver i'm shooting ammo from will handle much stouter loads because it has the same cylinder diameter of a .44 caliber gun.. but why stretch things if you don't need to..

 

[EddieCoyle]

You also want to be careful with old load info. Powders have changed through the years and some old data can get you into trouble.

 

[tasco 74]

there's lots of fresh loading data right here on the web.. a few of the things in my FAVORITES list is loading data.. one them is alliant powder as i use bullseye for everything i load.