" Typos " in load data

[Timothy]

A long time ago when I was woodworking my Dad told me to “measure twice, cut onceâ€. I’ve applied that advice to most everything in life. It helps to eliminate stupid mistakes, especially in reloading. Whenever possible before I decide on a particular recipe I check another reloading manual just to make sure they are both in the same parade.
Proof readers must get terrible headaches, but how ‘bout the guy that proof reads reloading manuals. If he doesn’t catch a “typo†the consequences could be disastrous for someone who doesn’t “measure twiceâ€! How about 4.6 gr. of 231 transposed to 6.4 gr. when working near the upper limit. That’s a jump of 1.8 gr. or 39 %. Sure, most of us would notice that the 6.4 did not follow the progression, but how about someone who is new to reloading or is just always in too much of a hurry.
Personally, I’ve never stumbled across a “typo†such as this and was wondering if any of you guys ever did. If these mistakes are truly non-existent, how are they prevented?

 

[schild]

When I'm researching a new load I always check a couple different manuals, this would eliminate your worries.

 

[Timothy]

Thanks schild. So do I.......not worried, just curious.

 

[larryw]

There was a thread on one of the boards recently about typos that were in the, IIRC, Barnes manual. It does happen.

 

[Johnny Guest]

Double Checking Load Data - - -

- - - Should be a way of life with any careful hand loader. If I generally recall a general amount of powder with a given bullet, and look in one manual and it matches my recollection, then I am content. But when going to something new - - -A bullet weight I have not used, or, especially, when starting out loading a caliber which is new to me, I want to "Second Source" the informaiton.

I'm aobut to get started on 7.5 Swiss loads. I have the data marked in one manual. I will find another, or at the very least, check sources on the 'net.

No excuse for relying on a single source of data nowadays--Especially if one has access to the internet.

Best,
Johnny

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I think the critical thing when cross checking loads is "does it all make sense". I was loading 9mm 115 grn JHP's today with Power Pistol. First the Alliant book lists a max, but my prior experience with it said this was to hot, so lets back it down a bit. Then check the Speer manual, consistent with the Alliant book but longer COL. Now the hornaday manual, much lower charges, but shorter COL. Ok, that all makes sense.

My solution was to go .2 grains below my last tested load that was ok, but a bit fast for a 115 grn JHP. Since I am just punching paper and want to keep the lead out of my P7 gas system there is no point in pushing to hard.

This is what I mean about making sense.

 

[BigG]

They happen. IIRC the Lyman manual which has separate listings for lead and jacketed bullets had one that in 45 ACP listed a max load as ~ 5 grains of bullseye where in the other for the same weight the max was some 6 or 7 grains of bullseye.

All along the columns you could see that the progression was a tenth of a grain here, a tenth of a grain there. That was a whopping error that could disassemble a pistol. Always check!

 

[bogie]

Lessee... I've got Lyman, Sierra, Speer, Hornady, Accurate Arms, Hodgdon, Lee, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a manual or three. I ALWAYS double check.

I _REALLY_ do not like the Midway .45 ACP load book. I don't know how they got the OALs they specced, but they wouldn't chamber in either of two barrels, one of 'em mil-spec. Plus, the loads were definitely on the HOT side (and I'm one of those insane folks who just had to push a 55 grain 6mm ballistic tip to 4,100 fps out of a 6BR...).

 

[BIGR]

Thats why that ol timer told me years ago to have 3 or 4 loading manuals. On new loads and proven loads I always check all the manuals more than once. I could see where it would be easy to get on the wrong line or wrong page. I also refer to the Sierria loading program that I have on my computer.

 

[Southla1]

IIRC Hodgdon had one in #26.................gonna have to look I used some highlighter on it so it would catch my eye.

 

[griz]

I got one of the free handouts from Ramshot powder. For one cartridge they had the max loads producing LESS pressure and velocity than a load with less powder. I think I know what they actually meant, but it sure makes you wonder. I would not have used that load without another source.