Update: Quickloads and Covid
Well I do have Covid, but QLs arrived so I'm looking at this issue whilst in quarantine.
Firstly, the program does not have the 240gr XTP data, so I had to take measurements and input them. Fortunately I already had some cartridges made up and some loose bullets so that made it easier.
The important info is as follows:
Bullet Dia - 0.430"
Bullet Length - 0.706"
Case Length - 1.275"
Cartridge OAL - 1.590"
So I ran it with 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, and 11.5gr of Unique. And because I'm not terrible computer savvy these days, I've got no screenshots for you guys.
10.0 didn't get me into the velocity window with the 4-5/8" barrel. It claims 1084fps. With the 5.5" we were squeaking by at around 1125fps or so. Now those are just calculated numbers, and real world numbers could be higher or lower. This charge is way below max pressure, and if I were to guess I'd say real world numbers are likely to be lower. I'm also not confident about consistency given the case volume and relatively low fill percentage.
On the other end of the range, 11.5gr is peaking just over 36K PSI. Fine in my Rugers, but maybe not in other guns. Calculated velocities for barrel length are 1192fps and 1244fps respectively. These are a bit higher than I was looking for, but the 1100-1150fps was really based on the XTPs velocity window. Sure Hornady says this particular bullet will open up at 900fps, but I call BS on that. A couple petals folding back is not expansion. Still, a little on the faster side. And with pressure just above max it doesn't seem like a charge weight to pursue.
The good news is that 11.0gr peaks at just over 33K PSI, so a nice safe pressure. And calculated velocities are 1157fps and 1209fps respectively. Again I'm betting real world is slightly slower (though I may be wrong). But this charge gives a little wiggle room on the pressure side as well as the velocity side. If strikes a nice balance, on the screen at least.
So here's what I didn't tell you guys in the OP because I thought it would complicate matters: I already got part way through this load workup before, but that was based on Lyman 50th data at 11.5gr and 12.0gr. When I saw Hornady's data (because I bought it more recently), I got a little concerned and went back to look through my records.
Now despite having somehow settled on 11.5gr and having 50 carefully compiled cartridges in new starline brass, I realized I never finished the workup or chronographed that load. Luckily it's barely over pressure, so I'll check velocities on it when I can (just for fun). I'd already worked up and tested 12.0gr as well as 11.0 and 11.5 for accuracy. I'm pretty sure 50 more rounds won't kill my SBH or RH.
Moving forward, my records do indicated that 11.0gr was accurate enough for my purpose (we're not talking great here) and only shot 3-4" below POA at 25yards with guns regulated for 300gr bullets at 1200fps. So that's where I'll restart and likely end the workup for this particular load.
Quickloads is interesting. I just wish it had some of the other powders and bullets I like.
