What does "load development" mean to you?

[Rule3]

A phrase that is commonly used in lots of posts.

I load a lot of handgun calibers and several rifles. Have been for some time. I do not know how to interpret this phrase. To me, it would be developing your own loads or those that are not published in any data source.

To others it may mean development of a load that is most accurate or the best velocity(using published data) in their specific pistol or rifle.

I mess around with a lot of powders and different bullets, lead, FMJ, coated , experiment a little with jacketed data convert to lead bullets but nothing extreme. I use published data so I do not consider myself as "load development" or creating a "new" load.


If one does their own loads how do you even begin to do that?

 

[bangswitch]

To me it means putting together a combination of brass, primer, bullet weight and powder type/load that shoots the most accurately from a given firearm.

I don't experiment with powders much, I stick to known performers for a particular caliber and just buy as much as I can afford whenever I find it. Then I work up different powder weights for a couple of different weight bullets and see what I do with them at the range. I find that most of my homework has been done for me by the millions of reloaders who came before me. I just want something accurate and reliable.

For pistols, I just load for either target (IDPA or paper punching) or self defense; target loads usually get lower powder weights for reduced recoil while keeping the energy above the minimum IDPA limit for the gilded bullets I use (155 Rainier, usually). Self defense rounds are near the upper limit and get JHP's.

For rifle, I've found what works for the three guns I load for, so I don't change much any more. 41.5 gr H4895/168 Sierra MatchKing, Winchester LR primer, LC brass for the M1A. And so on.

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I load for a limited number of calibers and use the same powder and primers. Mostly load development for me in any one given caliber is to experiment with various bullets driven to higher/lower velocities on the lookout for accuracy and penetration/performance on a wet target.

I shoot mostly for SD and load my own carry ammunition based on the loads I develop. We practice exclusively with the rounds we carry for SD. I also tend to use the various calibers in various guns so sometimes (like in .32 or .380) I'll build/develop specific loads to get me "tuned" performance in a specific gun. Again, for carry/SD purposes as I have found that what works really well in say a Glock 42 does not seem to be such a good idea in a Walther PPK/s. A round that rocks in my Colt 1903 .32's may not even function in a Kel-Tec P32. I build .38 Specials specifically for our Ruger LCR to get as much Ooomph as possible without sterilizing us with recoil. Optimize .357 mag for a 2 1/2" barreled revolver and make a different load for a S&W M19 4".

That's the extent of load development for me.

VooDoo

 

[1SOW]

For 9mm using multiple bullets and powders:

It means trying new omponents or combinations of components and finding the right load for the powder being tested by using published load data and my previous experiences.

With a completely new-to-me powder, it means using available load data, starting low and incrementally adding powder until the accuracy and feel is right for my comp./range uses. This may mean a second go-around to tune the first choices.

Both include checking/verifying results on a chrono.

 

[Milt1]

My take (regarding semi-auto pistols or revolvers) is that anytime you are putting together components to make a round you are doing load development. I say this because I haven't found published data for a particular handgun that I might own whereas with rifles, it doesn't matter which manufacturer made your rifle, as it come down to mostly barrel length as to the velocity of a given load.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

To me, it would be developing your own loads or those that are not published in any data source.

To others it may mean development of a load that is most accurate or the best velocity(using published data) in their specific pistol or rifle.

It's all of the above and then some. It is a load that I develop to do what I want it to do with the most accuracy, economy, and effectiveness on all counts. Something that fits my needs not the cookie cutter data that's published.

I recently worked up loads with a new powder that has very limited data so I worked up my own.
Next week I may be working up a load for an obsure, unpopular caliber that published data is available for.
The week after that I may have a special application that doesn't fall under the normalcy of published data. Maybe an old 8mm surplus rifle that I want to shoot 150gr bullets out of and 190gr bullets are all that's in my manuals.

 

[oldpapps]

"What does "load development" mean to you?"


Tailoring a load for a single weapon/need.

Many are loaded as generic, must function in all or as many weapons as I can test in. This is a treat to do. My .45 ACPs.

Others are one bullet type/weight to the accuracy degree required/desired and within the velocity specs. My .223s for a Rem 600.

And still others are loaded to special levels for old/er prized weapons. Loads for my Garands and that old S&W .32 top break with the three hash marks.

This is what I think of.

 

[Rule3]

It's all of the above and then some. It is a load that I develop to do what I want it to do with the most accuracy, economy, and effectiveness on all counts. Something that fits my needs not the cookie cutter data that's published.

I recently worked up loads with a new powder that has very limited data so I worked up my own.
Next week I may be working up a load for an obsure, unpopular caliber that published data is available for.
The week after that I may have a special application that doesn't fall under the normalcy of published data. Maybe an old 8mm surplus rifle that I want to shoot 150gr bullets out of and 190gr bullets are all that's in my manuals.

This is more what I was thinking it meant. How do you (or anyone) know where to start? A new powder, no data for it in a particular caliber you have, so how do you come up with a start load.?

I am sort of doing this with Longshot. I lucked into a 8 lb container of it and I am trying to adapt it to a lot of calibers and bullet weights. There is data out there but not a lot or for the bullet weigh caliber I want. So I am trying to take what is there and do a work around sort of thing. I have other powders but I want to use this as I have so much of it.

 

[oldpapps]

"new powder, no data for it"


Major pucker factors come into play.

I worked a loading using Olin 630 in the 300 BlackOut. No, there wasn't any starting place for that combination.

I did weight to velocity comparisons between 296 and 630 when used in the 44 Mag. This gave me a semi starting place. I then compared the same in .357s. This gave me a close ratio for the 296 and 630. I used the same ratio to guesstamate my first charge of 630 in the 300 black. I rethought this many, many times and finally loaded a lighter loading.
I had my daughter watch out the window when I made the first test firing. She didn't know why I wanted her to watch and wasn't impressed by it. I was. From this point I eased to lighter and a little heavier until I found what I wanted. FYI, Hornady 110 VMax, 17.2 grains of 630 at 2.010 inches for a VERY accurate 2328 FPS. 147 grain pulls, 13.5 grains of 630 at 2.000 inches for (the best accuracy I have ever gotten from these pulls) 1731 FPS. These are not the fastest but are great in the accuracy department.

I feel very safe listing these powder charges. How much Olin 630 have you seen lately or ever?

Is this the scarey story you want to hear?

 

[jwrowland77]

To me it means, making the most accurate load for my rifles and pistols. Then fine tuning it to get those bug holes at 100yds.

I think it also means coming up with a load with little or no data. Like recently, I did a load development for 2000-MR using a 178gr bullet. You won't find load data for that bullet/powder combo. I even emailed Alliant, they didn't have any. So I did my own load development.

Having used A LOT of that powder, I was pretty confident in what I was doing and actually come up with an extremely accurate load that also gave me the velocity I was looking for, to use as a 1000yd load using a .308 Win.

Would I recommend for new reloaders, nope not at all....Would I give my data out to anyone? Probably not unless it was a seasoned reloader.

 

[Trailduster79]

To me it means working up a load until it functions the gun properly and goes boom.......

The rounds are much more accurate than I am at this point.

 

[Walkalong]

To others it may mean development of a load that is most accurate or the best velocity(using published data) in their specific pistol or rifle.

This is what it means most of the time, and what it should mean for every reloader until they have quite a bit of experience. Even then some of them should not venture out. With the huge amount of published data out there these days, there is no real need to go off the page. As with all "rules", there are exceptions. Surplus powder, using a powder for a caliber where there is no data, using that powder from surplus .308 ammo that you pulled the bullets from, etc. But again, it should be left to experienced reloaders. There is absolutely no need for the beginner to stray from published data.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

This is more what I was thinking it meant. How do you (or anyone) know where to start? A new powder, no data for it in a particular caliber you have, so how do you come up with a start load.?

PM sent

 

[gamestalker]

I never really thought about as being interpreted as development of unpublished loads? I suppose it could be thought of as that, but I think that would be a rather risky interpretation.

For me, I've always considered it to be the process of getting a published load to perform optimally for a given firearm through OAL adjustments, bullet weights and types, powder type and work up, primer type / brands, and brass type and weights, and what ever else can be done to tune a load.

GS

 

[witchhunter]

Load development to me is the process of finding the best (most accurate) load for a given gun. Accuracy is foremost, and most often experimented for. Once I have an accurate load, to my satisfaction, I do not change it until I have to, like running out of a component. (A lot of that lately) I do not try a powder without published data, there is too much published and proven data available for that. But, just because there is data for a powder, is recommended, doesn't mean it is the best for MY gun or My needs from that cartridge. For instance, I have a load for .221 Fireball that is not the fastest, nor the most recommended, but it will shoot one hole all day long, using 14.8 grains of powder. It is easy on barrels, accurate and frugal with powder. One of the recommended loads for this round uses over 20 grains, I save 5 grains per round, or every 3rd one for free.....win, win. So develop loads that conform to what you want out of the cartridge or rifle, that is what it is all about. When I started loading rifle, you could not buy Nosler Partitions in live rounds, but you could load your own. I have always loaded rifle rounds for quality not savings.

 

[Rule3]

It seems so far, that the consensus is fine tuning published loads to perform the best with all the components in a particular firearm.


Guess a matter of semantics. More of a fine tuning rather than developing a load which to me would be something new. That is why I asked.

I stick to all the manuals. powder company data and work with those, Heck those vary enough. Change a bullet and primer and it's all different.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

How do you (or anyone) know where to start?

Manuals or online data from the powder or bullet manufacturer.

A new powder, no data for it in a particular caliber you have, so how do you come up with a start load.?

You don't. You load according to published data.
The powder manufacturers test loads with specialized equipment in safe environments so we don't have to guess.

I am sort of doing this with Longshot. I lucked into a 8 lb container of it and I am trying to adapt it to a lot of calibers and bullet weights.

That is a bass ackwards way of looking at hand loading IMO.
You don't buy one powder and "adapt" it to do what you want it to do. You buy a powder that has been tested for the desired application.
If there's a powder shortage, you wait. It won't last forever. Don't destroy a valuable gun or god forbid, your hand trying to make something work for a purpose it was not intended.

Not trying to rag on you friend. But published data is there for a reason. Some of the guys who have decades of experience may be able to do a little experimentation here and there, but not beginners. I've been doing it for about 5 years now and I wouldn't dream of using a powder with no published data.

 

[Rule3]

Paul, I was asking a definition of the term. I don't load like that. I did not buy the powder it was given to me (lucked into) I pretty much said this in my last post#16

["I]I stick to all the manuals. powder company data and work with those, Heck those vary enough. Change a bullet and primer and it's all different."[/I]

 

[newfalguy101]

If one does their own loads how do you even begin to do that?

Cant speak for anybody else, but, if I strike out on my own, I locate data for a cartridge that is similar to what I am working with and start at the bottom of that data and work up.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Paul, I was asking a definition of the term. I don't load like that.

I am glad to hear that friend I really am. I wasn't trying to be an ass, I assure you.
And if I scored an 8 pound jug of free powder I'd be happy as I could be and trying to use it too.

The definition to me is slowly working up a load in small increments until you achieve the tightest groups possible. Match shooters, and some picky hunters will do this with several different powder/bullet combinations. Me, if I get one right at MOA, I'm good. I'm not shooting at a deer past about 300 yds anyway and that's plenty for me. I'm not in any competitions.

I admit though that those rare one hole groups make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

 

[cowtownup]

I'm right there with Arkansas Paul.

 

[Rule3]

I am glad to hear that friend I really am. I wasn't trying to be an ass, I assure you.
And if I scored an 8 pound jug of free powder I'd be happy as I could be and trying to use it too.

The definition to me is slowly working up a load in small increments until you achieve the tightest groups possible. Match shooters, and some picky hunters will do this with several different powder/bullet combinations. Me, if I get one right at MOA, I'm good. I'm not shooting at a deer past about 300 yds anyway and that's plenty for me. I'm not in any competitions.

I admit though that those rare one hole groups make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I like Power Pistol in 9 and 4o I have found Longshot to work well in those.

45 and 38 spl I stay with tried and true Bullseye,

Magnums 2400 or H110

45 Colt I was using Unique,Longshot fits that bill also,

I have plenty of powders but would like to use this LS as who knows when I will see my favorite handgun powders again.??

 

[spitballer]

"Load development" for my .223 bolt action usually means tweaking the amount of powder to give the tightest groups. I always use stick powder and CCI#400 primers, so the variables for me are threefold:

A) bullet weight

B) powder speed

C) powder charge

I still load in very small batches on a balance scale and make use of a Chrony. On the advice of the competitive shooters I've also cut back to one shot per minute, with excellent results. For sake of uniformity I thoroughly remove any copper fouling before testing the next charge.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I have plenty of powders but would like to use this LS as who knows when I will see my favorite handgun powders again.??

Yeah I had to do some experimenting with different powders too when the shortage hit. I used 700X and Red Dot for the first time because Unique and HP38/W231 was so scarce. It shot great, but I'll be glad when my favorites are plentiful again.

I did see Bullseye on the shelf at Bass Pro the other day so that was a good sign. Has been a few months since I've seen any of it.

I like Power Pistol in 9 and 4o

I shoot more .40 than anything and shoot mostly cast lead bullets in it. Have you ever tried the PP with cast bullets?

 

[Rule3]

I shoot more .40 than anything and shoot mostly cast lead bullets in it. Have you ever tried the PP with cast bullets?

No I use Precision Delta FMJ. I shoot more 9mm and use the PD also but would not hesitate to use the PP in either one. I have several boxes of MBC 9 and 40 projectiles but I seem to just reach for the PD in my semi autos. I shoot mostly lead in revolvers,

Now that these coated bullets have come out I am messing around with those so the lead may take a back seat to those, I bought coated for the 9mm and 45 ACP/Colt. They work great, accurate enough for me And much cleaner at the end of the day. I don't care much about that as I am OCD about cleaning anyway.

Guess that sums up my interpretation of "load development" I change things around a lot. Shooting holes in paper is boring enough so I try different powders and bullets.