What should i look for in texting loads

[pspc271]

So I’m testing out a few different loads for my FNP-45. I've loaded up 10 rounds each of 5.0gr, 5.2gr, 5.4gr, 5.6gr, and 5.8gr. of Titegroup with Remington primers, and Berry's 185gr RNHP. The cases are mostly Speer with a few Winchester mixed it. Other than looking to see which produces the smallest group what else should I be looking for? This is the first load I’ve ever experimented with. I previous copied a load I found on the internet, 100 rds of 4.6gr Titegroup under Hornady 230gr FMJ with the same primers and they shot great, way tighter than Walmart whitebox. Im just looking to see what else I can do to shoot even better and learn more from this hobby.

I guess a chrono would be helpful but don't have one yet.

 

[Sam1911]

Without a chrono about the only thing you really can test for (assuming all function reliably...but 10 rds isn't much of a reliability test) is accuracy.

With a chrono you can check extreme spread and standard deviation, which will give you an idea of how consistently each load works -- which will usually correspond to best theoretical accuracy.

If you shoot competition, a chrono would also let you check that your favorite load does go fast enough to meet the power floor/factor for you given sport, but that might not even be a concern for you.

As it is, loading for a service-type sidearm really is pretty simple. Pick a charge and bullet that shoot reliably and which seem to give you acceptable accuracy -- then load and shoot and load and shoot, and repeat as necessary!

You won't be nitpicking benchrest accuracy loads, and for all practical uses of a defensive/service sidearm, reliability is the biggest factor.

 

[kingmt]

It depens what you want to do. I load most of my ammo where it just functions the slide & brass falls at my feet. Ammo loaded at max will beat most guns up fast.

 

[Josh45]

Accuracy and function as mentioned already would be the only thing you can check without the chrono. Either way, That is still important in developing your loads.

 

[fjlee]

So I’m testing out a few different loads Other than looking to see which produces the smallest group what else should I be looking for?
I guess a chrono would be helpful but don't have one yet.

What else can you look for without a chronograph?

Cost, availability of desired handloading components, recoil, muzzle blast, muzzle flash, function, reliability, trajectory, sight settings, ease of the handloading procedure, bore fouling, cleanliness, bullet expansion/performance, brass extraction.....etc. etc....

There's quite a long "shopping list" of things to monitor/observe that, if applied sensibly, can be very useful in bettering one's ability and "fun-factor" while shooting and handloading.

At least that's how I see it, as I attempt to better myself with my first-ever center-fire handgun. The light that I see at the end of my tunnel is telling me that it's gonna be a never-ending quest.......but that's okay.....as long as I can get components.

Enjoy yourself, save your paper targets, and keep notes........

FjLee Denver CO

 

[Blue68f100]

Another thing is see if you have soot down the sides of the brass indicating low pressure. If you get this bump the load up till it stops and the gun want get near as dirty.

Since Berry's is a plated bullet they recommend not going past med fmj loads. But since the 45 is a low pressure round you don't have to worry about the 1200fps max.

The 185gr HBRN are my favorite bullet for practice but I use WST.