When is Red Dot not Red Dot?

[Catpop]

Steve C, I'm confused, if the average reloader can't use indicators of high pressure in load development, how does he ever work up a load for a particular gun?

 

[rbernie]

if the average reloader can't use indicators of high pressure in load development, how does he ever work up a load for a particular gun

Post-firing examination of brass/primers doesn't really provide a complete view of the actual event. For this reason, we work up from the starting load data towards the known published max (as tested by a facility with adequate instrumentation to show a complete pressure curve) and stop whenever abnormal signs appear prior to that point. This behavior helps ensure that we never get TOO out of bed with regard to safe pressures, but (as you've pointed out) our view of abnormal signs itself inadequate to ever really *know* what's going on.

 

[Catpop]

Rbernie, thanks for input. Is this pressure curve avaiable to me? If so from where? I'm not totally sold on the new reloading books vs. the old ones. Just me- have to see it. Thanks

 

[plateshooter]

Red Dot and 38 Special loads

I have loaded 4.7gr of Red Dot with 158 lead bullets in 38 special cases since the early 70s. I have shot many thousands of them in S&W K and L frame revolvers, and my Ruger Security Sixes. I never had any problems or indications of excessive pressure. A friend of mine using the same load shot one round in his S&W 637 Air Weight revolver and this was the result.

I load for the Air Weight revolvers that I have according to the current Alliant data of 3.4 gr for standard 38 spec loads using the 158 gr lead bullets. I don't use the 3.8gr +P loads that they list in these guns either.

This was the 1st shot of the day using a freshly cleaned gun. The bullet did exit the barrel. We couldn't find a hole in the target, or any pieces of the top strap or the cylinder. No one was injured and I was standing next to him when this happened. His comment was "that sounded different".



http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=182345&stc=1&d=1365154292

 

[rbernie]

Rbernie, thanks for input. Is this pressure curve avaiable to me?

You can ask the load testers, but it's not likely that they'll give you their data. You can always buy QuickLoad if you want to see more than just load data results.