Where do you start when there's no load data?

[Winzeler]

I've been loading for my .40 and .243 for a few months now and I was wanting to pick up loading for my 357 SIG. I want to take apart some 100gr Corbon Pow'r Balls and put them back together with 3N37 powder. Vihtavuori doesn't post any data on a 100gr bullet. Question 1 is, do you guys think it's a bad idea to pull a bullet that I really like (it's the only reliable non-fmj for feeding that I've found) from a factory round for use in my handloads? Question 2 is, how do I work up a load when there is no data on it?

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

Contact them directly.

http://www.vihtavuori-lapua.com/contact.asp

North American Agent Information:
Kaltron-Pettibone
1241 Ellis Street
Bensenville, IL 60106
630-350-1116
630-350-1606 FAX
[email protected]

Ask them where to start.

 

[R.W.Dale]

As an avid handloader I've gotta ask, Why in the world would you want to dissasemble ammo just to change powders?

 

[Winzeler]

600+ ft.lbs. just for fun.

 

[R.W.Dale]

In a modern chambering like .357 sig you'ed be hard pressed to beat factory velocities by any real margin. Especally without data.

Corbon lists thier 100grn load at 568 ft lbs from a 4.6" barrel. Now do you really think that anything you shoot will be able to tell that the loading you used was down by 32ft lbs.

 

[Winzeler]

Obviously not, that's why I said "just for fun."

 

[R.W.Dale]

You're new to handloading aren't you.

 

[Winzeler]

I made that obvious in my first post. Why are you going at me like I'm doing something wrong?

 

[R.W.Dale]

I apoligize if I came across wrong.

It's just that at first we all chase velocity but after awhile you figure out that that a few extra FPS is nothing more than a number and what's exciting about numbers. Chasing after better groups and function is where handloading really comes into it's own. I learned this within 2 months after buying my chronograph.

I'll spend money on reloading to find a more effective bullet or to shoot a better group, but not to gain another 70 or 80 FPS.

 

[Winzeler]

My .243 and 7mm are all about the accuracy. The .40 is for CCW. The 357SIG is just for numbers.

 

[R.W.Dale]

About the only thing you could do is use data for a HEAVIER bullet. But that still won't tell you what a safe max load would be for the lighter projectile. But I warn you those modern high pressure rounds like 40S&W or .357 sig are not very forgiving when playing with funky loadings.

 

[1911user]

If a powder manufacturer doesn't list load data for a particular powder in a particular caliber, there is probably a good reason. Definitely contact the factory before starting the quest of working up your own loads especially as a new reloader.

My advice would be to drop the project until you appreciate the first sentance that I wrote. Not all powders are suitable for all calibers and bullet combinations. You don't have the ballistic test equipment to understand what is really going on especially if you are chasing the holy grail of much higher velocity than factory loads. Yes, I'm being harsh, but an error on your part could mean picking pieces of the pistol out of your hands or face if things really went wrong. Get some experience before pushing the envelope IMO.

 

[Clark]

If I put some shotgun powder in a handgun cartridge, I need to pick a starting point.

With the Alliant powder STEEL, I loaded some 10mm 200 gr and 9x23mm 158 gr.

I compared the speed of STEEL to some other powder and made a guess at a starting point. Then I worked up until I got pressure sign or no more would powder would fit.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Hey it's Clark, You still got all of your fingers and eyes?

You know ol Steve Irwin thought he knew what he was doin, or at least till his luck ran out.