A little confused...

[tt0511]

Okay, so this may seem dumb to you experienced reloaders, but I am a beginner and haven't loaded anything yet.

I have two books: The ABC's of Reloading, and Hornady Handbook of Reloading. I've been reading them both and read all of the Hornady manual's information before the actual load tables for each caliber. A friend at church informed me that the Hornady manual is only for Hornady bullets. I was kinda bummed because I found that Hornady bullets are quite pricey!

So, another forum member has recommended Precision Delta bullets. I know the diameter of all bullets of a caliber should be the same. But, what about the depth? I found that while the Hornady manual lists a max load of 6.1gr for their .45 Auto 230 grain FMJ ENC bullet, Alliant Powder Reloaders Guide lists a max of 6.5gr for the Speer 230 grain TMJ bullet. (both loads are for Unique)

I presume the difference is the length of the bullet which determines how much space is remaining in the case. A smaller volume in the case will yield a higher pressure, therefore a longer bullet will yield a higher pressure in the case and vice versa.

So, when I buy bullets from somewhere like Precision Delta, how do I determine which powder charge to load with when there is no data for that bullet?

[tt0511]

Wow, I don't know what happened on the forum, but when I posted this thread it took about three minutes to post. Then I actually got an error rather than seeing the post. Then I hit "back" one time on my browser and tried to post again since I got the error. Now there are 4 threads under this heading! If a moderator can delete the other 3 threads, please do! That was a weird computer glitch thing.

[mikegideon]

The site must be broken. I received 4 copies of the same PM this morning

[gregintenn]

For the most part, a bullet of the same weight and shape can be loaded using load data from most any load manual. Some will list slightly different data than others, and you'll find the old manuals will often list hotter loads than newer manuals. There are differences in some bullets. For example, with rifle bullets, one of the solid copper bullets of the same weight will be longer than a traditional lead core bullet. This increases surface area, and therefore friction in the barrel, which changes chamber pressures. This will result in different loads for the same weight and caliber bullet. As for 45 cal 230 gr FMJ bullets, as far as I know they's all be pretty much the same. Conventional wisdom states that one should begin with the published minimum load and work his way up toward the maximum load cautiously, and in small increments, watching for signs of excessive pressure. Different guns will vary slightly in chamber pressures firing the same load.

[tt0511]

Thanks Greg. I suspected this to be the case but wanted some reassurance from someone with actual experience. The other question I have is regarding barrel length. I will be loading initially for my compact 1911 with a 4 1/4" barrel. The load data is for 5" barrel length on .45 Auto. Do we just ignore the shorter barrel length and load for the 5" barrel? Would seem to me that with less barrel length you end up with either less pressure in the barrel due to less time in there, and/or a slower velocity on the bullet. I guess you have to live with the slower velocity incurred by the shorter barrel length on compact guns because you can't load the cartridge hotter without case failure.

[gregintenn]

I've never given much thought to barrel length. You do, of course, lose velocity as you shorten the barrel. I'm not sure what effect this has on pressures. I've never been a fan of pushing the envelope on velocities of a given cartridge anyway. I'd prefer opting for a larger cartridge instead, if I feel that what I have isn't adequate. I have an old Sierra Manual that I use for nearly all of my data, and it hasn't steered me wrong yet. I shoot several different brands of bullets, but all of which are pretty traditional in their composition.

[tnhawk]

I'd would not start reloading near the maximum charges. I've used 5.8 gr to give good accuracy for 230 grain FMJ bullet using unique powder.

[gregintenn]

I'd would not start reloading near the maximum charges. I've used 5.8 gr to give good accuracy for 230 grain FMJ bullet using unique powder.

Right. Reloading for handguns requires several considerations. You'll need a load that functions correctly in your pistol, works the recoil spring reliably, and hits the point of aim at your preferred distance. Sometimes a max load will do this, often times not.

[Guest DaG]

Always remember the shorter the OAL the higher the pressure. And to confuse you even more, the longer the OAL, the closer to the lands and grooves the higher the pressure. But I wouldn't worry about 45 as it is not a high pressure rd. Also invest in a chrono and look for pressure signs. If you are loading 45, Hogdon Clays and Titegroup are 2 awesome powders for 230 gr. 45. And remember, lead bullets are sized .452 and jacketed are sized .451. Lead bullets will give a higher velocity with the same powder charge so drop the load by 10% and work up from there. Confused yet??

DaG

[East_TN_Patriot]

I just typically use the Lee Reloading manual. The tables put out by Lee incorporate a variety of bullet weights and powder types. Even then, you have to load some up and try them out. Like the others said, no load is 100% in every firearm or application. I have a buddy who does competitive long range rifle shooting and believes 100% in the 'more is better' concept of reloading. He immediately goes to the max load for the .300 Win mag, then adds powder thinking that it will automatically give him better range and ballistics at 1000 yards. Then he shoots a match, gets crappy accuracy, usually breaks his gun, and blows primers/brass. I keep telling him to dial it down because the extra pressure is probably only causing his bullets to tumble in flight, but he won't listen. Lately, he's been getting about 500 rounds through a barrel before he has to replace it.

[glockster157]

Typically I will try to tailor my loads for accuracy in my rifles. However, in handguns I try to make a round that will work well in most handguns. I don't try to re-invent the wheel either. Do some searching on line and you can find some very good information about loads that others have tried and used. I prefer to use loads that have been recommended and tried by many of the popular writers as these seem well tested. As to loading info, I have most all the loading manuals but i also use the on-line manuals from Alliant, Accurate, IMR/Hodgdon/Winchester as well as Handloader.com and also a good sight for classic loads if Sixguns.com. Try this page

GHL 45ACP Pt 1

[tt0511]

I didn't intend to make you guys think I was interested in the maximum charge for my loads. I was merely comparing those maximums and how much they vary from one another. My concern was going by data for one manufacturer's bullet, and then having a scenario where I was using a very safe charge for their bullet, but a charge that would be close to maximum for the bullet I was actually using, ...if you can follow what I mean there.

[gregintenn]

I find the maximum charge in modern reloading manuals to be somewhat conservative. I've yet to find any problems with excessive pressures with any I've tried. However, there's always a first time. I assume the difference in the max loads between manufacturers is a result of the variations of equipment used to obtain the results.