Home » General Conversation » Reloading » Differences in same grain bullets - Differences in loading (sometimes) (Questions - Confusion)
| Differences in same grain bullets - Differences in loading (sometimes) [message #24814] |
Mon, 14 October 2013 19:53  |
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cajuntec
Messages: 1250
Registered: November 2009
Location: Williamsburg, VA
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Top Contributor
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OK - Here's the deal. I've got just about every reloading manual I could get my hands on. I've got Lyman, Hornady, Speer, Lee, and downloads from Hodgdon. I've crossed referenced stuff, and see variations in loading manuals all the time, so I err on the side of caution and load conservatively.
Well, Hornady's manual list reloading data by bullet grain - not exactly just by type. For example, for a 6.8 SPC, using a Hornady 130 grain bullet, whether it is a GMX, SST, IB, or SP (all very different bullets - three have boat tails, one has flat base; three have ballistic tips, one has a soft point; two have cannelures, two don't, ect....) - there is one set of reloading data. They list powder down one side, and velocity across the top, with 4 steps of grains powder.
.300 AAC data is difficult to find, but it's getting better. When I was looking for data to load 125 grain Sierra ProHunters, Sierra had nothing listed. I looked all over and found several people talking about using it in their rifles, so I asked where they were getting reloading data. I was told to look in the Hodgdon listing, and use the data for the Nosler BT, so that is what I found and used. I decided on Lil' Gun, as I didn't want to start with 296 or H110, even though I had plenty of that on hand. Minimum was 16.9 and max was 18, so I loaded steps from 17, 17.2, 17.4, 17.6, and 17.8. I FINALLY got everything loaded, and posted about it recently in this same forum.
Today I receive an email from someone asking what powder I was using. When I replied Lil'Gun, he referenced me to a fairly new (July 17th, 2013) listing on Sierra's website, located here: http://sierrabullets.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/300-aac-blacko ut-medium-length-gas-tube/
Now my problem is this - I now have data from the bullet manufacturer, using the bullet and powder that I planned to use, and the weapon they tested it in is the weapon I'm going to use - an AR with a Carbine length gas tube (I have an adjustable gas block as well). But the MAX is only 17.2 grains of Lil'Gun!!! I have 60 rounds loaded from 17.4 to 17.8 grains of Lil'Gun. 
Pull bullets, dump powder, and start all over on those 60 (or 80 - Should I pull the max loads as well?)
Dang it. I feel like I'm never going to get these loaded and tested, and right now, my confidence in some of the reloading manuals is waning. I know, I know... put it away for the day and start over again later when I'm no longer frustrated.
Should I pull 60 bullets or 80 bullets (80 includes the max load 17.2 grain loads)?
All the best,
Glenn
If at first you don't succeed... buy newer / better equipment!
[Updated on: Mon, 14 October 2013 20:01] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Differences in same grain bullets - Differences in loading (sometimes) [message #25033 is a reply to message #24814] |
Thu, 24 October 2013 00:55  |
himark
Messages: 61
Registered: October 2012
Location: Quincy wa
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Novice Contributor |
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I wouldn't pull anything i have alot of loads above the book max i am not saying i recommend it but there are a lot of variables coil legenth, neck tension, primers are some that can change pressure . I would start by loading 10 more rounds the same seating depth form say 16.5 or so and up in 1 or 2 tenth a grain at a time. watch for pressure signs you might be suprised on where your max actually is. This is how i usually start new loads 10 or 20 at a time but i am not usually looking for max but best group once i get that then i mess with seating depth to see if i can get a little tighter. As far as reloading books go it is amazing how far off one book can be from another i look at them as a starting point.
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