Reloading Data: The Deal

It has the correct reloading data. It has the correct data for reloading. Is it gospel? Is it gospel? If so, why are there so many variations between the various (supposedly) reliable sources? Is one set of data better than another if a reloading manual doesn’t contain all the truth? This confusion can make it difficult for a man to get started, especially when it comes to reloading. Photo: Massaro Media Group. Ignore the InternetRegarding reloading information taken from forums, chat room and internet posters–I’ve seen enough ridiculous claims and dangerous information that I just ignore it all. Although I don’t know if people find them funny or if they believe their guns can withstand pressures like ours, the simple rule of thumb is to not trust the internet. There are many reloading manuals out there that will show you the charge weights and velocities of particular cartridge/bullet combination. The short answer is that a reloading manual is a snapshot of a specific test rifle or barrel and how it interacts with other variables such as primer brand/type, case brand, etc. Barrel VariationsBarrel length can play a significant role in the velocities achieved with any given combination. It is generally accepted that every inch of additional barrel, compared to the test barrel length will increase the velocity by 25-30 fps. It is also true that each inch shorter than the test bar will decrease the velocity. If you look closely at the data, you might find that the company used an extraordinary length barrel and a universal receiver. This will logically mean that the published velocity figure for a shorter barrel is not possible. I have seen many reloaders reject a load that produced a “bug-hole” group because it was 100 fps below the advertised velocity. Except for long-range shooting, it’s unlikely that a load’s velocity is much different than the advertised book velocity. I have seen barrels that are “fast” or “slow” in relation to the pressures and velocities generated compared to published data. I’ve also seen situations where two reloading books using similar bullet profiles and bearing surfaces reach the upper pressure/velocity limits with radically different charge weights. Both manuals were based on identical rifles with identical primers and identical barrel sizes. Therefore, it would be easy to conclude that one manual topped off at a lighter charge weight. However, my data was tested in two of my own rifles. Comparing the charge weights in that manual to my own rifles, the velocities I got didn’t match what I found in mine. This is why it is important to start at the bottom and work your way up until you reach the velocity or accuracy that you desire at a safe pressure level. Most reloading manuals will list the brand and type of primers used in the testing. Others may not, depending upon how detailed the data is. It is important to remember that primers of different brands and types can cause variations in velocity and/or pressures. You will need to switch primers if you have to. Start at the bottom of your data and work your way up to ensure safety. Always verify the load data to determine the type and brand name of primer used. Photo by Massaro Media Group. Bullet Specifics. Finally, the shape, conformation, and construction of the bullet that you are loading can affect your results. Nosler’s reloading manual (which is generously offered online at: Load-Data.Nosler.com) will provide load data for each cartridge by bullet weight. Their data for the.308 Winchester bullets and 175-to 180-grain bullets covers eight bullets. It is easy to see the differences in the bearing surface between the 180-grain AccuBond Spitzer boattail and the flat-based 180grain Partition Protected Point. This also shows how different bullets might react to the same powder. The lead-free options, which are heavier than their lead core counterparts of the same weight, can be easily seen. This can also explain why bullets react differently to the same powder charge. There are many bullet types that have different data. In some cases, the difference between the powder weights from the bottom and the top can be less than one grain of powder. Bullets come in all shapes and sizes which can affect the pressures generated. Two bullets with the same caliber and weight may have different powder charges to achieve the same velocity. Massaro Media Group. Dote on the Details. The meticulous records you keep about your firearm are what I consider the most important part in the data game. Your records are just like a lab report on a particular set or gear, and your records are key to loading your firearm. It will be a treasure trove of information for future shooters. You’ll know what works and what doesn’t. You’ll also have performance notes, game notes, and other details. I enjoy reading through these books and it has changed how I view load data over the years. It has also driven me to keep track of all my loading sessions. My own reloading manual is essential for my guns. Download your Storm Tactical printable target pack62 printable MOA targets with DOT drills – Rifle range in YARDSThis amazing target pack comes from Storm Tactical and contains 62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range usage. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be found in MOA. Get Free Targets