How accurate is Quickload?

[ScreaminEagle]

I've been thinking of getting QL for awhile now, and was wondering just how accurate it really is. Why should I get Quickload? Sell it to me!
Steve

 

[DrMike]

QuickLoad is as accurate as the parameters you input. Physics is physics, and mathematics is mathematics. Input solid data for your chamber parameters, etc., and the data generated is quite good within the normal variation of burn rates.

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Will it give me anything that a reloading manual can't?

 

[DrMike]

Reloading manuals give you data generated under defined conditions. We extrapolate on the basis of our own firing system, understanding that the particular parameters. of our system will differ. QuickLoad generates data given the parameters you input. If you choose not to input parameters for your firing system, it projects on the basis of SAAMI standards. The limitation is that it cannot predict the burn rate of your particular lot of powder nor the brisance of your particular lot of primers. However, burn rates and brisance for powders and primers will vary even with compared to hand loading manuals. QuickLoad will permit you to select and project with a broader array of powders and bullets than any single reloading manual can provide. It will permit you to think outside the box and consider powder/bullet combinations that you might otherwise ignore.

 

[hubcap]

I think quick load is best thing going for predicting what a load is likely to be doing with velocity and pressure. Certainly load manuals are usefull however they seem to give higher velocities with lighter charges than is likely in a hunting rifle. With quickload why continue buying manuals. In several calibers I shoot quickload is a lot closer to reality. I definitley like looking at all the different powder options. That is really a big help when the powder you want is not available.

 

[joelkdouglas]

Quickload is simetimes useful, sometimes just interesting. It's a model, so the saying applies, "all models are wrong, some are useful."

I think it's best for estimating pressures based on velocities.

 

[.300winmag]

Reloading manuals give you data generated under defined conditions. We extrapolate on the basis of our own firing system, understanding that the particular parameters. of our system will differ. QuickLoad generates data given the parameters you input. If you choose not to input parameters for your firing system, it projects on the basis of SAAMI standards. The limitation is that it cannot predict the burn rate of your particular lot of powder nor the brisance of your particular lot of primers. However, burn rates and brisance for powders and primers will vary even with compared to hand loading manuals. QuickLoad will permit you to select and project with a broader array of powders and bullets than any single reloading manual can provide. It will permit you to think outside the box and consider powder/bullet combinations that you might otherwise ignore.

Well said Dr. Mike. I am an engineer, and a lot of projects I have worked on are based on empirical data. By this I mean data that we have tested enough consecutively and with consistent results in order to define tensile, shear and ultimate stresses. . . By no means can we say that these are absolute, but by our observations, they appear correct. Honestly while in college, one of my biggest problems was the acceptance of "correction coefficients" in advanced physics classes. To me, if the physics was absolutely correct, and did not just correlate with what we observe, no "correction coefficients" would be required. But since we use them, it is understandable to believe the physics we use are close, but not exact.

In regards to QuickLoad, I use computer programs day in and out to observe stress, strain, velocity, acceleration etc. The programs are accurate (by scientific regards) if you provide good inputs. Garbage In = Garbage Out (GIGO in computer terms). Probably the most influential parameter in QuickLoad is your actual case volume (measured in H2O by Quickload, I believe). Also, the program was developed by one the top thermodynamics authorities, who I have the utmost respect for. He also wrote several text books I used while in college (and still use today).

I do not own quick load, but from what I have seen of it, assuming you have accurate inputs, I believe the program would be accurate to within a few percent. ...It won't be perfect as bullets vary in diameter, barrel friction differs, so does air pressure, as well as burn rates from lot to lot; but, it will provide a very close apples to apples comparison in terms of charge weight and velocity. I believe it would be worth the investment to the serious shooter... I personally will be purchasing it soon.

 

[Elkman]

Dr. Mike ran some QLfor me recently. I was loading near at max (as defined by QL). And wanted to see if increasing 1 one more grain would, decrease group size. Hard extraction was the result. After I dropped the 1 grain, extraction returned to normal. This was on a large capacity case. For that cartridge it was really accurate.

 

[kraky]

My wife got me ql for xmas many years ago. Its one of the best presents I've ever got. Been updating and enjoying it ever since. I could load w/out ql but now that I have it I use it all the time along w/manuals.
Bottom line is if $150 is tight on the budget...skip it.
If you deserve a $150 treat.....buy it....you wont regret it!

 

[SJB358]

I use the tar out of QL. It really works well when used as Mike mentioned, taking your specific rifles components and entering them into the program.

Case in point, my 35 Newton, QL lists a H20 capacity about 5 grains more than what I get with reformed 375 Ruger brass. So, if I used QL straight up without modifying the inputs, I would be working with stiff charges. Using my actual case capacity and barrel length usually gets me within 50-75FPS of what I am seeing on the chrono which seems very close in this game.

Same goes for the other magnums. I note a big swing in case capacities with the 7mm Rem, 300 Win and 338 Win, probably because of the sheer number of different cases and rifles chambered for them. It also allows you to see some powders, as Mike mentioned, that you may not have thought about. It is a great tool and I bet I don't even use 25% of the actual capability of the program.

It does have trouble with predicting speeds/psi's for freebored cartridges like the RUM's and WBY's, but it can be tweaked to work.

 

[kraky]

Sjb...the reason ql has trouble w/rums and wbys is the freebore in those rifles. Its just like adding case capacity. The nice thing is you will be mild in results and can go in and adjust ql upward after your first chrono reading.
It is a cool tool....for sure.
I probably like it most not for the initial work up....but after that to see what really happened. Sometimes when using a specific lot of powder a cross a couple cartridges you know more about that powder...I have a few bottles labeled...."maybe x% hot".

 

[lanman]

Two different people ran QL for me on a Tikka 7Mag that I have and it was never close. I always complained that it was slow as I never saw the velocities that the manuals or QL predicted. During a phone conversation with Scotty, he talked me into measuring my case capacity. We found that MY fired cases were about 4-5 grains off of the default value in QL.. When we put GOOD INFO IN, we go GOOD INFO OUT.. and it predicted a velocity within 25fps of what I was seeing on my Chrono.

BUY IT!

 

[RiverRider]

If I could direct a single change to QuickLOAD, it would be to have nailed down and accurate weighting factors for each cartridge. That particular input has a greater than negligible effect on calculations, and I always wonder just how close to correct my inputs are. I can imagine no reason this factor is not a part of the cartridge database.

I'm still wondering why the powder database does not include LT-32. I emailed them about a month ago about this and have received no response.