Powder Charge?
- Thread starter jr1968
- Start date
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 38,175
- 8,245
Good question. I drop back at least 5% when changing any component! The same is true for working up a new load. There are so many variables that can generate pressure, and I really don't like surprises when I'm pulling the trigger.
Gunner46
Handloader
- Jan 12, 2015
- 483
- 7
I usually load 5 rounds, starting with the low listed charge and evenly work up to the max load. I'll fire each (stating with the low) and check the cases for pressure signs. Sometimes there's none for all five, sometimes it's at mid load......
I also always run them across my chrono. If I'm not getting velocity close to what I expect, I'll scrap the powder (for that bullet) and move on.
I also always run them across my chrono. If I'm not getting velocity close to what I expect, I'll scrap the powder (for that bullet) and move on.
joelkdouglas
Handloader
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,310
- 7
I also start with the "starting charge" load. I load up pressure sign / velocity test rounds, moving up in charge weight to the max load. If I see velocities higher than book or pressure signs I quit testing. I shoot these loads over a chrono.
I also mull over several sources of load data. Hodgdon's reloading data center is a good source, the Nosler online load data is good, and other powder makers identify some load data that I would consider.
For instance, pretend I started with a new 30-06, and I wanted to safely achieve around 2875 - 2900 fps with H4350 and 165 Partitions. Hodgdon's max is 59 grains for a cup/core bullet, at 2930 fps. Nosler's max is 57.5 grains at 2872 fps. Note* for other bullets, particularly solid copper bullets you need to look at the info for copper bullets, because it's different!
For the first range trip I would load:
1 round with 53 grains H4350 (both Nosler and Hodgdon's starting load)
1 round with 54 grains
1 round with 55 grains
1 round with 56 grains
3 rounds with 57 grains
3 rounds with 57.5 grains (Nosler's max load)
3 rounds with 58 grains
3 rounds 58.5 grains
3 rounds 59 grains (Hodgdon's max load)
If I see 2900 fps with 58 grains, I stop there. If I see 2875 fps with 59 grains, I stop. If I see 2800 fps with 59 grains and accuracy is excellent, I would probably call it good. If I see 2800 fps and accuracy is terrible, I would consider another powder.
If I didn't have a chrono I would be more conservative, and probably stick with the 57.5 grain Nosler max.
I also mull over several sources of load data. Hodgdon's reloading data center is a good source, the Nosler online load data is good, and other powder makers identify some load data that I would consider.
For instance, pretend I started with a new 30-06, and I wanted to safely achieve around 2875 - 2900 fps with H4350 and 165 Partitions. Hodgdon's max is 59 grains for a cup/core bullet, at 2930 fps. Nosler's max is 57.5 grains at 2872 fps. Note* for other bullets, particularly solid copper bullets you need to look at the info for copper bullets, because it's different!
For the first range trip I would load:
1 round with 53 grains H4350 (both Nosler and Hodgdon's starting load)
1 round with 54 grains
1 round with 55 grains
1 round with 56 grains
3 rounds with 57 grains
3 rounds with 57.5 grains (Nosler's max load)
3 rounds with 58 grains
3 rounds 58.5 grains
3 rounds 59 grains (Hodgdon's max load)
If I see 2900 fps with 58 grains, I stop there. If I see 2875 fps with 59 grains, I stop. If I see 2800 fps with 59 grains and accuracy is excellent, I would probably call it good. If I see 2800 fps and accuracy is terrible, I would consider another powder.
If I didn't have a chrono I would be more conservative, and probably stick with the 57.5 grain Nosler max.
