Changing Bullet Model Load Impact

[Chestnut]

I tried searching and found similar questions. Most often it was said if there are significant changes e.g. changing bullet weights etc it's recommended to completely rework a load but I never found a question on just changing model at the same weight. I'd like a good load for 400y but I just shoot for fun. Handloading and test is what i have the most fun doing.

#1 I have a load developed for my 6.5CM with a 140 SST. I want to try out the 140 ELD Match. Will changing between 2 pretty similar bullets have a huge impact on load? I"ll probably load up a test batch going +/- .2 grains but would I need to go further than that?

#2 I want to retest in the ball park because the load I have isn't super great. I'm not blaming the SST but it has a crenulure and it's taper crimmped and the ELD match doesn't have a crenulure so i'm assuming I shouldn't taper crimp it?

#3 I notice that Hornady lists a different C.O.A.L for the 2 projectiles so i'm assuming I'd seat the ELD match much closer to the lands than the crenulure of the SST does?

Thanks in advanced for your input.

 

[K22]

With few exceptions, changing the style of bullet, even at the same weight, same powder, same primer, etc. has changed both POI and group size. Sometimes it improves performance, sometimes it does not, the only way to know is to test it. In my experience, it is one the most significant components affecting performance assuming you are using a powder suitable for the cartridge in question.

I have never crimped bullets for bolt action rifles. Never found it necessary for adequate neck tension to hold the bullet even for rough hunting activities. In my opinion, it just introduces another variable in a process that already has too many variables. Just because a bullet contains a crimp, doesn't mean you have to crimp it.

There are exceptions where crimping is appropriate such as semi-auto, heavy recoiling dangerous game cartridges, and level actions.

I always check the max base to ogive measurement whenever I change bullets. There can be a significant difference even at the same weight and brand.

 

[Eagle Six]

I would not expect and large difference in the charge weight, unless I was already near a max load, as far as maintaining a safe to shoot load. Between those two bullets I would not assume a fresh workup would not be necessary. However, before I started with the ELD's, if I had any SST's left, I would shoot the same load without the crimp, just to see the difference, provided it's a bolt gun.

I have one charge weight with H4350 in a 6.5 CM that will shoot Berger 140 VLD Target's, Berger 140 VD Hunter's, Berger 144 Hybrids, and Berger 153.5 Hybrids all in the .5 MOA range with only a .2 gr weight change. What that has to do with you switching from the SST to the ELD, it's just anecdotical. With that said, it's your gun, your loads, lean on the safe side when changing any components.

 

[Bill Norris]

Will changing between 2 pretty similar bullets have a huge impact on load? According to your rifle you may see slight differences or on the other hand more significant differences.

I'm assuming I shouldn't taper crimp it? Common practice is never crimp for accuracy handloading.

I'm assuming I'd seat the ELD match much closer to the lands than the crenulure of the SST does? Your rifle will dictate the seating depth in which it will shoot with best accuracy.

 

[Chestnut]

I have never crimped bullets for bolt action rifles. Never found it necessary for adequate neck tension to hold the bullet even for rough hunting activities. In my opinion, it just introduces another variable in a process that already has too many variables. Just because a bullet contains a crimp, doesn't mean you have to crimp it.

There are exceptions where crimping is appropriate such as semi-auto, heavy recoiling dangerous game cartridges, and level actions.

Yep that's a rookie mistake. I took a break from reloading and forgot to reread my reloading manual instructions. I just figured because there was a crimp spot that I'd need to crimp. I took a couple years break and my reintroduction was with 30-30 which I definitely crimped. I just reread the bullet seating section and all the comments here and smacked myself in the face for making a rookie mistake.

Your rifle will dictate the seating depth in which it will shoot with best accuracy.

I've just been seating to make them load in to the magazine. I should get the rifle on the reloading bench and figure out the proper seating depth. I know that's been discussed on this site. I'll run the search and verify the method and how far off.

If i can sneak in a 2nd question on this thread. I have a bunch of .270WSM that i hand loaded years ago and seated the bullets .05 off the lands. They shoot fantastic, 3 shots 1 hole at 100y, but don't fit in the magazine. Can I re-seat the bullets deeper years after so they fit in the magazine?

 

[Bill Norris]

Yep that's a rookie mistake. I took a break from reloading and forgot to reread my reloading manual instructions. I just figured because there was a crimp spot that I'd need to crimp. I took a couple years break and my reintroduction was with 30-30 which I definitely crimped. I just reread the bullet seating section and all the comments here and smacked myself in the face for making a rookie mistake.


I've just been seating to make them load in to the magazine. I should get the rifle on the reloading bench and figure out the proper seating depth. I know that's been discussed on this site. I'll run the search and verify the method and how far off.

If i can sneak in a 2nd question on this thread. I have a bunch of .270WSM that i hand loaded years ago and seated the bullets .05 off the lands. They shoot fantastic, 3 shots 1 hole at 100y, but don't fit in the magazine. Can I re-seat the bullets deeper years after so they fit in the magazine?

Yea Sir. No problem.

 

[K22]

Yep that's a rookie mistake. I took a break from reloading and forgot to reread my reloading manual instructions. I just figured because there was a crimp spot that I'd need to crimp. I took a couple years break and my reintroduction was with 30-30 which I definitely crimped. I just reread the bullet seating section and all the comments here and smacked myself in the face for making a rookie mistake.


I've just been seating to make them load in to the magazine. I should get the rifle on the reloading bench and figure out the proper seating depth. I know that's been discussed on this site. I'll run the search and verify the method and how far off.

If i can sneak in a 2nd question on this thread. I have a bunch of .270WSM that i hand loaded years ago and seated the bullets .05 off the lands. They shoot fantastic, 3 shots 1 hole at 100y, but don't fit in the magazine. Can I re-seat the bullets deeper years after so they fit in the magazine?

Don't beat yourself up - we all have mental lapses - it gets worse as your get older requiring redundant check systems.

Your second Question: My opinion as a hunter, not a target shooter. I assume given the high intensely caliber that you choose that it is for a big hunting purpose. If that is the case, for me at least, functionality is also important. So, I would give up "same hole" groups for sub 1 moa groups in order to have cartridges fit the magazine for a big game rifle since sometimes a rapid follow up shot is required.

With that said, for my varmint rifles and hunting where a high level of precision of shooting is needed, I have gone to single loading the past few years. The reason is twofold, one feeding from the magazine tends to damage the bullets. More importantly, I had the ejector spring reduced so the spent cartridge sits in the mag well since it difficult to find spent cases in the hay when ejected to the next county. True, I give up a quick back up shot but, in my experience, when I chamber from the mag I tend to rush the shot. However, for a big game rifle / cartridge I would prefer to have a couple extra rounds in the mag for a quick follow up shot.

 

[Chestnut]

I assume given the high intensely caliber that you choose that it is for a big hunting purpose.

It was but I moved and have since retired it as hunting rifle, started carrying a 30-30 for woods. I honestly don't know why I own it any more. I hate shooting .270wsm as the recoil is unbearable for more than a handful of shots on a 6.5lb rifle. I bought a 6.5CM and enjoy shooting it much more. I thought about re barreling the .270wsm into something more reasonable but the costs added up to not making sense. Then I'd have to find a buyer for all the factory ammo and hand load supplies I've accumulated.

Why it's relevant. It used to be my only rifle. So i used it for flatland plains hunting as well as bench shooting. Now i have a dedicated hunting rifle and a dedicated bench rifle and a rifle i never plan to shoot. I may shoot it again if i thread the barrel and install a brake or suppressor for recoil reduction but who knows if/when that will happen.