Does changing bullet = changing recipe??

[sigma2chi]

I am currently shooting 168gr SMK and have worked up a good recipe, charge/seating depth/etc.,... I am going to start shooting some Berger 175 gr OTM for longer distances and was wondering if I had to start from scratch with the load data. I assume my powder charge might need to be experimented with a little bit but do I need to experiment with seating depths all over again too??

any insight will be MUCH appreciated.

 

[Jet]

Yup. You are developing an entirely new load so you will be starting from scratch. The seating depth for the Bergers will likely be different than the SMKs. Good luck

Jet

 

[Mudcat]

Yes, you probably do. Changing bullet means changing the load. Lots of variables in loading, and any one variable you change may or may not have a large impact on how it shoots. Bullets and powder are the big variables and you are getting ready to make a significant change. You may find that the same seating depth you used for the sierra might work for the heavier berger, or, it may not. In the interest of safety, and you probably know this, but its worth repeating, if you change something, start at a lower and safer starting point when you work up the new load. Loading ammo aint where you want to take short cuts and risks....too easy to get seriously messed up.

 

[finnaddict]

+ 2

Start new and develope.

 

[amlevin]

In the case mentioned by the OP, Yes, one needs to start over with load development.

That said, the blanket statement "always rework your load after changing a component" may not be absolute.

I can't count the number of times I have changed bullets within the same style and weight, just different manufacturers and found both shot exactly the same. Ditto with primers.

In short, it all depends on what you really changed and sometimes a lot of components are wasted in re-working. Unless the load is beyond anything published it may not be a bad idea to try first. Case in point for me is Nosler Custom comp 175 gr vs 175 gr SMK's and CCI LRP's and Tula LRP's. with cases and powders being the same.

Mileage may vary but that's what happens in my rifle.

 

[artbosco]

I am currently shooting 168gr SMK and have worked up a good recipe, charge/seating depth/etc.,... I am going to start shooting some Berger 175 gr OTM for longer distances and was wondering if I had to start from scratch with the load data. I assume my powder charge might need to be experimented with a little bit but do I need to experiment with seating depths all over again too?? any insight will be MUCH appreciated.

When you change any component, including primers, it's a whole new ball game. Yes, you start from scratch!

 

[M-61]

For me it has always been a start ALL over again. There actually has to be a reason why I am changing something, if the existing load is not doing something I want or am trying to achieve. e.g. I have a 222 benchrest rifle. 20.8gr 4198 pushing a 52gr Sierra HPBT has a been a load I have stuck with for decades I am not capable of shooting a smaller group...therefore I am not changing anything. This doesn't mean you should not experiment. Merely that the I would have to have a realistic reason in that rifle to do something better. In the beginning I tried many combo's. At some point I got to this and I have no reason to change. With today's weird bullet/powder availability I wind up trying combinations in other rifles based on availability of components. I can't get Varget...first choice in a few rifles I have. Now it is a start from scratch with a bullet/powder load that I can get. Today for me to make a change it is forced on me ....maybe not a bad thing...but I'd rather it be my choice than out of necessity.

 

[people]

Yes you have to make sure it is safe in your rifle. Seating depth and powder charge might work out to be the same but you can never be too safe. You only get one life, set of eyes… well the list goes on.

I will work up again even for a different brand of 22cal FMJBT. You never know.