Hello & Question about published data versus commercial ammo

[SpinPhd]

Just a quick hello with my first question. Complete newbie here but have jumped in with both feet. Engineer, Long time shooter, Hunter, US Army DS Vet, Pilot, Survivalist, reloading has been something I've been wanting to invest in, in all facets, for many years. Wouldn't classify my interests as precisely benchrest shooting but who doesn't like accuracy? I would classify my interests as very engineering practical, i.e. knowing where the best bang for your time-buck is spent to squeak out accuracy on a sliding scale. I've got a Rem 700 VLS in .243 upon which my girls and I want to invest efforts for long range accuracy yet remain within the hunting category. Yet for my 5.56 and .308 black rifles, bulk ammo is more important (but who doesn't like accuracy?), and for my .44 Mag lever gun, I need some solid Bear rounds. Suffice it to say, I've got a good mix of wants. Did I say something about this being quick?

I bought my press almost a month ago, I've had it two weeks, been assembling in pieces and learning as I go and have yet to throw my first powder charge.

So I'm sitting down with Hornady's 9th wanting to develop my first load for a .44 Mag 265gr Interlock FP and I'm looking at the powder velocity chart and I think to go check Hornady's ammunition line to get an idea of how /they/ load it. Well, I can't find any ammo in this bullet, but another one I'm interested in is their 225gr FTX, so I take a look at their data. 1870 fps at the muzzle yet the chart I'm staring at in their data book tops out at 1450 fps with a powder charge inside a nice bold red warning box. See my problem?

Look, I'm pretty savvy, and I have some ideas on the apparent discrepancy. But real-life loading experience I do not have, so despite my thoughts on the matter it's still a huge ambiguity. Can anyone offer some thoughts and clarity on this?


Thanks in advance.

Jim

 

[watercam]

Check the barrel lengths for each. Their web site will list the barrel length for the commercial ammunition they are using. Then check against the barrel length in the load manual. You gain roughly 50 fps./inch of barrel length in handguns (to a point). But if the ammunition is rated for a 7" barrel and the load data is for a 10" barrel there's 150 fps or so right there. They also use their own 'formula' for powder that may not be available to handloaders. Go my the book. Be aware that there are different 'maximum' loads for different firearms (at least for the 44 mags.). Ruger Redhawks and T/C Contenders are more robust than other firearms and often will have their own pages in the book. For your lever gun I would stick to conventional load data and watch your OAL as they can be finicky about feeding some wide, flat nosed bullets.
As for loading for the .243, there are a ton of loads on this forum for all types of bullets. Start searching!

 

[CaptainMal]

Read the above and then get a chronograph. Actually see what a load in your rifle is doing.

Papers are just papers. Too many factors to believe what you might see on paper is going on in your actual rifle.

 

[ShootDots]

One of the things that a "newbie" reloader needs to know UP FRONT is that the effort you put into reloading, the better your loads will be>>>that is a "given". However, there are certainly diminishing returns for time and $$$'s invested. Accuracy is the "cumulative effect" of doing some, most or all, of what it takes to get to a level of accuracy you want. It is also a DOLLARS affair. The better your equipment, as in custom rifle, scope etc.. and the better your RELOADING equipment, as in custom dies, and all the "gadgetry" people employ to get the inth degree of accuracy, the more potential accuracy you could obtain. Whether your ability can wring out the most your rifle can offer, along with the finest reloads, is another story altogether.

So I would talk with very knowledgeable people you can trust and DETERMINE the level of accuracy you are looking for. Then those people can guide you to where you want to be. So if you want decent "big game" loads, or accurate varmint loads, or a 1000 yard "capable" rifle, they can get you going in the right direction.
Listen and learn..

 

[CPorter]

I also have a Rem 700 VLS in 243 Win and think you will have fun with it. I've used the 55-95 Nosler Ballistic Tips in both competition and hunting in the factory barrel as well as a selection from others like the Speer TNT, Hornady Amax and Vmax, & Sierra's Gamekings. Mine seems to like IMR powders 3031, 4350, and 4831 and Federal 215 primers.

Take notes and keep your targets. The OnTarget software mentioned on the website works well and helps with keeping track of group sizes. I use RSI Shooting Lab to keep track of rounds down the barrel and lots of other data that I transfer to Excel. I also keep a notebook while reloading.

Reloading manuals differ and sometimes wildly. Each manufacturer has different procedures and safety margins. Don't rely on just one manual and be sure to read the opening section that describes the test barrel in each caliber. Read the section in the front of the manual that describes pressure signs too.