how to determin min/max loads

[PALefty]

I am trying to determine Min/Max Loads by comparing/cross referencing a few different sources. When looking at the Hogdon.com site, should I be concerned more with bullet weight or bullet type? For example, I am using 150gr Nosler Partition. In the books I am referencing.. it doesn't get down to specific bullets, only weight. On Hogdon.com,I am using Hogdon/IMR powder), it lists the both '150 GR. HDY SP' and '160 GR. NOS PART '. Would it be more accurate to use the figures for the bigger weight Nosler Partition figure.. or for 150GR even though it is a different bullet?

 

[savet06]

PAlefty,
I have had a similar experience to yours,. I would not want to tell you to extrapolate from data known bullet weights and powder charges,meaning don't take the load used for a 160gr partition when yours weighs 150 or the data from another 150gr bullet of different make. Each bullet will react to pressure differently). Best thing that I did was try to find the bullet manufacturer's reference list for their bullets and go from there. If they don't have one, call them and try to get info that way. Best to safe, I think.
I checked on the nosler site
http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=30cal&s=304
had information on the 150gr partition for a .308. Not sure what round you are using, but they have a lot of information for other rounds as well. My guess is that they would have more "unpublished" information available.
HTH,
Mike

 

[mikecr]

Any 150gr data should be fine.
Just back off a little with the first couple and move up from there.

You're making too much out of it.

 

[Tommie]

Powder charges are not interchangeable between different makes and designs of bullets. Even among equal weight bullets, there are differences in jacket thickness, bearing surface, and a host of other factors. Many of these differences can result in unusual pressures. For example, there is a HUGE difference in powder type and charge weight between loadings for a 150 grain Barnes X bullet and a 150 grain VLD. If it were of no consequence, then none of the reloading manuals would bother to specify bullet type in their data.

Play it safe. Really.

Tom

 

[chuckw2]

PALefty,...

Call Nosler 1-800-285-3701 EXT 1046.



They will welcome your questions. I call the bullet and powder people all the time with questions.


The Partition is a very long bullet...and has its own unique load data.

 

[mikecr]

It's a no-brainer folks..

What's your cartridge?
What components do you have in-hand?
Should take about 20seconds to find you a load.

Been doing this for 30yrs, and have yet to run into an issue that was significant.
It ain't rocket science.

 

[PALefty]

It's a no-brainer folks..

What's your cartridge?
What components do you have in-hand?
Should take about 20seconds to find you a load.

Been doing this for 30yrs, and have yet to run into an issue that was significant.
It ain't rocket science.

As I said, the combination of components that I am using are not listed on the Hogdon/IMR site,I am using Hogdon/IMR powder). They list other bullet combinations for that powder.. but not the 150gr Nosler Partition w/ H4350 or IMR-4350. The question was should I use their listed value for 150gr Hornady SP with those powders or use their listed value for 160GR Nosler Partition. These powders are recommended for this combination.. but the specific bullet is not listed on the Hogdon site. I'm not trying to make it harder than it is.. just don't want to put myself in an unsafe situation.

I will try calling them and see if there is any additional load data not on their site.

 

[mikecr]

And they probably didn't mention seating depth, neck tension, distance to or into lands, specific bore diameter, number of lands, primers used, moly coated-vs-Tungsten-vs-uncoated, etc..

Doesn't matter.
Just load at minimum,as listed), or a couple grains from there, and work your way up.
If worried about it for some reason, validate the loads by asking for it here or over at a site like this:
http://www.reloadersnest.com/rifle.asp

 

[PALefty]

I am trying to determine the max load so I can do the Ladder Test which states: "Your Start load,Charge weight) should be simply the Maximum charge weight for that Cartridge with that Bullet minus a Decrement, that is 20 times the Increment".

 

[PALefty]

I got off the phone with Hogdon and they gave me the min/max they have for those combinations. In comparing what they gave me over the phone with the load data listed on their website for the other bullets, it is ~1gr less for 150/165 NP and ~2gr less for the 180 NP with the H4350. With the IMR-4350, it is about a 1.5gr difference on each.

 

[mikecr]

Whud I tell ya -> a couple grains less & work up.

Your MAX can be assumed unique to your barrel, powder lot, & all factors mentioned. This is why loading manuals are rediculously conservative,as you will likely find).

Bring calipers and as you work up, take note of the formed diameter near the bases, and watch your primers.
When the brass yields near the base .0005 from the rest, you'll probably be seeing flatening of the primers with big cratoring around the firing pin dimple. Stop here if you intend to reload this brass. Thats a rational MAX point for most of us.

When you change things down the road..Anything.. Back off a couple grains and work up again. If it's a big cartridge and your normal loads are way up there, back off 3 or 4 grains.