Quick Loads

[TimP]

Looking for some opinions on Quick Loads and/or RSI Shooting Lab program. Are they worth the cost. How difficult are they to use. I have some computer savvy but not by any means a computer whiz. Which is easier to use which has more usable information. Quick loads is twice the cost is it worth it. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[CPorter]

I have both programs and they fill different needs. I have had RSI since sometime around the mid 80s and use it to keep track of my reloading & chrono data. Jim Ristow has provided excellent support all for it, the CED Millennium Chrono, and the pressure trace.

Quickload on the other hand is great for exploring new powders & bullets especially in conjunction with Chris Long's optimum barrel time theory.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I haven't used RSI, but for me, Quickload is pretty much indispensable. With it, I think you can zero in on an optimum load more quickly (as mentioned, via Chris Long's OBT theory), project how your load will perform in different temperatures (pretty critical if you are running something like RL-15), and explore new caliber's BEFORE investing in them.

It also helps you some with barrel selection, at least partly. Assuming you subscribe to the OBT theory (which I do), then it can help you to determine what length barrel is ideal for the given caliber/powder combination you have chosen.

It takes a bit of fiddlin' (you have to get all the variables entered correctly and precisely) to get it matched up with your rifle, but once you do, I've found it to be extremely accurate.

 

[TheSnake]

I also have QuickLoad, love the program and agree with jaychris on what it can do for you. I will address your other concern about being computer savvy. The program is very straight forward during the install and launches easily. When running the program itself, there are many variables that you can change to match your exact situation and you don't need to be a computer wiz to use the program. There are some good posts and bulletins on this site that can help you understand some of the input you need to provide about your rifle and loads to get the most accurate output. There are some advanced things you can do to make using the program easier, that do require some computer skills like creating custom powder and bullet data files that only show your favorite choices, but this is not necessary for normal use.

I have never used RSI so I can't comment on it's ease of use.

Hope this helps.

 

[Cigarcop]

Whats the most recent version of Quickload 3.6?

 

[Jay Christopherson]

3.6 is the most recent version.

Whats the most recent version of Quickload 3.6?

 

[Cigarcop]

Thanks JC, I've also considered buying it for sometime but my lack of computer skills always keeps me away!! Maybe its easier than I think.

 

[TimP]

Thanks again to everone for your response. I have decided to order Quick Loads.

 

[mbkmkk]

Thanks again to everone for your response. I have decided to order Quick Loads.

I have not been disappointed, you should like it also.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

I think you could handle it. It looks more complicated than it is. Basically, it's a lot of measuring things to make it useful for you - exact barrel length, exact loaded round COAL, exact case capacity in H2O, exact case length. Once you have those things set, it's just a matter of selecting your bullet and your powder and playing with different charges.

Once you start comparing to your chronographed loads, you can slightly fudge the burn rate factor (or more simply, the powder temperature) to match your findings.

Chris Long has a great PDF on tweaking QuickLoad (using burn rate and bullet weight) to match your results exactly: http://www.the-long-family.com/Tuning%20QL%20to%20achieve%20best%20results.pdf

Thanks JC, I've also considered buying it for sometime but my lack of computer skills always keeps me away!! Maybe its easier than I think.

 

[Savvy Jack]

how does this effect actual pressures? I assume if your actual velocity is lower than the projected velocity then the pressures are also lower because of the reality difference in burn rate??

 

[Bryan Austin]

Passwords confuse me just that quick!!
Anyhow, I did some changes from the link Jay posted to match my actual velocity. This dropped the pressures down to what the old 2005 Alliant data shows.
I will attempt to upload screenshots if I can upload to somewhere to get a link.

Am I on the correct path?

 

[Bryan Austin]

okay, I give up

Try this link for photos
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/team-44-40/445033-range-report-reloader-7-a-3.html#post6294729

 

[wapiti25]

Quick Load is the best reloading manual