Quickload software question

[strobes]

Looking at loads calculated by QL3.2 looks like the software is very conservative. For example .308Win for 155 bullet on Hodgdon web site shows starting point is 44Gr, but QL3.2 shows this load almost at max pressure. Interesting that velocities are close,2759 vs. 2779)
Any way how to deal with this situation?

Is the QL 3.4 by any chance more in line with data recommended by powder manufacturers assuming they know own product better

 

[Moderator]

If you play around with QuickLoad, you will find that it is very responsive to relatively small changes in seating depth and ACTUAL case capacity. This means the stated pressure can be affected a lot depending on how deeply the bullet is seated in the neck. The Hodgdon data may or may not be more accurate. Generally I've found QL to be pretty accurate IF I have actual, measured case capacity AND true seating depth. Also you don't mentino which Hodgdon powder you're using. In some cases we've found that the ADI,Australian Defense Industries) data is more reliable than the Hodgdon data for the same powder.,Eg. Varget = ADI 2208).

 

[BountyHunter]

QL is a great tool for getting in the 'ballpark'. however it has a couple issues that make it not the finite answer for definitive calculations. Paul has already mentioned a couple and the fact that it is developed off industry standard data, standard twists, standard chambers etc, and has no way to compensate for primer variances all of which can radically effect pressures. Plus change bore friction coefficiants for longer or shorter ogives vs the program model and things can vary substantially. These are just a few of the many tweaks you can do in the program to manipulate the data.

BH

 

[strobes]

yes, right on the money - it's Varget. Is there a place where I can find a list of known exceptions? What is known about Benchmark powder?

All actual data been measured when load was calculated.
The bullet is .308 155 berger VLD, case fire formed Winchester 56Gr H2O length 2.014, OAL 2.8', 44Gr Varget and I want to push it about 2800FPS to get matching barrel time.
The pressure is in 5300 vs. max. 60191 PSI.
Is this in safe margins in general and for Savage 12FVSS in particular?

 

[MikeyG]

In some cases we've found that the ADI,Australian Defense Industries) data is more reliable than the Hodgdon data for the same powder.,Eg. Varget = ADI 2208).

+1.

There is an article somewhere on the site that recommends using 2208 data in Quickoad when working on Varget loads. See this article http://www.6mmbr.com/Quickload.html and look at point 5 in the 'Optimising Quickload for the 6mmBR Cartridge' section near the bottom of the page.

Over here in New Zealand most people are shooting a 155 grain sierra or lapua with 45.5 grains of ADI2208 to get 2950fps from a 30' barrel. As always work up to this load lookoing at pressure signs though.

 

[scout1]

Strobes, Callibrating Q.L. to your powder is easey if you have an accurate chronograph. I believe I sent you the link to Chris Longs OBT papers in another thread. There is one other parameter that isnt mentioned in the Long papers or anywhere else that I have seen, this is powder ambient temperature or the temp it is when you are shooting. This can also be adjusted in Q.L. by highlighting the same button you use to change the burn rate factor, then dropping down and highlighting the temperature/ thermometr tab. This will open another window where you can change the ambient or station temerature to match your condition. The default is set at 70 deg fairenheight. It makes a difference when your actually testing in the mid 90's

Stay safe, Scout1