RELOAD RECORDS

[Kittitas George]

I recently bought a new S&W 686 357 Mag. I haven't shot my S&W 27-2 for a long time. I have about 6 or 8 boxes of 38 Special and 10 boxes of 357. I had each box labeled with powder type, charge, primer, case and date. How ever some were reloaded as far back as 1989. I was able to confirm most of the loads as "safe". But a few boxes I could not check in my manuals. I had failed to write down the source of the load. I have never loaded the 'max' for a hand gun. I was sure the load was safe, but wanted verification. So get on the computer and waste a few hours, instead of shooting the new gun. Many more powders are available today than back when. I did find information repeated on different sites that was usable. BUT, from here forward I will list the source of the load recipe. Maybe Handloader Magazine was a source. One load was listed as a "Ken Waters favorite", My load was lighter. I'm glad I still have reloading manuals that go back to the mid 1960s. I always note on the powder container purchase date, price and source. Most of the powders today are different from back when. Much more information, powders, bullets and primers are available today. Even the reloading manuals are MAGNUMS. Reload responsibly, good records lead to enjoyable fun and tite groups.

 

[ssv1761982]

At least you know you are safe because you weren't ever pushing the limits.
I have some loads that I marked 'generically' in the past. I may not know exactly what the load is but they are safe for plinking.

 

[K22]

I have always labeled my reloads so I do know I have much to offer you regarding advice. Also, my reloads do not sit around for more than a couple of years, if that, before being consumed.

If you used "published data" from a recognized source meaning lab tested data, e.g., Speer, Sierra, Lyman, Hornady, etc. then I would not be concerned IF you properly produced the reloads.

However, I would very caution using so and so's "favorite loads". Even though Ken Waters was a recognize authority. But that just me, I very risk adverse when it comes to reloading. I never used someone else's reloads and always used published reloading data.

 

[Kittitas George]

I have always labeled my reloads so I do know I have much to offer you regarding advice. Also, my reloads do not sit around for more than a couple of years, if that, before being consumed.

If you used "published data" from a recognized source meaning lab tested data, e.g., Speer, Sierra, Lyman, Hornady, etc. then I would not be concerned IF you properly produced the reloads.

However, I would very caution using so and so's "favorite loads". Even though Ken Waters was a recognize authority. But that just me, I very risk adverse when it comes to reloading. I never used someone else's reloads and always used published reloading data.

I found the 'Ken Water's favorite' on 2 different sites, the loads were for a 38 which I will shoot in my 357. My loads were 2 grains under his and I verified in my published manuals. In 65 years of reloading I've never had an "over load" problem, I'm very careful and have safe procedures to eliminate any possible errors. Like you I don't shoot others reloads, I'm about to throw a few hundred rounds of 38s I got from a 'reliable' source, BUT!! Thanks for the reply.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I keep the targets of my reloads and the information on that load. I was looking at them and forgot how well IMR SR4759 shot 125gr. 30-06 bullets from light weight hunting rifles. M70 Winchester featherweight with those reduced loads with 22 grs. Back then most hunting rifle would shoot in the .3's The bottom one is from a Ruger American 30-06 hunting rifle. A target tells more than words.

 

[kenhwind]

I have a tendency to load up some rounds and set them aside, but I usually write out a label and stick it on top of the cartridges and then print out my labels.
I don't load max, well with some .357 recommended powder you have no other option. But even loading the .38 Super I do go to max and keep things at about factory velocities.