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Old February 6, 2011, 10:46 PM   #1
stonebl
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Rookie Question - Powder Increments - New Load

What size powder weight increments do you use when working up a new load? Do you start at the min and work up or at the max and work down?
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Old February 6, 2011, 10:58 PM   #2
ethan95
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I start at the minimum and work up in .5 grain increments, the smaller the better. I'm sure there's a better way to do it, but that's just my technique.
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Old February 6, 2011, 11:05 PM   #3
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Quote:
at the max and work down?
I would suggest you never do this. The listed book maximum may not be safe in your gun.

Are you loading for rifle or handgun? The increment will vary based on the total charge weight of your load.
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Old February 7, 2011, 12:02 AM   #4
Win_94
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Always start low working your way up while checking for overpressure signs.

If you don't have a reloading manual, get one and read it thoroughly.

With my 30-30 I go by .1 grain increments; with the 30-06 I go with .2 grain increments.
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Old February 7, 2011, 06:47 PM   #5
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jepp2....I am reloading both rifle and handgun....7mm Rem Mag, 270 Win, 204 Ruger, 223 Rem, 45 acp.
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Old February 7, 2011, 06:49 PM   #6
Brian Pfleuger
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If you're looking to develop an accuracy load, which is generally the logical goal, you should consider using Dan Newberry's method.

As for charge increments, .7-1% of max load.
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Old February 7, 2011, 07:18 PM   #7
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For my handguns, I typically start at the mid-load point. I then work down .1 grain, then up .1 grain. I then alternate the down .1 grain, up .1 grain scenario until I am content than improved accuracy is not happening. This usually happens in less than .5 grains.
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Old February 7, 2011, 07:37 PM   #8
jepp2
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I am reloading both rifle and handgun....7mm Rem Mag, 270 Win, 204 Ruger, 223 Rem, 45 acp
I would expect your increments to be different for the 7mm Mag than the 45 acp. That is why I asked what you will be loading for. Some 7mm loads have more than 5 grains min/max. So 50 .1 grain increments doesn't make sense.
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Old February 8, 2011, 02:44 AM   #9
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I just reload for rifles. I start at the lowest and work my way up 100 fps (using the hornady reloading manual) when my groups get the tightest I go back from the weight just before and start going back up .3 grn at a time until I get to the weight over. I don't think anything less than .3 will matter for a rifle but anything more and you may be missing out on a tiny bit of accuracy.

I also make 5 rounds per test load.
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Old February 8, 2011, 08:47 PM   #10
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Thanks for all of your help....I think I will load a few dozen rounds and wait patiently for all the snow to melt.
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Old February 9, 2011, 02:08 AM   #11
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Quote:
I start at the minimum and work up in .5 grain increments, the smaller the better. I'm sure there's a better way to do it, but that's just my technique.
Never use this general advice for handgun loads.
(No offense intended toward ethan95)

I'm sure the statement is perfectly justifiable with Ethan's experience, and particular cartridges... but it is not a general rule that can be used for everything. For example: If you increment 9mm Luger by 0.5 gr, many loads go over maximum with the first increment. If you increment .32 S&W by 0.5 gr, you may be into proof-load territory. If you increment .25 Auto by 0.5 gr from starting, you'll be pulling pieces of the case (and possibly the pistol) out of your face.

My rules (you'll find similar advice in load manuals):
By powder charge weight:
0.1-2.0 grains -> Absolute perfection is required, with 0.1 gr increments. No deviation allowed.
2.0-5.0 grains -> Perfection is required, with 0.1 gr increments. Deviation cannot exceed 0.05 gr.
5.0-10 grains -> Low pressure cartridges (like .45 Auto) get 0.2 gr increments; high pressure cartridges (like 9mm Luger) get 0.1 gr increments.
10-20 grains -> Pistols get 0.2 gr increments. Rifles get 0.3 gr.
20-30 grains -> (I don't load any pistols this hot) Rifles get 0.3-0.4 gr increments.
30-50 grains -> Strong rifle cases get 0.5 gr increments. Weak cases get 0.3-0.4 gr.
50-100 grains -> Strong cases get 0.7-1.0 gr increments. Weak cases get 0.3-0.4 gr. (I have no "weak" cases that can fit more than 56 gr.)
100+ grains -> Whatever you feel is safe.
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