A Good Load?

Ribbler · February 2, 2005, 02:42 PM

What makes a good load when reloading? I'm new to reloading so I'm curious as to what the differences are between loads. I know there are different makes of powder and different manufacturers. Is FPS a major consideration? Why? I'll be reloading mainly for target training and perhaps a few rounds for self defense.

eka · February 2, 2005, 04:51 PM

There are lots of choices in reloading components. Brass, primer, powder, and bullet. The bullet choice will be based upon it's intended use. In your case you are looking for mainly target practice etc. One of the main considerations will probably be cost. You are looking to get as many bullets as you possibly can for the best price. But, the bullets you choose must be of a level of quality that provides the level of accuracy you need.

When people refer to working up a load for a particular caliber, they are trying to choose the best combination of components that yields the most accurate groups. Current loading manuals are a must. They provide you with data on different powders and bullet types and weights. The manuals will provide you a starting point for your powder charges and also a maximum load level. Stay within these parameters. In the case of handgun ammunition, such as that used in a semi-auto, you are looking for a combination that has enough energy to cycle the slide on the low end. On the upper end, you will need to recognize signs of high pressure. Again, your loading manuals will give you info. on excessive pressure and how to recognize it. Every firearm is a little different and what you will be searching for is a load somewhere in the middle of these high and low marks that provides the smallest groups consistently. After you have found the best powder and bullet combination, you can experiment with the seating depth of the bullet to further tighten your groups. In semi-autos this is very limited, because the cartridges are fed through a magazine and to feed reliably there cannot be a lot of variance in overall length. In bolt action rifles you can try a range of depths. Again a good loading manual will address these issues and a lot more that cannot be covered in a post such as this. So, get two or three good manuals and go at it.
Good luck!

Cal4D4 · February 3, 2005, 01:59 AM

A good load is one that safely delivers what you expect out of it. Economically duplicates your defensive ammo for training, clean burning for indoor range maybe? Low flash for tactical use? Lowered recoil for practice? Accuracy superior to factory ammo. Performance superior to factory ammo. Achieving terminal ballistics not commonly available off the shelf: heavier/lighter bullets traveling faster/slower than normally available. Each gun is somewhat unique due to manufacturing tolerances and this can be exploited for improved accuracy and performance. Some calibers must accommodate less robust older weapons, yet are also chambered in weapons capable of handling twice the performance. Some rifle calibers are chambered in pistols; the handloader can adapt different powders and projectiles to this use. Above all (except safety), accuracy is the Holy Grail.

February 2, 2005, 02:42 PM	#1
Ribbler Member Join Date: January 6, 2005 Posts: 20	A Good Load? What makes a good load when reloading? I'm new to reloading so I'm curious as to what the differences are between loads. I know there are different makes of powder and different manufacturers. Is FPS a major consideration? Why? I'll be reloading mainly for target training and perhaps a few rounds for self defense.

February 2, 2005, 04:51 PM	#2
eka Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2004 Posts: 235	There are lots of choices in reloading components. Brass, primer, powder, and bullet. The bullet choice will be based upon it's intended use. In your case you are looking for mainly target practice etc. One of the main considerations will probably be cost. You are looking to get as many bullets as you possibly can for the best price. But, the bullets you choose must be of a level of quality that provides the level of accuracy you need. When people refer to working up a load for a particular caliber, they are trying to choose the best combination of components that yields the most accurate groups. Current loading manuals are a must. They provide you with data on different powders and bullet types and weights. The manuals will provide you a starting point for your powder charges and also a maximum load level. Stay within these parameters. In the case of handgun ammunition, such as that used in a semi-auto, you are looking for a combination that has enough energy to cycle the slide on the low end. On the upper end, you will need to recognize signs of high pressure. Again, your loading manuals will give you info. on excessive pressure and how to recognize it. Every firearm is a little different and what you will be searching for is a load somewhere in the middle of these high and low marks that provides the smallest groups consistently. After you have found the best powder and bullet combination, you can experiment with the seating depth of the bullet to further tighten your groups. In semi-autos this is very limited, because the cartridges are fed through a magazine and to feed reliably there cannot be a lot of variance in overall length. In bolt action rifles you can try a range of depths. Again a good loading manual will address these issues and a lot more that cannot be covered in a post such as this. So, get two or three good manuals and go at it. Good luck! __________________ EKA Sic Semper Tyrannis

February 3, 2005, 01:59 AM	#3
Cal4D4 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2001 Location: southern california Posts: 679	A good load is one that safely delivers what you expect out of it. Economically duplicates your defensive ammo for training, clean burning for indoor range maybe? Low flash for tactical use? Lowered recoil for practice? Accuracy superior to factory ammo. Performance superior to factory ammo. Achieving terminal ballistics not commonly available off the shelf: heavier/lighter bullets traveling faster/slower than normally available. Each gun is somewhat unique due to manufacturing tolerances and this can be exploited for improved accuracy and performance. Some calibers must accommodate less robust older weapons, yet are also chambered in weapons capable of handling twice the performance. Some rifle calibers are chambered in pistols; the handloader can adapt different powders and projectiles to this use. Above all (except safety), accuracy is the Holy Grail.