Reloading newbie

borngeechee · February 21, 2016, 11:56 AM

Hello guys, I don't know if this has been asked but... when reloading using the data in reloading manuals do you start with their minimum load or do you go straight to a higher load?

brasscollector · February 21, 2016, 12:17 PM

Use the starting loads for rifle or handgun and work up.

Just had some range time this morning with my 308. First two test batches fired fine, no pressure signs. First shot with the third and I had primer flowing back into the firing pin hole and slightly hard extraction, I did not continue with the rest of that batch. The third batch was not over "book/internet" spec.

Further testing indicated I would get better results with a different powder.

condor bravo · February 21, 2016, 12:32 PM

While it is certainly prudent to start with minimum loads, I usually start midrange between minimum and maximum.

T. O'Heir · February 21, 2016, 12:52 PM

You should always start with the minimum load and work up. You're looking for accuracy. Sometimes the most accurate load can be at or a tick above minimum.
There's no such thing as "internet" spec.

rebs · February 21, 2016, 01:35 PM

I start with minimum load and work up in 2/10 gr increments to find an accurate load

Nick_C_S · February 21, 2016, 01:41 PM

Welcome to TFL borngeechee.

For the new handloader, it is best to start low and work up. I recommend this approach until you get a good deal of personal experience behind you.

And even after you have a great deal of personal experience; the basic rule of "start low, and work up" will still apply. The only thing that changes is that with experience, you'll know the occasional situation where it isn't necessary to start at the very bottom. But none of that is important to you right now.

What cartridge are you loading for?
What is the specific purpose of the ammunition you want to load?
What bullet are you using?
What powder(s) do you have?
What gun is going to shoot these?

RC20 · February 21, 2016, 04:17 PM

I was of the philospehy6 in general to start about mid point.

I recently had to go back down to basics of low load and work up and I got the accuracy results I was after.

So its amended, 5 or 10 rounds at minimum, work up another 5 in 1 grain increments (assuming rifle, pistols much lower) and see what results are.

You can go all the way up to max or stop it between mid and max and assess.

Supposedly there is another accuracy below max (and one down low)

Quote 1.5 grains below max but that's tough as no manuals are the same for max (or minum).

Experience tells you but as you would work up to mas in 1/2 grain increments then you may also see the pressure signs

Sometimes those do not exist, hared bolt extraction is one to look for, least bit of sticky bolt back off.

While I have not seen it, its reported you can get over pressure and have no sighs but a case measurement confirms it, so if you are up above max and its not shown classic indicators its time to reassess.

borngeechee · February 21, 2016, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick_C_S

Welcome to TFL borngeechee.

For the new handloader, it is best to start low and work up. I recommend this approach until you get a good deal of personal experience behind you.

And even after you have a great deal of personal experience; the basic rule of "start low, and work up" will still apply. The only thing that changes is that with experience, you'll know the occasional situation where it isn't necessary to start at the very bottom. But none of that is important to you right now.

What cartridge are you loading for?
What is the specific purpose of the ammunition you want to load?
What bullet are you using?
What powder(s) do you have?
What gun is going to shoot these?

Thanks for the info I'm reloading 308 using hornady 150 grain fmj with imr 4064 for the ruger gunsite scout.

borngeechee · February 21, 2016, 11:51 PM

Thanks for the info. I can tell imma learn a lot here.

TimSr · February 22, 2016, 10:00 AM

I compare the load data with at least one other source for load data, and then decide where the "starting load" is.

reloader28 · February 22, 2016, 10:45 AM

I'm another mid range starter here. My favorite groups are always just under max.

mikld · February 22, 2016, 12:15 PM

There just might be a reason they are called "Starting Loads". I have been reloading off and on since 1969 and for a "new to me" cartridge I'll start at the beginning and work up (since I like reloading and shooting, none of my reloading time is "wasted"; it's all reloading, all fun). If/when I get a new powder or bullet I'll drop down to starting loads, not because I fear anything, just good reloading 101. Every load and results, are recorded, and sometimes targets, are kept on my computer and I have a few 3 ring binders. For calibers I loaded before (I have reloaded for every gun I own except my rimfires) I have personal data for past reloads, and even though I'll refer to my manuals quite often, I have good info which I use for load data.

I guess anyone can start anywhere between min. and max. but why? (If you count pennies when reloading, starting loads are cheaper than max. loads; less powder). I'm in no hurry to find that "perfect load" as it's all reloading and shooting and if I didn't enjoy it all, I certainly wouldn't do it!

Average Joe · February 24, 2016, 06:30 PM

I start in the middle. To low and you can have a squib load, and to high can be bad for you and the gun. Never start at max.

mattL46 · February 24, 2016, 06:42 PM

Mikld nailed it!!!! It's part of the fun. Keep good notes for reference too. I love working up loads. Several powders and bullet combos for one cartridge. I load a box and shoot as needed. It's a hobby for me. Not a financial endeavor. Start at the bottom. Follow the recipe exactly.

hdmax · February 24, 2016, 06:53 PM

If the correct primer is used and it is set correctly, you shouldn't have a squib!
You could be using the wrong recipe for the projectile you are using.

Take the 5.56 x 45 M-16 (AR-15 .223 whichever way you look at it.)
the 55 Grain Jacketed SPT calls for a starting load of 19.0 using IMR-4198 (This info comes from the Lyman Manual.) If you get a squib from that, something else is wrong. In which case you really need to find out the issue before moving on!

By the way, I am new here!

Wreck-n-Crew · February 24, 2016, 08:18 PM

One other note I thought worth mentioning. If your back yard is not a range and you have to make a trip, you can always work up a few different loads to test and take them with you.

I usually work up 10 each starting at the bottom and load up to middle of the road or medium/high.

What really helps to know is the characteristics of the power you are using and more will come as you progress. What I have found in pistol loads is that most fast pistol powders are better for light to medium loads for accuracy and slower burning powders are better for middle and up for accuracy and cleaner burn (less soot). Its a general finding and some powders vary a little. But the burn rate chart will be a friend and you can google it...pops right up.

Welcome to TFL!

cw308 · February 24, 2016, 10:58 PM

Nick C S's post also asked, purpose. Are you reloading for accuracy ( target shooting ) or hunting. Reloading is a little different depending on the purpose.

hartcreek · February 25, 2016, 01:35 AM

What I do since I have more then 20 years experience reloading is drastically different the what you should be doing. You need to start at the minimum load and work up.

February 21, 2016, 11:56 AM	#1
borngeechee Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2016 Posts: 3	Reloading newbie Hello guys, I don't know if this has been asked but... when reloading using the data in reloading manuals do you start with their minimum load or do you go straight to a higher load?

February 21, 2016, 01:41 PM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,536	Welcome to TFL borngeechee. For the new handloader, it is best to start low and work up. I recommend this approach until you get a good deal of personal experience behind you. And even after you have a great deal of personal experience; the basic rule of "start low, and work up" will still apply. The only thing that changes is that with experience, you'll know the occasional situation where it isn't necessary to start at the very bottom. But none of that is important to you right now. What cartridge are you loading for? What is the specific purpose of the ammunition you want to load? What bullet are you using? What powder(s) do you have? What gun is going to shoot these? __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

February 21, 2016, 12:17 PM	#2
brasscollector Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2015 Posts: 526	Use the starting loads for rifle or handgun and work up. Just had some range time this morning with my 308. First two test batches fired fine, no pressure signs. First shot with the third and I had primer flowing back into the firing pin hole and slightly hard extraction, I did not continue with the rest of that batch. The third batch was not over "book/internet" spec. Further testing indicated I would get better results with a different powder.

February 21, 2016, 12:32 PM	#3
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	While it is certainly prudent to start with minimum loads, I usually start midrange between minimum and maximum.

February 21, 2016, 12:52 PM	#4
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	You should always start with the minimum load and work up. You're looking for accuracy. Sometimes the most accurate load can be at or a tick above minimum. There's no such thing as "internet" spec.

February 21, 2016, 01:35 PM	#5
rebs Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2012 Posts: 3,881	I start with minimum load and work up in 2/10 gr increments to find an accurate load

February 21, 2016, 04:17 PM	#7
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I was of the philospehy6 in general to start about mid point. I recently had to go back down to basics of low load and work up and I got the accuracy results I was after. So its amended, 5 or 10 rounds at minimum, work up another 5 in 1 grain increments (assuming rifle, pistols much lower) and see what results are. You can go all the way up to max or stop it between mid and max and assess. Supposedly there is another accuracy below max (and one down low) Quote 1.5 grains below max but that's tough as no manuals are the same for max (or minum). Experience tells you but as you would work up to mas in 1/2 grain increments then you may also see the pressure signs Sometimes those do not exist, hared bolt extraction is one to look for, least bit of sticky bolt back off. While I have not seen it, its reported you can get over pressure and have no sighs but a case measurement confirms it, so if you are up above max and its not shown classic indicators its time to reassess.

February 21, 2016, 11:51 PM	#9
borngeechee Junior Member Join Date: February 21, 2016 Posts: 3	Thanks for the info. I can tell imma learn a lot here.

February 22, 2016, 10:00 AM	#10
TimSr Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Rittman, Ohio Posts: 2,074	I compare the load data with at least one other source for load data, and then decide where the "starting load" is.

February 22, 2016, 10:45 AM	#11
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	I'm another mid range starter here. My favorite groups are always just under max.

February 22, 2016, 12:15 PM	#12
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	There just might be a reason they are called "Starting Loads". I have been reloading off and on since 1969 and for a "new to me" cartridge I'll start at the beginning and work up (since I like reloading and shooting, none of my reloading time is "wasted"; it's all reloading, all fun). If/when I get a new powder or bullet I'll drop down to starting loads, not because I fear anything, just good reloading 101. Every load and results, are recorded, and sometimes targets, are kept on my computer and I have a few 3 ring binders. For calibers I loaded before (I have reloaded for every gun I own except my rimfires) I have personal data for past reloads, and even though I'll refer to my manuals quite often, I have good info which I use for load data. I guess anyone can start anywhere between min. and max. but why? (If you count pennies when reloading, starting loads are cheaper than max. loads; less powder). I'm in no hurry to find that "perfect load" as it's all reloading and shooting and if I didn't enjoy it all, I certainly wouldn't do it!

February 24, 2016, 06:30 PM	#13
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	I start in the middle. To low and you can have a squib load, and to high can be bad for you and the gun. Never start at max.

February 24, 2016, 06:42 PM	#14
mattL46 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2013 Posts: 656	Mikld nailed it!!!! It's part of the fun. Keep good notes for reference too. I love working up loads. Several powders and bullet combos for one cartridge. I load a box and shoot as needed. It's a hobby for me. Not a financial endeavor. Start at the bottom. Follow the recipe exactly.

February 24, 2016, 06:53 PM	#15
hdmax Junior Member Join Date: February 22, 2016 Posts: 1	If the correct primer is used and it is set correctly, you shouldn't have a squib! You could be using the wrong recipe for the projectile you are using. Take the 5.56 x 45 M-16 (AR-15 .223 whichever way you look at it.) the 55 Grain Jacketed SPT calls for a starting load of 19.0 using IMR-4198 (This info comes from the Lyman Manual.) If you get a squib from that, something else is wrong. In which case you really need to find out the issue before moving on! By the way, I am new here!

February 24, 2016, 08:18 PM	#16
Wreck-n-Crew Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,820	One other note I thought worth mentioning. If your back yard is not a range and you have to make a trip, you can always work up a few different loads to test and take them with you. I usually work up 10 each starting at the bottom and load up to middle of the road or medium/high. What really helps to know is the characteristics of the power you are using and more will come as you progress. What I have found in pistol loads is that most fast pistol powders are better for light to medium loads for accuracy and slower burning powders are better for middle and up for accuracy and cleaner burn (less soot). Its a general finding and some powders vary a little. But the burn rate chart will be a friend and you can google it...pops right up. Welcome to TFL!

February 24, 2016, 10:58 PM	#17
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Nick C S's post also asked, purpose. Are you reloading for accuracy ( target shooting ) or hunting. Reloading is a little different depending on the purpose.

February 25, 2016, 01:35 AM	#18
hartcreek Junior member Join Date: April 22, 2014 Location: Washington Posts: 1,549	What I do since I have more then 20 years experience reloading is drastically different the what you should be doing. You need to start at the minimum load and work up.