ballistic programs ???

[pahrumpcaveman]

I have been thinking of buying one of these programs and want your thought's on which one is best and why . RCBS , Quick Load , Etc .

[labgrade]

I've used two of the Oehler (a DOS-based, but still in Windows & their latest full Windows versions) programs - both do the trick, but I like the DOS-based better - just a personal preference.

FWIW, the Windows version has a better selection of the later-released bullets/factory ammo, etc.

I would imagine that really, any of the programs on the market would do the trick for you.

[MADISON]

I have used the PLAIN NO BS OR ADD ON version of the SIERRA 4 Reloading CD for 2+ years. I know the loads are high end [HOT!]. I also have 5 other paper manuals to compare their loads to. Sierra cound be had for less than $40.
MADISON

[ryucasta]

Check out Quickload at http://www.neconos.com/ it does both internal and external ballistics.

[WESHOOT2]

Worthless.

Compared to actual testing, of course :-)

Why is it on certain loads when I add powder the bullet goes slower???????????
Why is it that matching pairs of guns shoot certain loads at such different velocities??????????

Why why why? My computer wouldn't tell me, the bastard LOL.

[labgrade]

I've never used any of the internal ballistic types - only for exteriors & even those are pertty much useless if you don't have a chrony (which I don't, but did have access to one for a time).

I was fairly impressed with field results & what the Oehler spit out IF I plugged in the correct data.

Other than single-shot specialty pistols & rifles, I don't bother.

I wouldn't say worthless, Weshoot2, but to be used like anything else = with some common sense & field testing.

But of course, you are correct.

[pahrumpcaveman]

What do you do with all the data you collect from this " actual testing " ? Write it on post it notes ? LOL It seems to me that all of them I have looked at offer more than just "worthless "calculations .

[WESHOOT2]

Require no electricity to read or write.

Correlation of data by 'brain'; new invention.

Actual testing, and its concomitant data actually matters -- to me.

[WESHOOT2]

PS not 'completely worthless', but I prefer testing, based on my actual experience.

Assuming things about ammunition can make life more interesting than it needs to be.




--------------------------------------

"all my ammo is Luddite ammo"

[ryucasta]

The way that I use the QuickLOAD Internal Ballistic program is as a STARTING POINT for working up a load, I then confirm the numbers it generates with my chronograph.

Here's an example

Cartridge : .40 S&W (RP Case Resized)
Bullet : .400, 180, Montana Gold FMJ
Cartridge O.A.L. L6 : 1.150 inch or 29.21 mm
Barrel Length : 5.0 inch or 127.0 mm
Powder : Vihtavuori N320

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 2.0% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Charge Vel. Energy Pmax Pmuz Prop.Burnt Btime
% % Grains fps ft.lbs psi psi % ms

-20.0 61 3.68 836 279 16622 2065 100.0 0.741
-18.0 63 3.77 850 289 17424 2104 100.0 0.726
-16.0 64 3.86 864 298 18252 2144 100.0 0.712
-14.0 66 3.96 878 308 19108 2183 100.0 0.698
-12.0 67 4.05 891 317 19992 2221 100.0 0.685
-10.0 69 4.14 904 327 20903 2260 100.0 0.673
-08.0 70 4.23 918 337 21843 2299 100.0 0.661
-06.0 72 4.32 931 346 22812 2337 100.0 0.649
-04.0 73 4.41 944 356 23810 2376 100.0 0.637
-02.0 75 4.51 956 366 24838 2414 100.0 0.625
+00.0 76 4.60 969 375 25897 2452 100.0 0.614
+02.0 78 4.69 982 385 26987 2490 100.0 0.603
+04.0 79 4.78 994 395 28108 2527 100.0 0.593
+06.0 81 4.87 1006 405 29262 2565 100.0 0.582

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba 76 4.60 986 389 29840 2389 100.0 0.585 ! HOT LOAD !
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba 76 4.60 944 356 21879 2544 100.0 0.652

[pahrumpcaveman]

Thanks to all whom posted constructive and useful info . PS , I'm not worried about the man coming to turn off my power as the bill is paid .