Are bullets of the same weight and type interchangable within a given load?

iScream · February 17, 2009, 08:14 PM

Hi All,

If I have load data for a specific brand of waddcutter of a specific weight, can I exchange a wadcutter of the same weight but a different brand without being concerned?

I realize that swapping DEWC for one of the bullets with a dished back would result in different pressure so I wouldn't try that without going to a minimum load, as commonly advised here.

Is there anything else I'm not considering though?

Thanks,
Chris

HiBC · February 17, 2009, 09:07 PM

I will advocate consistent application of good practice.
Every loading manual will tell you to start over if you change components.

Is it likely you will have any trouble with a midrange low pressure target load DEWC if you change bullet mfg?.I think it would be safe,and in truth,I might do it,myself.

Anything near max,back up and start over is good.

I read a handload Q+A in some magazine,maybe Handloader,that just going to a gascheck bullet in a .44 Mag could raise pressure 4000 PSI

amamnn · February 17, 2009, 09:28 PM

NO

kraigwy · February 17, 2009, 09:41 PM

Yes unless you are loading toward max, which I doubt many people do with wad cutters.

I shoot a lot of 148 WCs and 150 grn SWCs with out changing anything. I can't tell the differance on 50 yard bullseye targets. I can tell in loading revolvers with speed loaders. Thats why I do it.

iScream · February 17, 2009, 09:54 PM

Thanks HiBC and kraigwy.

Amamnn, could I get you to 'splain yourself? I'm not sure if you mean no, there isn't anything I'm not considering or no, you can't switch between bullet brands.

-Chris

James R. Burke · February 23, 2009, 03:19 PM

Keep it safe. Start over. It's fun making one up anyway.

SL1 · February 23, 2009, 05:01 PM

kraigwy wrote:

Quote:

I shoot a lot of 148 WCs and 150 grn SWCs with out changing anything.

Well, it is OK to go from a load with a 148 grain WC to a 150 grain SWC without reducing charge weight because the SWC has much more of the bullet outside the case and thus leaves more powder space and creates lower pressure. Plus, you are typically not using max pressure loads with WC bullets.

But, going the other way CAN get you into trouble. The WC design raises the pressure over the SWC load, and SWC loads may be run up toward max more.

SL1

WESHOOT2 · February 24, 2009, 11:38 AM

Bullets may be of different hardness or friction; they may present different bearing surface; they may be different in contained length, changing both case volume and distance to throat/lands..

Proper safe practice is to reduce the charge weight and work up.

In fact, with all component and/or lot change one should reduce and work up.

One can learn, or one can learn the hard way (I know I did....

).

wncchester · February 24, 2009, 12:10 PM

Speaking specifically to a light charge and a lead bullet in a handgun, you can change the bullet brand or shape with no safety concern.

Impact/zero is likely to change a bit but the pressure isn't going to suddenly spike to any hazardous level.

HiBC · February 24, 2009, 01:10 PM

Someone else already said this a different way
The seating depth has an effect on case volume.changing the case volume changes pressures.So,you may be ok in a low pressure load to switch from one mfg to another if it is essentially the same bullet mold.However,to go from say,a kieth SWC to a double ended wadcutter would not be good.You might get dangerous.
I know components are difficult now,but it is best to find a consistent source,and have consistent loads.

February 17, 2009, 08:14 PM	#1
iScream Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 89	Are bullets of the same weight and type interchangable within a given load? Hi All, If I have load data for a specific brand of waddcutter of a specific weight, can I exchange a wadcutter of the same weight but a different brand without being concerned? I realize that swapping DEWC for one of the bullets with a dished back would result in different pressure so I wouldn't try that without going to a minimum load, as commonly advised here. Is there anything else I'm not considering though? Thanks, Chris Last edited by iScream; February 17, 2009 at 09:51 PM.

February 17, 2009, 09:28 PM	#3
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	NO __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

February 17, 2009, 09:41 PM	#4
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Yes unless you are loading toward max, which I doubt many people do with wad cutters. I shoot a lot of 148 WCs and 150 grn SWCs with out changing anything. I can't tell the differance on 50 yard bullseye targets. I can tell in loading revolvers with speed loaders. Thats why I do it. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

February 24, 2009, 11:38 AM	#8
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	absoLUTELY NOT Bullets may be of different hardness or friction; they may present different bearing surface; they may be different in contained length, changing both case volume and distance to throat/lands.. Proper safe practice is to reduce the charge weight and work up. In fact, with all component and/or lot change one should reduce and work up. One can learn, or one can learn the hard way (I know I did.... ). __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

February 17, 2009, 09:07 PM	#2
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,287	I will advocate consistent application of good practice. Every loading manual will tell you to start over if you change components. Is it likely you will have any trouble with a midrange low pressure target load DEWC if you change bullet mfg?.I think it would be safe,and in truth,I might do it,myself. Anything near max,back up and start over is good. I read a handload Q+A in some magazine,maybe Handloader,that just going to a gascheck bullet in a .44 Mag could raise pressure 4000 PSI

February 17, 2009, 09:54 PM	#5
iScream Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 89	Thanks HiBC and kraigwy. Amamnn, could I get you to 'splain yourself? I'm not sure if you mean no, there isn't anything I'm not considering or no, you can't switch between bullet brands. -Chris

February 23, 2009, 03:19 PM	#6
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	Keep it safe. Start over. It's fun making one up anyway.

February 24, 2009, 12:10 PM	#9
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Speaking specifically to a light charge and a lead bullet in a handgun, you can change the bullet brand or shape with no safety concern. Impact/zero is likely to change a bit but the pressure isn't going to suddenly spike to any hazardous level.

February 24, 2009, 01:10 PM	#10
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,287	Someone else already said this a different way The seating depth has an effect on case volume.changing the case volume changes pressures.So,you may be ok in a low pressure load to switch from one mfg to another if it is essentially the same bullet mold.However,to go from say,a kieth SWC to a double ended wadcutter would not be good.You might get dangerous. I know components are difficult now,but it is best to find a consistent source,and have consistent loads.