Author Topic: powders,not to exceed,and power (Read 433 times)

hunt4570 · « **on:** April 21, 2005, 07:55:42 AM »

Ok I'm loading 44mags(for new to me redhawk 7 1/2").My lee book lists 16.8-18.7 gr 2400 @1440 fps,lyman pistol book lists 16.7-21.0 gr 2400 @1423 fps.What do not exceed do I go by?Also I loaded 2 sets of 6 ,one at 17.6gr and one set at 19.0gr with hornady 240gr xtp hps.neither kicked as hard as a factory win 240 gr jsp load.Are my handloads weaker than factory loads?This revolver thing is new to me so I'm just learning.I just went from a single stage press to a lee 4 hole turret w/pro disc powder measure,17.6gr and 19.0gr are with 1.36 and 1.46 disc holes.SGB

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2005, 08:00:09 AM »

The Lyman book may give safe loads, but the velocities I've checked are greatly at variance with reality. I don't use Lyman data any more.

BCB · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2005, 09:49:58 AM »

hunt4570,
When I am comparing data from different sources, I average the starting charges and then average the maximum charges. I use these averages as the starting and ending points.
Also, are the two data you're comparing using the same length of barrels to get the velocity?...BCB

MtJerry · « **Reply #3 on:** April 21, 2005, 10:08:47 AM »

ALWAYS start a grain or two lower than the max and watch for pressure signs.

Let YOUR firearm tell you when you are getting near max regardless of the book ... it may be lower than the book!

Questor · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2005, 10:26:52 AM »

I've found the Speer manaual to be the best. It is excellent and they use real guns for testing. Their velocities are typically close to what I get in my guns. I have heard similar good things about Hornady. When I want to develop loads with a minimum of expense for experimentation, I go with Speer. It's a winner.

hunt4570 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 21, 2005, 11:53:36 AM »

Quote from: MtJerry

ALWAYS start a grain or two lower than the max and watch for pressure signs.

Let YOUR firearm tell you when you are getting near max regardless of the book ... it may be lower than the book!

So what are the pressure signs?

??SGB :eek:

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2005, 02:09:29 PM »

Pressure signs are things not to ignore if you see them. But you can develop loads that are way over maximum that show no pressure signs. If you've got a good reloading book, they will at least describe pressure signs.