Loading data

[Catfish]

There are so many post from people wanting loading data that are totally unnessary. You can down load loading manuals from the net at no charge, other than paper and ink. Here are the web pages for Accurate Arms and Hodgens, which also give you IMR and Win powders. www.accuratepowder.com and www.hodgen.com. If you have others please post them as I will keep all I can get.

[Graybeard]

I think too many uninformed folks assume that someone here can tell them a load that will automatically shoot sub MOA groups in their rifle just cuz it does in ours. Sadly it just don't work that way and what they are far more likely to get is someone's idea of how to turn a .308 or .30-06 into a .300 magnum instead.

[huntducks]

GB

There are so many new folks getting into reloading along with them wanting that MOA load, some also scare me with the simplest they ask it's a wonder some still have all there fingers.

I'm all about helping folks out but some need to help themselfs out first and get some good books and videos on reloading

[mdi]

FWIW; I take load data I see on my computer screen with a grain of salt. Don't matter the origin; "expert", web site or forum, etc., I want to see it in print that I can refer to and compare. I tell every new reloader that will listen their best starting investment is a reloading manual (not a recipe book, a how to manual), then a manual with load data dealing with the powder or bullets they want to use. Don't make many friends like that, too slow for a lot of guys...

[buck460XVR]

I think too many uninformed folks assume that someone here can tell them a load that will automatically shoot sub MOA groups in their rifle just cuz it does in ours. Sadly it just don't work that way and what they are far more likely to get is someone's idea of how to turn a .308 or .30-06 into a .300 magnum instead.

Funny how that works, ain't it. When I first asked about starting to reload, the first replies I got from the good folks here was...."buy a good reloading manual and read it. When you're done, read it again before you start to reload." It was the best advice on reloading I ever got from any source. Seems too many are so eager to spend big bucks on a Dillion just so they can claim to have the best,  but can't seem to afford the $25 to buy ONE good reloading manual. Online info from manufacturers websites are good sources of info, I print out the pages that relate to what I load for and pin them up on my reloading room walls.......... but I still like to confirm and adjust loads by comparing more than one source. I would  never consider load recipes given on the internet to be safe unless I had a published source to confirm them.

[gray-wolf]

  This has been an issue that has frosted my backside for some time now.
I am happy that you brought it up.  Perhaps if it gets hammered home enough We may save someone from getting hurt,
  There is even the possibility that some of the new reloaders, and the older offending ones May realize there is a thing called a learning curve. ( remember that one? )
  I think most of the problem stems from the --do for me attitude--and the inability to do a little work on there own. 
  Well get spoon fed someplace else, do a little research the information is there.
What makes you think a hand load that is right for me will be correct for you? (it wont be)
  If it's a starting load then go to the powder company or the bullet maker, The information is there
and they will be very helpful.  The first thing you should have bought is a load book OR two.
  Remember those things called books?
Each rifle or pistol is not the same,
----------------remember?------------------
---This is is my rifle, there are many like it, but this one is mine.---
There are ways to work up a load, and I am not going to get into that now.  But I will say this:
It is not by asking someone what the best load for them is.
Or what should my OAL be. You must think we are flying kites here.
 These are dangerous weapons we have chose to play with and I for one WILL not answer any more
questions that begin with  (I NEED )
  I know it may be new to some, yes we are in a hurry to get that first bullet down range. But I for one do not want it to be your last.
  This is not like asking someone in a store how to find the corn, or what place do you keep the handi wipes.
  As for the people that are so quick to help, well think about it.  Most times it's no more than trying to show someone how much you know.  All you have done is fall victim to the energy vampires.
  Enabling them to go on with thinking --everyone else will do the work for me.
If you think answering some of these questions helps people then have at it.

I need a load for my 308 that shoots good.
What is a good bullet for my 243 Win.?
 I am out of H-4831 but I have this other stuff, it looks the same,can I use it?.
My friend shoots smoke-less powder in his muzzle loader, how much should I use in mine?
I am just getting started, what progressive press should I get?
My friends trim there cases, do I have to trim mine?
What is the crimp die for?
I want to ring it all out of my rifle, How much should I turn the necks down?
What is a good powder for my 7-MM?

Think I am kidding on this--well look for yourself at the questions. What does it show you ?
  Like I said I will not answer any more of these questions, But I will try and convey to people the correct way to do things, if they show an interest in learning or they have done a little work on there own.
  I fully understand about helping new people into the sport and how important it is to teach the younger or new folks, so don't flame me on that crap. I ain't going to listen.
  There are ways to help folks and there are ways to make them a little more dependent.
You make up your own mind.

 

[Dances with Geoducks]

There is a procedure to walk a load to the best group that firearm can do.
There is also 1-3 different bullets, and 1-3 different powders.
There is no magic bullet

Reloading is not for the instant gratification generation.

[jager247]

i bought a reloading book first,  then while looking at different presses,  saw another book so i bought it too.  then i bought my press,  i am still waiting on brown santa to deliver it to me,  the snow storm on tues delayed it here on the east coast.  so while waiting, i went to another gun store to pick up some loading trays and found a different reloading manual.  I've spent the last week reading the books and looking info up on the net.  my brain is now fried from reading,  it's been 10 years since i have read so much about one thing.  Well since UPS doesn't deliver on weekends i get to go back and read them all over again while at work.  funny how things work out.

[stimpylu32]

There are so many post from people wanting loading data that are totally unnessary. You can down load loading manuals from the net at no charge, other than paper and ink. Here are the web pages for Accurate Arms and Hodgens, which also give you IMR and Win powders. www.accuratepowder.com and www.hodgen.com. If you have others please post them as I will keep all I can get.

All they have to do is look at the Useful Links - STICKY at the top of this forum , I have spent some time putting together a good list of info to awnser most any basic question .

Also the New To Reloading Thread - STICKY at the top is another wealth of info too .

stimpylu32 

[pinfish]

I have been reloading for my hunting rifles for two years now and have worked up some very accurate loads for them. I have read info of all kinds on this subject until my eyes burn, for safety reasons,and because I like to be well educated especially when making little bombs, and I hate asking others to do for me what I can do for myself. Ive been reading this forum for 2 years as a guest and have gained alot of useful info and I thank you folks for that. Now that I have suddenly become a person looking to be spoon fed and in search of instant gratification, I realize the reason I just read. I understand the concerns of giving out certain info. and the aggravation of dealing with stupid people on a daily basis. I think this is my third post and will certainly be my last. Have a nice day.

[wncchester]

Sure it's silly to ask someone else what shoots well in their rifle with intent to duplicate it.  Anyone using my load data is reloading for me, not himself!  I enjoy trying to help people but that's no help to anyone.  My "secret" for avoiding that kind of foolishness is to ignore it and move on to something more intelligent.

[LaOtto222]

I have explained at least a couple of times how I develop a load. I am amazed at the number of folks that are not willing to put the time in it takes to develop a safe, accurate load. But I am also one that admittedly likes to reload, so load development is part of the fun - Really - after I have developed a good safe load, I start losing interest in the gun - I am off doing it with another. Or I start over (even if I have a good one already) with a different bullet in pursuit of the "perfect load". I suppose if you think reloading is a chore, load development is a pain in the rear end. Those types do not want to spend time developing a load and want some one to give them one. As anyone that has reloaded a lot knows, there is no "magic bullet" per say. I think people know that there is load data out there, they just want to short cut the process. For those types, they are much better off to just buy their ammunition already loaded and do not be frustrated with the reloading process.

For the ones that just can not seem to find a good safe load, there is more than likely some thing wrong with the gun itself or their shooting technique (flinching for instance). No amount of load development is going to change that. For these types they need help with how to check crowns, bed the action or developing good shooting technique for instance than a magic load.

As for pinfish - I guess I missed some thing. I think we were talking in general, not specifically about him. Does he feel guilty about some thing? There is nothing to feel guilty about. If you fall into one of the categories above, then you know what to ask the next time. If you do not fall into one of the above categories ask for your information in a different way. I have done this and that and I am at a dead end - what else can I do?  I personally have found that the people here in general are very good people and very helpful to boot. I generally ignore specific load requests, refer them to printed load data and once in a while tell them what works for my situation, but not often, and I warn them they might not find the same results. Good Luck to you pinfish and Good Shooting

[Varmintnut260]

I will honestly admit I've asked questions about loads in the past. I will say, any load I've seen on the internet I WILL NOT use the info on here without finding it in a reloading manual or powder/bullet company listing. I asked about loading for an AR 15 on this site and the 1st response I got, a load way over the max, according to every manual I could find. I hope anyone handloading or starting out read every reloading manual they can get their hands on before they measure any powder.

[victorcharlie]

I think a lot of people are pressed for both time and money and want to get a good load in the least amount of time and spending the least amount of money.

For instance, when 20 people post that 57 grains of IMR 4350 and a 165 grain bullet shoots good in their 30.06 then there is some relevance to it.

This is a reloading forum, why not talk about good loads?

[JustaShooter]

+1 victorcharlie

With as many powders and bullets as there are that are reasonable choices for a given caliber, asking what others have found as a good powder for a given bullet weight, and whether a low, middle, or high weight worked best is a nice way to find a place to start, especially if you aren't familiar with a particular caliber.  That doesn't mean you shouldn't check published sources, and start low & work up, of course.

Just a Shooter

[Steve P]

You have to spoon feed a baby.  As it starts to grow it can begin to feed itself.  As it learns to feed itself, it will learn to use tools useful in feeding.  As it grows older, it will begin to learn where to obtain the food on their own.

You can regulate how much you put in the spoon, but don't starve the baby.

Steve

[Steve P]

For instance, when 20 people post that 57 grains of IMR 4350 and a 165 grain bullet shoots good in their 30.06 then there is some relevance to it.

Really?  I'll have to try that one!

Steve

[Doug B.]

I have been hand loading about 15 years now. A minuscule amount of time compared to others here I'm sure. I have asked for specific loads many times, and then referring to my manuals (about 10 or 11) and on line resources, start working up my loads. NEVER do I pick one specific load and pump out 160 rounds figuring that is good enough. I have considered this forum, like my manuals, an excellent source of information from seasoned hand loaders. If I have a Rem. model XX or whatever in a certain caliber, I like to see what success others have had with the same model and caliber using their "favorite" components. It certainly DOES give me information I may or may not use to work up my favorite round for a particular firearm. NONE of my loads are anywhere near max published rounds. I generally work up from minimum and when the rifle starts grouping where I want it, I stop, as long as I am not approaching max given the info I have obtained. I do not own a chrony.

I see NOTHING wrong with asking the type of questions concerned here. Who knows.....It could save someone's life.

One other thing.....I have way too many disclaimers in my life to start with!

My $.02.  

[mdi]

One thought in defence of new reloaders questions. Asking about a load for a particular gun and caliber. If my Ford P.U. runs well on XXX gas it's probably accurate to say it'll run good in your Ford P.U. of the same vintage/size. A mass produced item is the same all through the production run, right? It is not real well known how unique each gun is in relation to best shooting reloads outside of the reloading community. Not an excuse for not researching the whole reloading process, just a thought. I can still remember starting out 30+ yrs ago (pre web) doing a lot of guessing/experimenting and reading everything I could find on reloading (and Lee Loader instructions). I think instant gratification is too prevalent today; it's easy to get info on anything via the web in a very short time. "I want a load for my gun, NOW!"

[gray-wolf]

One thought in defence of new reloaders questions. Asking about a load for a particular gun and caliber. If my Ford P.U. runs well on XXX gas it's probably accurate to say it'll run good in your Ford P.U. of the same vintage/size. A mass produced item is the same all through the production run, right? It is not real well known how unique each gun is in relation to best shooting reloads outside of the reloading community.

  Sorry I for one can't go along with your explanation in the above quote.
If it were so, then everyone with a Mdl. 70 Winchester Cal. 308 shooting Rem. 150 grain core locks
could use the same load.  Ain't so --It would be nice but it don't work that way with guns.
  Might be close ?  Perhaps close is good-e-nuff for some.
Before this thread started to drift and everyones dander got all up and all defensive it was simple about the people that wanted to get all the info without doing the work for it.
  The ones that think places like this are there own private reloading book.
If you want to get close just look in the dam book.
  If I bust my but, what makes anyone think my load is going to be a 1" load for there gun.
Think about all the work one person may put into that load,  Seating dept, neck tension, case sizing,
neck turning, primers, powder Lott, and on, and on.  Is every chamber the same size ? I think not.
  Again if it's just to get close, what good is asking over looking in a load book.
Laziness ? I think so. I have to laugh at some of the excuses and reasons some give to support there way of thinking.
 To each his own I guess,

GW