Tuning, tweaking, repair etc.

[Robert]

I first discoverd GBO forums when I was looking for data for my Contender.  Since then I have really learned a lot on GBO, and read info at countless other sites for fine tuning and making Contenders shoot better.  Does anyone know of any good 'tech' sites for Handi's, or know of companies offering services like rechambering, throat reaming....stuff like that.  Just for example...my first barrel is a 243.  I started reloading with Speer 100 gr boat-tails and found that the available data for these big bullets calls for a seating depth that is considerably 'Below' the shoulder.  I checked how far I could seat these bullets, and the throat is plenty long enough to take these bullets seated properly....however...they probably will not fit in any standard magazines.  On another note....these bullets, properly seated and closer to the rifling are incredible long-range 'tack-drivers'.  Maybe the NEF forums should also have a separate 'LOADS Forum with member submitted data.....If the chambers in these single-shots in the other calibers are also as generous in the throat length as my 243.....then most pulished load data is incorrect for the Handis.  Also....if the tested and published seating depth has the bullet seated deep below the shoulder.....this raises pressures.  If we can seat these bullets properly....it would reduce pressures.....so I would think that the LOAD could ALSO be increased safely.  Thoughts?

[Mac11700]

Robert:

Any and all loading data unless quoted directly from a current reloading manual is to be held suspect...namely because what may be safe in yours...could be dangerous in mine...and so-on...so-on......ect...ect...

Secondly...if you are loading for 2 different rifles...the results will vary from the same load...no 2 rifles are the same...and each one will have a sweet spot for a paticular load

Third...if you are loading to the max...then following normal loading data...and seating the bullet to SAMMI lenght...the pressures will be in range for that cartridge...

Fourth...Not all Handi's shoot good with the bullet close to the lands...wierd as that may seem...but that just the plain truth..I had a 308 Bull Barrel that the 200 grain Sierra's wouldn't stay in the case to touch the lands...and yet with  the Federal Match 165 grain factory load I could shoot 1/2" groups all day long with it...and it shoots even better with Winchester 150 grain power points...just ask my next door neighbor
 

Fifth:...All the major manufactures test their loads to SAMMI specs...as to what is being published is wrong...nope...it was correct for what they tested it out of...no matter if it was a stated rifle...or pressure barrel...

What has been published should be used for your base line for each gun you load for.What has been published is a safe starting point...this is why they always tell you to reduce your starting point a certain percentage below theirs and work your way up slowly...checking for pressure signs...

Having a forum strickly for loading data...while it may seem like a good idea...probably isn't...especially with some of the data I've seen posted here...

Mac