I'm new to reloading but I've worked up a range of working loads in my .40 and .222 that group well and cycle reliably but what's the next step?

 

For example, 6gr of Power Pistol with a 165gr JHP works well in my Sig but 7gr works ok too, just really loud and snappy recoil. Both of those are below the max load.

 

Do all you reloaders have a chronograph? They don't look super expensive but once you get a setup that is immune to fluorescent lights it looks like a PITA.

 

I figured once it's cycling well and is reasonably accurate you're done but I'd like to hear comments from the seasoned vets.

 

TIA

Show up at an IDPA practice night at SCF&G, Tom will let you use the chrono

Show up at an IDPA practice night at SCF&G, Tom will let you use the chrono

 

 

His rule is probably similar to every other chrono owner I have ever met:

 

"You shoot it, you buy it!"

I figured once it's cycling well and is reasonably accurate you're done but I'd like to hear comments from the seasoned vets.

 

 

It depends on where you want to go and why you got into reloading in the first place. To some it is a means to an end - that is they reload so they can shoot more. They find a load that works and accomplishes their goals and stick with it. That's the way it was with me with handgun ammo.

 

With rifles, I was always in pursuit of the one-hole group, so I experimented more. Different powders, different bullets, case preparation that only a benchrester could love, always trying to wring out that last thoudandth of an inch. It allowed me to go betond what was offered by the factory-loaded ammo and fine tune it to my rifle.

 

So it depends on what you want from it.

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

PS: Order a Sinclair catalog and you'll see that you have only scratched the surface

For most pistol shooting once I find a load that will cycle the slide and hit accurately I am done. I generally start with the lowest load and go up till that happens. It is only for punching paper so no big deal to me.

 

For revolvers I play with the lightest possible to the heavieat possible just to see what it can do. Then I load light target levels and full power levels.

 

Rifle shooting is for those who suffer from OCD. Trying to wring out the most finite fraction of an inch. I use to be that way when I was only loading for 1 rifle caliber. I made myself crazy trying everything possible for a fraction of an inch. Since then I do tune my loads for each rifle and caliber but I do not stress over the difference between 3/8 or 1/2. Sub MOA is Sub MOA. I am not a benchrest shooter so the minute differences do not mean anything to me. Depending on the rifle milsurp vs precision. Irons vs scope. You have to know what to expect from a rifle and develop the loads accordingly.

 

For all my relaoding I find a load that works and I can use and then for some calibers I use more than 1 powder for different levels of performance. All of my pistols will shoot Win 231 loads. For 357 Magnum I use Win 296 for magnum loads. Same with rifle, most of mine will use IMR 4895 loads. Then I specialize based upon need or rifle. Semi vs bolt. Target vs varmint load. This has helped me to ensure I always have powder on hand that can be used.

I'm new to reloading but I've worked up a range of working loads in my .40 and .222 that group well and cycle reliably but what's the next step?

 

For example, 6gr of Power Pistol with a 165gr JHP works well in my Sig but 7gr works ok too, just really loud and snappy recoil. Both of those are below the max load.

 

Do all you reloaders have a chronograph? They don't look super expensive but once you get a setup that is immune to fluorescent lights it looks like a PITA.

 

I figured once it's cycling well and is reasonably accurate you're done but I'd like to hear comments from the seasoned vets.

 

TIA

 

I'm no seasoned vet but it depends on what you what to do. If you are just plinking paper, you're good. But, it you are looking to compete in IDPA or USPSA you want to find an accurate load with the most manageable recoil. Here are some variables to try:

 

- Different powders, WSF comes to mind

- Different overall lengths

- Different charges, just because if cycles doesn't mean it's the most accurate load

- Different brands, weights and types of bullets.

 

This is for starters. I am sure there are more.

Thanks, guys. I guess for handgun I just want to punch paper so maybe I'm done. It's the whole "see what it can do" thing that was puzzling me, since from my little 4" barrel, most charges are pretty close in accuracy.

 

So to put it another way: if the shots are accurate and the gun cycles with a small load what is the purpose of loading a "hot" version?

 

OTOH, with the rifle I'm intending to get as accurate as possible, seeing as how I can't shoot animals with it in this state anyway. I like having a gun in each paradigm.

 

I know I just scratched the surface but I have to moderate my expenses...can't buy a jug of five different powders just to try stuff. Although I'd love to.

well, I would wanna use a load that is not far off from factory unless I am using them for uspsa or idpa. My .40 loads right now are kinda light and feel like 9mm. When I put in some hotter SD or hotter FMJ ammo, there is definitely a difference noticed.

One last thing - If you are reloading to compete in USPSA or IDPA, remember that there are minimum power factors for minor and major loads. 125,000 = minor / 165,000 = major except for revolvers in IDPA SSR class which recently had the minor power factor reduced.

6gr of Power Pistol with a 165gr JHP works well in my Sig but 7gr works ok too,

 

More does not mean better. Which load is more accurate? Does the 6 gr load do what you want it to do? Heavier loads put more wear and tear on your gun. That 1 gr more of powder may not be getting you much. Too many questions to be answered.

His rule is probably similar to every other chrono owner I have ever met:

 

"You shoot it, you buy it!"

 

 

Nah, he shoots your gun for you to solve that problem. I'de rather have it that way anyways. If he shoots his own chrono then it aint' my fault!