Reloading BS thread

That’s really cool of him to sell them at a great price. Last year I was seeing those primers sell for $30/1000 and now I’m seeing them sell for $100/1000.

 

I set aside some time to do some arts and crafts tonight, I got my 6.8 dies set up, got some virgin hornady brass prepped and my new powder dispenser set up so I loaded 40 rounds, 10 sets of 4, .2 grain increase each set, starting at 23 grains of IMR4198 and ending at 24.8 which is half a grain away from max load (compressed), projectile is 100 grain accubond.

 

I know we all do it different, but 10 different charges seems pretty tedious. Do you shoot those through a chronograph against a known pressure load?

 

I don’t have a Chrono (yet) I’m going off of Hodgdons load data, I didn’t want to jump too far between charges but I want to get close to max charge before I check accuracy, I’m trying to eek out every FPS I can since it’s going through a 12.5” barrel.

 

It’s definitely not the most efficient way, and the .2 gr OCW test are still a thing I guess.

 

So are you shooting for accuracy or doing a ladder test or just looking for signs of pressure?

 

I’m checking for pressure signs but I’ll also be logging the accuracy data for data points.

 

I know you already know this, but there are so many variables to pressure signs to make them almost worthless unless you are well over max.

When loading for velocity priority, a cheap chrono will save you bullets and time. Compare a factory load to your reload and stop when you reach the same velocity across your chrono. The actual number you get is not that important as they are not calibrated to every environmental condition, so don’t get too worked up over the number.

40 rounds just seems like a lot of rounds to just look for pressure signs below max in today’s environment where components are scarce.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the way you’re doing it, but I’d try to do less work up to conserve resources.

 

Crazy times again as far as finding components, or loaded ammo for that matter. I didn't think I would ever bother loading for .380 auto, but just before supply dwindled I purchased dies, brass, bullets. Loaded 300 of them up couple weeks ago

 

Actually I didn’t know that, thanks for the info.
I’ve read most of the manuals that I have (it’s been a while though) and I have the concept of reloading but these are the first rifle rounds that I’ve cooked up, my loading before this was 357 magnum.
The goofy thing with 6.8 is my barrel (6.8 ARP) is 2 (technically 3) generations ahead of “6.8 spc” that commercial ammo is loaded to. Due to errors when Remington sent the specs to Saami the commercial ammo is loaded for a shorter freebore and different throat angle (spec 1) and then spec 2 came along and corrected the spec 1 by changing throat angle, freebore, and I believe they also changed the twist rate.
The “spec 2” design was changed slightly in 2010 but kept the same name.
While the current SAAMI “6.8 spc II” is fairly common ammo manufacturers still load their 6.8 to be safe in spec 1 chambers which causes about 100 FPS loss.
I believe that AR performance changed the freebore slightly with their barrels to gain a bit of performance but I’m not positive, I do know he used 5R and 3R rifling which should help with velocity.

It’s a hot load but I’m looking for 2700 FPS or so out of the 12.5” barrel, I believe some guys were claiming they got 2900 FPS with the 12.5”.

 

Arts and Crafts lol, I like that.

 

Been reloading since the mid 80s. I have at least 15 different manuals and have learned a lot over the years. My son in law started reloading this fall. I had him read one manual. https://www.riflesandrecipes.com/product/the-big-book-of-gun-gack/
It’s the most down to earth, user friendly manual you will read about practical hand loading for the average person.

You do not get magic velocities without increased pressure unless you are using one of the few newer powders that have been proven to safely increase velocities. Most people get increased velocities by loading well above max. Most pressure signs show up well above max.

A chrono is very valuable in load work up. When comparing to known pressure loads(factory), it doesn’t lie.

Pressure signs are very variable based on rifle and brass. Softer brass flows sooner, softer primers flow sooner, enlarged or rough firing pin holes or ejector holes can case brass to appear to flow when it doesn't. Shape of case can affect difficulty to extract, etc. Velocity over a Chrono doesn't lie.

 

I have tomorrow off from work so doing some shooting sounds like a good idea. I have several rounds loaded for several firearms that I haven't gotten dialed in yet. 300 Blackout, 224 Valkyrie and a H&K USP 40. There are a couple of others both those 3 are first up.

 

A couple friends who started reloading after I did still scoff at me for not having a chronograph. I can see the benefits, and primarily for me would be so I can plug those numbers into a program/ ballistics calculator. Up to this point I've just loaded for accuracy at 100 yards.

 

I've had a chrono for over 30 years. OK, a couple because I shot one of them. It is very valuable to see how consistent your loads are and actually see what happens when pressures start to get high. Max velocity is one thing, but finding the load with the least variance is better. Every gun/bullet/powder has a sweet spot in pressure and the chrono makes it easy to find.

The actual number you get across it is just a number. Unless you've paid big bucks and have it calibrated to your exact atmospheric conditions, it's not a real number. It will show you if you are running the same pressure as factory loads and if your loads are consistent.

For accurate ballistics programs, I shoot at 100, 200, 300 and 400 yards and input my actual amount of drop to come up with a closer program based on conditions.

 

You made me think the other day about doing the same thing. I usually order what I need when I need it. Figured I better dig things out and put on paper what I have so I know what I need. I have a lot, but was surprised how lacking I was on a few things. Thankfully I was able to find what I needed from several sources and got them ordered. Since my son in law has started reloading, and using my powder and primer, I'm lower on powder than what makes me comfortable, but we will still shoot this spring like there's no shortage.

 

I had to laugh at, a couple because you shot one...one of said friends did exactly that not long after getting his first one.

 

Yeah. It happens. Most people I know have shot one. Sure feels stupid at the time though.

 

Yes I can see it wouldn't be hard to do. I think they're a little more pricey but see they make one that attaches below the barrel. I think what I'd like to have next though is one of these newer bore scopes.

 

It’s a quicker way to find you your charge weight when you decide what you want your MV to be. For me I almost never start at a manuals minimum reloading charge weight.

You can true up data on Ballistic software and never even touch a chrono by just using the scope. Again, it’s just easier and you waste less ammo by having a *good* chrono for this. I use magnetospeed most of the time.