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Posted: 3/21/2010 7:49:26 AM EDT
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I am a bit new at reloading and noticed something yesterday with the reload data...
The data on Titegroup shows to load a 147 grain bullet on 3.2 grains of powder (minimum load), but with a 115 grain bullet to use 4.5 grains of powder. All my experience with physics would say that the 147 grain bullet should have the 4.5 grains of powder to move it. My first guess is that it has something to do with the rate the powder burns at and how much/fast the pressure builds. Since the 115 grain bullet would move faster than the 147 grain bullet there wouldn't be enough time to build the pressure required to cycle the action as completely. Is my thinking on this correct? |
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So what I was thinking was right? cool! I think I'm beginning to understand this reloading stuff now... so I can save powder by loading heavier bullets ... although I think I shoot the lighter bullets better ... I'll just have to find the right load.
Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you here. |
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I would definitely get a couple of reloading manuals and read the introductory sections before the actual data sections. They have some wonderful articles on internal ballistics and other things that you need to know before you plunge into the process. In addition study the data sections for all of the calibers and see if you can get a feel for what is going on. I found this to be very helpful and reading the cartridge introduction helped me gain a wealth of knowledge about the various cartridges and their history and capabilities.
I read all of that first Hornady manual I owned like it was the Bible and tomorrow was judgment day! 
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What cartridge and what type of bullet?
Loads for swaged lead bullets are normally held low to prevent leading, or even blowing the bullet apart. 148 grain hollow base wad cutters for .38 special use are normally dead soft swaged lead, and firing them to fast will cause the hollow base to expand from centripetal force once the bullet leaves the barrel. Even the same weight bullet in lead vs. jacketed may have a reduced load to prevent leading. 230 grain jacketed bullets can take more abuse than 230 gr RN lead in ,.45 ACP. Are the two bullets the same construction? |
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It is kind of a vicious circle.
The faster a powder burns the more pressue it makes. The more pressure it makes the faster the powder burns. The faster a powder burns the more pressue it makes. The more pressure it makes the faster the powder burns. The faster a powder burns the more pressue it makes. The more pressure it makes the faster the powder burns. The faster a powder burns the more pressue it makes. The more pressure it makes the faster the powder burns. The faster a powder burns the more pressue it makes. The more pressure it makes the faster the powder burns. Add a little more powder and you can blow up the circus. |
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Quoted:
So what I was thinking was right? cool! I think I'm beginning to understand this reloading stuff now... so I can save powder by loading heavier bullets ... although I think I shoot the lighter bullets better ... I'll just have to find the right load. Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you here. No, what you guessed in your first post was wrong. The bullet's weight and bearing length are two of the important factors that retard the motion during the start of combustion. However, you're almost right in this post about saving gunpowder by shooting light charges - there's no need to restrict yourself to heavy bullets, light bullets will also fly with light charges. One of my personal loads is 3.8 to 4.0 grains of Bullseye with a 200 grain LSWC; I can shoot 5 grains if I want, but for goofing around, this light load is fun to shoot and operated my pistol with a standard spring. This is yet again an argument for getting our hands on as much load data as possible. Some manuals show only maximum loads, so we generally start 10% down, but most of us don't explore even lighter charges. If you decide to do this, pay attention to the data and any notes that warn against reducing the published load. You'll find warnings with H110 and W296, and possibly other gunpowders. |
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I too, was confused when I started to load. Why did a lighter bullet take more powder to make it go bang??? After some reading/research it was all "splained" out.
I also like to lighten up in lighter bullets for fun. Or, try lightening up some heavy pistol bullets for some more fun. I like using IMR4227 with 240 grain LRN in my 44 magnum. Load them to about 20 grains and you can plink all day long with that cannon and have a ball! Quoted:
Quoted:
So what I was thinking was right? cool! I think I'm beginning to understand this reloading stuff now... so I can save powder by loading heavier bullets ... although I think I shoot the lighter bullets better ... I'll just have to find the right load. Thanks guys, I knew I could count on you here. No, what you guessed in your first post was wrong. The bullet's weight and bearing length are two of the important factors that retard the motion during the start of combustion. However, you're almost right in this post about saving gunpowder by shooting light charges - there's no need to restrict yourself to heavy bullets, light bullets will also fly with light charges. One of my personal loads is 3.8 to 4.0 grains of Bullseye with a 200 grain LSWC; I can shoot 5 grains if I want, but for goofing around, this light load is fun to shoot and operated my pistol with a standard spring. This is yet again an argument for getting our hands on as much load data as possible. Some manuals show only maximum loads, so we generally start 10% down, but most of us don't explore even lighter charges. If you decide to do this, pay attention to the data and any notes that warn against reducing the published load. You'll find warnings with H110 and W296, and possibly other gunpowders. |
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