AMMO!!

[Hillbilly77]

After a bunch of reading, asking, buying, working, trimming, measuring, etc.....

(With a LOT of help) I made my first box of ammo tonight!

I loaded a box of (50) .357 Mag Hornady 158Gr. XTP tonight.
I chose a mid-range powder charge of 13.5Gr. of Win. 296.

My loading manual says a range of 12.4 - 16.0, so I went with a mid-range to start.


I haven't shot any yet to see how they perform, but I plan to tomorrow.

I think I've found a new obsession.

 

[Ben_hutcherson]

Congratulations! The first batch of loaded ammo you make is something special. I was where you are just about a year ago.

In fact, I kept one loaded round out of my first batch of 50, and it sits on a shelf above my reloading bench.

Please let us know how things turn out tomorrow-I'll be looking forward to a report!

BTW, if you're going to an indoor range anything loaded with 296 is a lot of fun. The fireball is impressive!

 

[rwsmith]

Purty

HillMan - That is a purty bunch of ammo.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Boy did you open a can of worms..................

Just take your time and make sure every thing is right.

Those loads look great.

Enjoy.

 

[JayFramer]

Awesome dude! I am feeling a similair sense of satisfaction, I just got done cleaning all the cosmoline out of my new unissued unfired Yugoslavian M56/66A1 SKS rifle. Feels good to get it done!

 

[Rule3]

Looking good. Sure would like to see a closer picture of the crimp area, Look like the could be a tad deeper but hard to say from the angle. Should just be able to see the top edge of the crimp perforations regardless of what the COL says, The COL will only match the cannelure if the brass is trimmed to the trim to length.

You should be fine but one of the first things we mentioned was only load a few as in 10-20. Anytime you load something new, even with years of experience it's a good practice in case something is not Kosher. No fun breaking down more than you have to if needed.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Where did you get that load data?

Usually it's not a good idea to reduce W296/H110 more than 3% from the Max charge. I said usually but not always but your data allows a reduction of over 20% from the Max charge. Additionally, your load is a reduction of a little more than 15% from the Max. This is not a good practice with any powder let alone when loading W296/H110.

Did you use a Magnum pistol primer?

Again, where did you get that data?

 

[Hillbilly77]

Where did you get that load data?

Usually it's not a good idea to reduce W296/H110 more than 3% from the Max charge. I said usually but not always but your data allows a reduction of over 20% from the Max charge. Additionally, your load is a reduction of a little more than 15% from the Max. This is not a good practice with any powder let alone when loading W296/H110.

Did you use a Magnum pistol primer?

Again, where did you get that data?

I got all of the load data out of the Hornady load manual.
Their data shows a swing on 296 from 12.4 gr. to 16.0 gr. with the bullets I'm using.

Yes, I did use magnum primers.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I got all of the load data out of the Hornady load manual.
Their data shows a swing on 296 from 12.4 gr. to 16.0 gr. with the bullets I'm using.

Yes, I did use magnum primers.

I can't understand why Hornady is supplying load data that reduces W296 a full 20% from the Max. Please do yourself a favor and the next batch you load with W296 at least use the 10% rule and make a charge of 14.4gr your starting load with a 158gr XTP bullet. When I load a 158gr XTP bullet I load between 16.4gr and 16.8gr W296 with a magnum primer.

Hodgdon lists a max charge of 16.7gr W296 under a 158gr XTP bullet. I think Lyman goes all the way up to 17.0gr with a 158gr jacketed bullet.

 

[peterthefish]

I can't understand why Hornady is supplying load data that reduces W296 a full 20% from the Max. Please do yourself a favor and the next batch you load with W296 at least use the 10% rule and make a charge of 14.4gr your starting load with a 158gr XTP bullet. When I load a 158gr XTP bullet I load between 16.4gr and 16.8gr W296 with a magnum primer.

Hodgdon lists a max charge of 16.7gr W296 under a 158gr XTP bullet. I think Lyman goes all the way up to 17.0gr with a 158gr jacketed bullet.

Perhaps because they have a team of engineers and ballisticians doing their load work up and don't need to rely on imperfect rules of thumb?

Generally the minimum load published in a manual will be one with relatively consistent velocity, no chance of squibs in a variety of barrels, and not toooo dirty. This may be more than 10% below starting, or less.

Do you understand now?

/Rule of thumb: If you start a post with "I don't understand why" let it serve as a hint that you may not be well qualified to give advice on the topic.

 

[MichiganScott]

Hillbilly77: print and post that picture in your reloading area. In a few years you will realize that it was the most expensive box of ammo you ever shot.

Congratulations on taking up a new and satisfying hobby. Just remember that old carpenter philosophy of "measure twice, cut once". Always verify all data with at least one other source, and stay away from someone else's pet loads unless they can be independently verified.

 

[erj_pilot]

Great job!! I know the feeling...after taking the time to learn about my RCBS Pro2000 Progressive Press, I'm hooked and can't wait to start my next project....40 S&W!

Say good-bye to your bank account!

 

[daveuspp]

I still have 20 rounds of my 1st batch of 308 25years ago.....keep it on my bench next to my dads last 308 load...

 

[Duster340]

Congrats! Welcome to the addiction. Unfortunately your condition may worsen when you get the feared "casting bug". There is no known cure

Be well

 

[SMSgt]

If you have two reloading manuals with the same load data for any load, you own two of the same manuals.

 

[Rule3]

I had already discussed with Hillbilly the differences in the Hornady manual and say the Hodgdon data. I did recommend using Hodgdon data but you know how Newbies are!

Hornady has many loads that are lower than the powder companies in other calibers like 223 Rem (which I have used)

The Hodgdon 3% "rule" is broken all the time, even by Hodgdon themselves!! They have several loads that vary by more than 3%

Hornady makes the bullet, and tested it with the loads in their manual, they work.

True, their data with H110 is pretty conservative. I do not know if the new edition #9 is different I only have #8

 

[gm272gs]

Call me Mr. Vegas, but I like to start with starting loads and work up to the mid-range. I stay well away from max load data, always.

If you find that a starting load works fine, use that. You use less powder that way, and it doesn't kick as much. It's a win-win.

 

[Collo Rosso]

Won't be long before your bitch'n about not finding your favorite powder or the price of primers. Then someone will accuse you of going to the range just to make brass. At the range you won't be able to walk past a piece of brass without picking it up...It just doesn't stop!!!

 

[Rule3]

Do you understand now?

/Rule of thumb: If you start a post with "I don't understand why" let it serve as a hint that you may not be well qualified to give advice on the topic.

ARCH is a very well qualified reloader with years of experience,
The question is posted is a very legitimate one. Hornadys data is very contrary to what Hodgdon states.

(yes Arch I know you don't need me to defend your posts)

I got gigged on another forum with a 223 Rem load in a AR 15 using Hodgdon powder and the Hornady load data. It is less than the Hodgdon load. Folks jumped in all over it will not work be accurate etc etc.

Cycled the rifle just fine and was accurate to boot.

All is not always what it seems.

I respect Hodgdon data a lot but also Hornady, different tests, dates, lot numbers phase of the Moon whatever.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Let's not have a pissing match here, guys.

It was recommended to me to start by following the Hornady specs in the Hornady reloading manual.

If I load up a few rounds and I decide I want a little more "zing", then I'll load a little hotter.
I won't go beyond a listed maximum charge spec. I can't afford to buy a replacement gun because I blew one up. The good folks at Hornady are ammo people - that's who they are and what they do. I've used many of their ammo products in my guns and haven't had a Kaboom yet, so I trust their loading data specs.

If I load a few rounds that are "not hot enough", what has been hurt? I gained a little knowledge and experience.
At this point, none of it should be considered a "waste". On the contrary, I'm considering it all to be an investment.
A little while ago I fired a handful of the rounds I loaded last night - they all functioned ok. They are a little tame when fired out of my 586. They are tons of fun with my Model 19.
Lesson learned. Did I "waste" anything? No. I invested my time and resources and learned a few things along the way.