Another Beginner Question

[baxtersmith]

In looking at load data I notice that sometimes, with lead bullets, no brand is specified, just the weight and type (like 158gr SWC). Is it safe to substitute one brand of bullet for another using the same load data? For example, is there actually any difference between a Hornady 158gr SWC and a Speer 158gr SWC?
Thanks.

 

[pownal55]

Should be the same, check their OAL when loading.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

The biggest thing to watch for is how far each bullet's base seats inside the case when working at, or even near max. Also, the composition of the bullet alloy can come into play when working at or near the top. A softer bullet can cause pressures to spike when it is slammed into the forcing cone from the force of the pressure of the expanding gasses since it can and usually does obturate (slug up) to the dimensions of the throats of the cylinder which are generally larger than bore diameter, then it gets swaged back down to bore diameter which causes a temporary slow down of the bullet which briefly acts sort of like a minnie bore obstruction for lack of a better term. Just pay attention to what you are doing, and be cautious when nearing any max loading.

I have switched back and forth with many differnt brands of bullets that are roughly the same in seating depth/compostion without any trouble, but I always watch for any signs of excess pressure (like sticking cases) when nearing a max load, or watch for sudden jumps in velocity across the chrono that are all out of proportion to the gains made from any previous increment in charge weight.

 

[oldRoger]

To add to the above, unless you are pushing the envelope there is little practical difference. Pushing lead (non-gas checked) bullets to the maximum can bring in differences as noted in hardness and design, to which I would add lubricant, The major design difference may be how deeply it is seated in the case; see gun4fun’s note, but there are also differences in driving band numbers and width.
I would suggest Lymans Pistol and Revolver Handbook which has loads for many lead bullets and shows their designs as a reference.
Example:
In 45 ACP cast bullets.
The #454460 200 gr has three driving bands; they suggest a max load of 6.0grs 231@987 &.18,000 CUP (1.161” COL).
The #452630 200 gr has two driving bands for which they suggest a max load of 6.1 grs 231@885 & 16,900 CUP (1.235” COL).
When comparing the rest of the suggested loads for these two bullets it seems that 460 may be a bit easier to push in fact however this is more likely due to its being seated deeper in the case with the resulting higher pressure.
By the way the 630 is more like the typical commercial cast bullet and looks very similar to the H&G 68.

 

[Sebago Son]

Watch the difference between CAST and SWAGED bullets of the same weight....

Cast can be pushed alot faster than Swaged (which are generally a good deal softer) before you start having a problem with leading.

Drew
1802