General questions from a new guy.

[ozo]

Thanks all of you for the input..

You're right I wasn't specific. I did mean 45 ACP and 357 Mag (not Sig). I will print the Hodgdon's data for the full details.

Different question.
What about .38 cases? Is it safe to load the +P recipes in standard .38 Sp cases?

Question
I noticed some of the loads listed in bold or otherwise as most accurate are mostly if not all (?) at the maximum for a given powder/bullet combination. Should I draw conclusions from this?

Another question.
How about slugging your barrels? Is this common for guys reloading or just the guys competing?

Thank you again.
Marc

All right now, Marc.....don't make me call your Grandmother on you..... "What about .38 cases? "---Marc

I will slug my barrel IF I can't get a load to shoot like I want it. Usually that would be a hunting load, high power, and need the most accuracy consistently. Generally no need to go thru this step.....but even if you do, it's no big deal.....but you then need to understand all parameters of reloading for it to be of great value, and as someone new, I would not be too concerned yet. There are more important basics to etch into your account first.

The loads in bold [accuracy] are simply for the exact test components, at that time, by that person(s). It may/may not act the same for you. Try it, it don't work, disregard it. Always remember, especially when new, start low, build up. Rome was not built in a day. That being said, working up loads for a revolver are different than loads for a semi-auto....some 'MINIMUM' loads...per published/trustworthy data may not cycle the slide on a particular gun. You may need to start in the middle.
Also, the 'bold' are not always 'max'. Don't think that way, save yourself some brain power for other things.

Now......+P loads.....in nominal .38special brass....marked .38special....and not headstamped .38special +P......you have opened a can of worms !!!
You will find every regurgitation of 'what someone has heard'
on the entire Al Gore system of electronic communication.
I will not even comment [ha, bet I won't]. There are so many guns that are old and chamber for .38special, originally designed for black powder.....and can NOT withstand the pressures created with todays smokeless powder. When you load above the .38special specs, and get to +P pressures, you run a dangerous risk of life and limb. Commercial ammo mfg's [and there attorneys] force the headstamp to depict the +P powder charge in that round. The case WILL fit in ALL guns made to accept the .38special cartridge, and it WILL fire......it may blow up the [old] gun, and your fingers along with it [or worse]. Is this same brass made for .38special the same exact brass used for .38special +P and the only difference on the headstamp ? Some say the brass [itself] is identical. Some say no.
When you get your brain rolling in this direction....and apparently you have some engineering capability (derived from your questions and your wording thereof....despite the lack of specificity on caliber labeling), I seriously recommend you do some deep study on who/what Elmer Keith did with what he had. I trust in several others, but I suggest you begin with Elmer. At the very least, he was PHENOMENAL !!!!
I believe once you know all about Elmer you will not have very many questions to ask us on this subject. Trust me, if you really are sincere about true reloading knowledge, learn all you can about Elmer Keith. It alone will take you on a journey, and will accordingly introduce you to some extraordinary folks that have made what our shooting world is today ! Knowledge takes time and effort. You must seek it without reservation of burden to oneself.....your reward will be equal to your commitment.

 

[fencr]

-Slugging .. got it..

-Bold loads are for the listed components / hardware.. your mileage may /will vary ... got it

-Start low and work up .. but some low-end recipes won't run all autos.

-I should have specified that I'm asking questions related to my reloading for a S&W 586 (modern, .357 mag capable). 38 Specials, yes, I do realize that the +Ps will fit the earlier Specials that aren't built for the pressures. And, keep the boxes marked got it..

-Engineering? No, economics. I'm just detail oriented. I have to connect the dots and be able to defend what makes it to paper. Reloading is going to be interesting but I'm already seeing that I'm going to want access to a chrono.

-I've certainly heard of Elmer. Could you recommend some reading to this end? I'll gladly read up as long as i don't have to wear one of his hats..

seriously, thank you all for the thoughts.
marc

 

[ozo]

"-I've certainly heard of Elmer. Could you recommend some reading to this end? I'll gladly read up as long as i don't have to wear one of his hats.."----fencr

You [or I] could not fit under one of his hats !! Nor have the right to light a cigar for him.!!!!!

If you [fencr] can navigate your way here.....you surely can find your way to access more reading than you can afford on Brother Elmer. Or would you rather I gave you links to the better reading material.......as is in there is such a thing.[?] Would you rather I send you some 'signed' publications of his ? You would send them back in a fast manner, and un-alterated......yes? Would you then trust me....him......or just think we both were old farts with old antiquated knowledge? For your best grasp into this new sojourn......I suggest you stop over-thinking any/all aspects of reloading.....get a solid grip on the mere basics.....then proceed with caution.

 

[ozo]

" Could you recommend some reading to this end?"---fencr

Why can you not find it alone ? Why have you not.....already?

 

[fencr]

No no .. not looking for loaners..
thanks for pointing the way..
Marc

 

[ozo]

OK Marc....
Now you have to wear one of his hats.......