Ideal way to test reloads...?

[38SPL HV]

...imagine having a 4 inch vented Universal receiver to test reloads. Probably a great way to duplicate factory vented ballastics without all the variances inherent with different revolvers even with the same barrel length.

Anyone ever use a Universal receiver with vented barrel to test their handloads? Looks like an uncomplicated setup on a good bench and through a chrono.

Any thoughts?

 

[Homie]

In lieu of a universal receiver/ pressure barrel I prefer to use someone else's gun for experimental work.

 

[reddog81]

I figure as long as I'm using an up to date, published load I should be pretty safe as far as pressure goes. At least for handgun loads.

I'm not too concerned about the velocity a universal receiver can get. I'd be more concerned about velocity and accuracy in my guns.

I guess it could be an interesting tool if you had your own personal range and unlimited time to fiddle around with pushing the limits of different powder and bullet combos.

 

[rwsmith]

No, but I wouldn't mind having....

No, but i wouldn't mind having pressure test equipment, even if it was just for .357. Gotta be expensive, though. I saw where Speer had a single chamber cylinder on a revolver with a transducer hooked up to a readout. That's probably the cheapest way but getting a cylinder made wouldn't be too cheap. At least nowadays the readout would be fairly inexpensive and a one time cost.

All the stuff is in the SAAMI specs but it is a lo-o-o-o-o-ot of reading.

PS: I don't want any "10 inch Universal Receivers". I have six guns and not one of them has a 10" barrel.

 

[Twoboxer]

The problem with using a "Universal Receiver" is that the data you get is pretty much useless. It is not your barrel or chamber.

IMO, there's some argument for a Ransom Rest for pistol since it takes the shooter out of the equation. Theoretically you get the load your gun likes best and then you get to see just how much you can live up to it

But I don't get the UR idea for a "consumer" . . . it's no more dangerous to test handloads than to shoot them.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Certain handloaders who do experemental handloading would really love to have pressure testing equipment.

If you are shooting loads within published data, velocity and accuracy would be more meaningful shot from your gun(s).

 

[Magload]

I been wanting a Ransom rest for a long time but I keep looking at the number of handguns I have collected and would like to test and the price of each grip mount adapter and I just put it off. I think with the rest and my Labradar I could really get some good loads worked up. I could also quit blaming the gun on my groups.

 

[P-229]

In lieu of a universal receiver/ pressure barrel I prefer to use someone else's gun for experimental work.

That's funny, and I needed a good laugh!

 

[P-229]

38SPL HV,

I reload .38 Special for target shooting only. Hence, I've and I'll continue to load at low ends.

I have a couple boxes of FBI loads that are 30+ years old. I just bought two more boxes. However, I'm completely confident that my old stuff will work as good as the 2 boxes I've just bought. The reality is a single box of self-defense ammo ought to last a lifetime unless you happen to live in LA, Washington DC, Detroit, Chicago, or other high crime locale. Then I'd go with a Tommy Gun ;-)

I have nothing against loading for self-defense. However, for me, it would not be worth the effort. When I load close to max loads rifle rounds for big game hunting, I precisely measure every powder charge. I'd have to do the same for self-defense handgun rounds. When I minimum load for handgun, I use a powder thrower, checking every fifth load or thereabouts. I also visually inspect cases for powder uniformity before seating bullets. It's more fun for kids to shoot guns that recoil lightly, and there's less gun wear.

 

[H Richard]

I load quite a lot of different loads, testing different powders. Usually they are low to mid range loads testing for accuracy, but sometimes the best accuracy is near max loads. Shoot the loads off sandbags and over a chronograph for results. I do have access to a Ransom rest, but keeping up with grip inserts is nearly impossible with all the new plastic guns.

 

[gwpercle]

I want to see how my reloads shoot out of my gun(s).
Shooting them out of a universal receiver has usually been done by the people testing and collecting data for the reloading manual, a lot of published data seems to indicate this universal receiver use more and more, why reinvent the wheel.
Gary

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

My gun......My loads....My Oehler 35P..........Only way to get the TRUTH on MY stuff......Everything else is an approximation.

 

[Clovishound]

The only reason I could see for having one is to develop load data from scratch on bullets/powder that don't have data available.

I don't believe I have the requisite knowledge/training to develop a load from scratch without existing data.

I pretty good at following the dive tables. I can even throw in a few "buffers" to make things a little safer for me at my age. I don't think I want to develop a set of tables on my own.

 

[Snoopz]

I been wanting a Ransom rest for a long time but I keep looking at the number of handguns I have collected and would like to test and the price of each grip mount adapter and I just put it off. I think with the rest and my Labradar I could really get some good loads worked up. I could also quit blaming the gun on my groups.

It's worth it, and yes the cost of the grips adds up rather quickly .. mainly buy one as I acquire a new toy or when it can be justified want a chrono, toss up though thinkin back to the 35P
As far as the rest and some have said it takes the shooter out of the variable, one less thing to blame... it does come in handy if you are building a 80% 1911, or Sig..just a thought

-Snoopz

 

[fredj338]

I would love to have pressure testing setup. Closest thing would be a PRessure Trace system & Contender bbls. You could have them made in any length, venting would be an issue, but wouldn't affect pressures much just vel.

 

[bigedp51]

Below is from the Speer #14 reloading manual chapter 18 "Why Ballisticians Get Gray".
So a pressure test barrel would not tell you anything about "YOUR"
firearms.

As a side note anytime you see a specific firearm listed in a reloading manual a strain gauge is used. (pressure trace type system)
And to calibrate this type pressure taking equipment a cartridge of a known pressure is used to calibrate the unit.

 

[rwsmith]

I don't think load tables....

The only reason I could see for having one is to develop load data from scratch on bullets/powder that don't have data available.

I don't believe I have the requisite knowledge/training to develop a load from scratch without existing data.

I pretty good at following the dive tables. I can even throw in a few "buffers" to make things a little safer for me at my age. I don't think I want to develop a set of tables on my own.

I think that working up a new load, as long as you have a chrono and similar tables to guide you, along with experience is a lot less chancy than trying to re-invent dive tables. If a load gets too hot, you can back down on it.

I have a good many load books and I have loads that don't exactly match any data.

I think that in the past more people needed to work up their own loads due to the powders that were out there, along with imports and surplus powders and all that jazz. More data is available now and unless you have a back door supplier, most of the powders we use today already have plenty of data.

 

[bluetopper]

You mean like a single shot Thompson Center Contender?

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP...b11c97o0&w=300&h=225&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0&r=0

 

[fredj338]

Below is from the Speer #14 reloading manual chapter 18 "Why Ballisticians Get Gray".
So a pressure test barrel would not tell you anything about "YOUR"
firearm.

As a side note anytime you see a specific firearm listed in a reloading manual a strain gauge is used. (pressure trace type system)
And to calibrate this type pressure taking equipment a cartridge of a known pressure is used to calibrate the unit.

While this is true, what it would do is let you see pressure changes when you change variables like oal & diff bullet styles & types or even primers & ambient temps. That can then be extrapolated to any firearm.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

It has always pi..ed me off to read that they used something either unavailable(to us low waged hard workers,read whatever nonstandard receiver)or something most of us were not using for our leisurely shooting weekends!I think that,for the kind of money powder and bullet Cie invest in their books,they could use 2 or 3 of the most widely used handguns,test them and average things out(i.e.:in .357Mag a model 586,a Ruger GP100 and whatever else!!!!)Heck,after their tests,they could always have sold back their test guns to shooters to recoup the investment.Lots of guys would pay a little extra just to have a written proof that their gun was used by Hornasierrspeerchesterremmibarnes for their testing!

Qc