Latest Alliant Powder Reloading Guide, higher charges

[stang68]

What gives with Alliant's latest reloading data with Unique (only powder I checked). The max charges for 38, and 38+p, with a 158 gr LSWC are significantly higher than previous load data on their web site and in Lee 2nd edition, and 357 magnum is significantly lower. For example, 38 Special was 4.3 gr Unique, it now shows 4.7 gr.
38+p was 4.5 gr, it's now 5.2 gr.
357 was 6.8 gr, it's now 6.0 gr. Am I confused or is it Alliant, or is there something different about a Speer 158 gr LSWC from other 158 gr LSWC?

 

[stang68]

What gives with Alliant's latest reloading data with Unique (only powder I checked). The max charges for 38, and 38+p, with a 158 gr LSWC are significantly higher than previous load data on their web site and in Lee 2nd edition, and 357 magnum is significantly lower. For example, 38 Special was 4.3 gr Unique, it now shows 4.7 gr.
38+p was 4.5 gr, it's now 5.2 gr.
357 was 6.8 gr, it's now 6.0 gr. Am I confused or is it Alliant, or is there something different about a Speer 158 gr LSWC from other 158 gr LSWC?

 

[Joel C]

I currently load and cast 158LSWC-HP under 5.0gr of Unique using a M64 with a 3" tube, giving just over 900fps. This is an extremely accurate load and not too harsh either. I've seen or read somewhere you can go as high as 5.4gr of Unique with this pill and still be safe, but I'm not sure. I'll give it a whirl one of these days. Later.

 

[johngalt]

Alliant's new data comes from Speer #14.

Speer/Alliant/CCI/Federal are owned by the same company.

 

[stang68]

Sorry I didn't thank you guys sooner. I asked Alliant via their website about the big increases for 38's and the derease for 357's but haven't received a reply. Is there anyplace on the web where I can find the construction of the Speer 158 gr LSWC. I would like to know the length of the bullet from the top of the crimp groove to the base of the bullet, i.e., how much goes into the case to compare with my bullets, TVB 158 gr LSWC.

 

[MakeMyNight]

Call 1-800-276-9337 during daytime hours, ask for the gentleman who receives Alliant's tech calls.
He is very knowledgeable and I'm sure that He can help You with just about any reloading/powder related question.

 

[jrplourde]

Originally posted by johngalt:
Alliant's new data comes from Speer #14.

Speer/Alliant/CCI/Federal are owned by the same company.

Ok then, CCI ammo is made by Federal? Federal primers are made by CCI? Hummm...

Bob

 

[pownal55]

i shoot that speer 158gr swc with 4.7grs of unique in my model 14. very accurate, no leading.

 

[rundownfid]

OK then, CCI ammo is made by Federal? Federal primers are made by CCI? Hummm

I think you are jumping to an unwarranted conclusion. Owned by the same company needn't mean more than just that. CCI can still make their own stuff at their own plants and Federal their stuff in their plants, etc. As mentioned above the savings comes on joint ventures like loading data. Not having to have three labs testing loads must be a real saving.
As to primers, Federal primers are very much softer than CCI they are definitely not the same, actually polar opposites on hardness.