Same Bullet Weight & Configuration - Different Manufacturer

S

Shynloco

New member
Ok reloading Guru's...got a question because I'm not sure of the answer. I often look at reloading data contained in charts published by various manufactures of both bullets and powders. I've noted that almost all of these folks seem to post only certain brands. I suspect this is because they either have a personal preference for the manufacturer and who knows what that personal preference is based upon. Some is obviously through testing that specific manufacturers' products which could also be based upon a monetary interest. And here is where my questions lies.

Question: 1.If I take a specific recommended load shown in the say the Alliance Powder Chart for say .223 using a Speer 52 gr bullet (say a BTHP bullet configuration), is that same load applicable for a Sierra, Nosler or any other manufacturer's bullet having the SAME configuration? 2. To take it one step futher, how much of a difference will there be in performance when using a bullet with the SAME weight, but different configuration?

Lets hear it guys! Thx.
 
i'm no expert but i beleive different powder create differt pressures, 25g. of varget might create alot more pressur than 25g. of benchmark etc. i always stay as close as i can to the recipies, only thing i do differnt is the brass and the primers, because sometimes those comps. aint available to me i know different primers create different pressures as well.
 
Ok...thats a fair comparison and I agree with you on the potential for pressure differences. But thats powder difference, which by the way I've tested both powders in my .223 bolt gun (to see which my weapon likes the best)and stuck closely with the recommended recepe in the Sierra Manual. I was kinda wondering what substituting a Speer or a say Nosler or Barnes bullet would produce in terms of performance AND if that switch of bullet manufacturer would make any difference. Thx.
 
I have had good results starting at a mid to low powder charge when substituting different bullet makes of the same wieght and style. Even bullets that vary a little like a 85g or 87g in my 6mm Rem'
I have the Hornady 7th edition manual and load speer and sierra bullets with the info.
 
i'd have to say the bullet would creat a presure diff. as well, because of the seal at the neck boattail vs. solid base etc., i agree w/ them stickin' w/ certain manuf. because of sales but it is rocket science your dealing w/ propelants, i dont experiment that much because the recipies i load produce clovers and same hole shots , that well enough 4 me, also a rifle exploding in my face isn't worth it imo.
 
Oh make no mistake, I agree with ya 100%. Besides, why fix it if ain't broken? My question is based more upon theory because experimenting with unknowns isn't my bag. There's no way in heck I'm going to take a chance on blowing up a weapon over a stupid theory. I'm going to conclude that these reloading data tables are specific to bullets SIMPLY because thats what they used in their tests to develope the chart for useage by handloaders.
 
Shanedogg hit on a very good point. While pressure testing for a friends bullet company (to give him load data for his customers), it was found with a .338 rebated boat tail and a .338 boat tail of the same weight and nearly the same bearing area, that the rebated boat tail had a nearly five grain lower charge weigh to reach 56KPSI. Ironically, both bullets produced nearly the same velocity at that pressure. If you really want to throw a wrench in the machinery, start changing jacket material or core compressibility.

Then there is another question: How are people even measuring pressure?

John
 
I substitute bullets all the time. The point to keep in mind is there might be pressure difference's. Maybe lower and maybe higher. If you substitute a bullet of the same weight, start low and work up pressure. You can even wary the bullet weight by a bit and by starting low and working up, make good data.

I use some very old data sometimes and again, start low and work up. Old 4831, or whatever, and new may burn different but the difference will not be so great that yolu don't have a good starting spot. The same powder's may burn different from lot to lot, but data gives you a starting point.
 
WOW! Is that an interesting thought or what...how are people even measuring pressure? Frankly, I wouldn't have the slightest idea because I rely exclusively on the printed data on reloading chart. I mean I physically check casings periodically for the signs of extreme pressure, but beyond that, how the heck could the average reloader accurately measure those pressures we see on the charts?
 
If you worry about pressure here is something to keep in mind
I loaded a max load for my 243 a friend wanted to try them in his 243 the first shot he made was hard to open the bolt.
from this don't use hot reloads except for the gun you tested them in. And if you load them hot in the winter don't shoot them in the summer time. So it's wise to also mark you loads with a date on them then you will know what they are.
 


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