Working up a load
Printed From: The BaitShop
Category: FireArms, et cetera
Forum Name: Metallic Cartridge Handloading and Bullet Casting
Forum Description: Discuss reloading, bullet casting etc. here. We take no responsibility for the safety or validity of the loads mentioned in this forum. Start low and work up to what is safe in YOUR firearm!
URL: http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=26549
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 22:37
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.10 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Working up a load
Posted By: Wing master
Subject: Working up a load
Date Posted: 13 October 2019 at 00:42
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Hey guys.
I have a pretty good load for my Swede but I really haven't worked up a load for it.
When you start on a cartridge you never have loaded for where do you start? How do you pick a bullet and weight? How do decide on what powder to use?
Do primers really make that much difference in accuracy?
Thanks for any input.
Wing master
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I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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Replies:
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 13 October 2019 at 05:27
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I sort of start backwards. I pick a bullet weight for the game/purpose, then get a cartridge that was the best BC for that bullet weight.
Personally I don't think primer are important for my accuracy goals. I only use magnum primers for cartridges 338 mag and bigger.
last 6 years, I pick the powder that Lyman load manual says is the most accurate for my cartridge.
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Posted By: RaySendero
Date Posted: 13 October 2019 at 08:04
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Wm, I pick the "Best" bullet I can find for my hunt purpose. I'll find a factory load that has that bullet. Chrony 2 or 3 Three shot groups and keep rest of box as a velocity std. for life of rifle. If the accuracy is OK with that bullet, I'll buy some and check max COL in that rifle. Begin reloading at Max COL minus 20 thousands. I'll then pick 3 to 4 powders that will give me close to 100% case fill and max velocity. Shoot ladders of 5 to 6 duplicates with each powder. Each powder on its own target and draw lines between the duplicates. This way I get a 2nd look at accuracy with all these 2 shot groups. Plot these velocities vs powder charge and pick the powder. Then I'm loading up max loads with my powder pick and shooting 5 shot groups for final sight-in and accuracy check. If I want a little more accuracy, I'll experiment with COL. PS: Don't test primers - Always use the same primer cause I'm familiar with what they look at different pressures with a magnifying glass.
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Ray
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Posted By: RobertMT
Date Posted: 13 October 2019 at 09:39
I first pick bullet, I want to use, (and it's purpose IE hunting, LR, ect)
I then start with powder, I'm familiar with, that will fill case or be slightly compressed, at max load. I'll have second powder choices, just in case.
Unless there's a reason not to, I start with mag or BR primers.
So for hunting at extended range, in cold country, and 6.5 straight swede.
I'd start with 142gr LRAB, H1000 powder, Fed GM215M or CCI250 primer, prepped Lapua brass. My 2nd powder would be 4831
I start at mid-level charge (it's safest to start @start load) bullet seated as long as it will fit in magazine or .010" jump. I will load a ladder, four each, 1 grain steps (half grain, if I started in middle, stopping at book max (for now)).
I sit up two targets @200yds, each with five bullseyes. The first one gets one shot, on each bulleye, from each step, second one gets three shot group, on each bull, from each step. I watch for signs of pressure and if I see them, list MAX as 1/2gr lower, for that rifle.
I look at single shot targets, watching for where shots stop climbing with each charge increase or start to drop, with increase. I then look at groups, if groups, show promise, I then continue workup, if not, I try another powder. If 2nd powder doesn't help, I look at changing bullet, brand or profile.
I try to pick load that's on either side of accuracy and velocity node. I'll then split that, 1/2 step lower, higher, and in between and shoot groups and see where center of best load is.
Once I get load, I'm happy with, I'll play with seating depth, stepping back in .010" steps, to see trend, some bullets prefer more jump. For target, I'll try jammed .010" and step back from there. I never jump less than .005" or jam less than .005", thousandth variances really mess with accuracy, that close to throat.
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Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 20 October 2019 at 00:25
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Thanks guys. as soon as hunting season is over I am going to work with my Swede. It has shown great potential so far.
Wing master
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I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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Posted By: d4570
Date Posted: 20 October 2019 at 08:40
No idea what the boy and DIL use for a load but they have taken coyote, antelope, deer of all brands, elk, and bear , and even a moose , with theirs .
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Remember: Four boxes keep us free ,the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, AND the cartridge box
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Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 21 October 2019 at 00:06
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D,
They load for a Swede?
Wing master
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I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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Posted By: d4570
Date Posted: 22 October 2019 at 19:37
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YES. Nice gun to shoot.
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Remember: Four boxes keep us free ,the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, AND the cartridge box
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Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 23 October 2019 at 07:59
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What bullet weight are you thinking about?
I use 123 v-max in my 6.5 for antelope and whitetail. I'd go heavier for elk; but I have better elk guns.
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Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 24 October 2019 at 01:36
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Yes D, It's a really nice gun to shoot.
I will be using 130 grain Sierra Gamechangers for elk. I wish they made a heavier bullet in the Gamechanger line but that's what I have to work with for now.
I have killed a lot of elk with a .270 with 130 grain bullets. I'm hoping this works as good.
Wing master
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I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on.
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