Some reloading questions

[PonchoTA]

Hi guys,

First of all, I'll apologize now for what are probably dumbass questions, but I have to do it! I won't get the answers otherwise!

Secondly, I just got my Speer Reloading manual (thanks Requiem!!) and am really looking forward to getting started!

Ok, the questions:

1) The Speer manual calls out specific bullets (JHP, TMJ, GDHP) at specific weights. But really, a 155 gr bullet is the same as any other 155 gr bullet, yes? As long as I stick to the suggested charge numbers for a certain weight bullet, it's all good, right?

2) Most all of the reloading equipment has been standardized right? If the book calls out for shell holder #26, that should be the same whether it's from RCBS, or Dillon, or whoever, right?

3) This book calls out several, presumably very good powders, but are there certain ones that I can look for that are particularly clean, even burning; or more precisely, which ones to stay away from because the charge is usually pretty dirty?

4) The book calls out CCI primers almost exclusively. Is there anywhere I can check to find out the similar primers by other manufacturers? For instance, is there a Wolf (or other) equivalent to a CCI 500 primer?


Ok, I think that's enough for now!! Please let me know if there are more resources I can check into for more info. I am currently starting the Reloading 101 online at the Carteach0 blog, so I presume I'll learn even more!

So far the only things I've got are the manual and a RCBS JR3 press. Not even a primer cup additionally yet! I DO plan to get the RCBS bullet prep tool in the future.

Only 4 calibers to worry about at the moment though: 9mm, .40S&W, .223 and 7.62x39mm rounds.

Need dies for all 4 and any other equipment that you guys can suggest!

Cheers,
Paul

[bohoki]

#1 bullets of same weight are not always the same data since bullets often have different bearing surface so the book does not intent that to be bullet weight general info as they are tested with that exact bullet

2 shellholders

http://www.handloads.com/misc/shellholders.asp

shellplates are specific for each progressive machine single stage presses all use the same dies and shellholders with certain exceptions of really old oddball stuff

3 word of mouth is the only way to know if a powder is excessivly dirty it is often a case of being on the fringe of its usefull caliber list though

4 to me i treat all primers of same type as fungible but i keep my loads moderate they call for a certain primer because that is what they used and can only be assured that the data is correct keep your loads within reasonable limits and you should be fine


i'm a big fan of the lee dies carbide for 9mm and the rgb ones for .223

[Fjold]

1.) If you use the starting load for a jacketed bullet of the same weight you can use it as a starting point for your load development.

2.) No, each manufacturer has their own numbers

3.) Yep, word of mouth

4.) Again, if you begin your load development with the recommended starting lowder loads you can interchange like components.

[22popnsplat]

1.) If you use the starting load for a jacketed bullet of the same weight you can use it as a starting point for your load development.

2.) No, each manufacturer has their own numbers

3.) Yep, word of mouth

4.) Again, if you begin your load development with the recommended starting lowder loads you can interchange like components.

+1
I agree with Frank but would like to add , I noticed you mention 7.62x39 but many rifles with this chamber damage brass to the point that I would not reload it.

[ar15barrels]

1) The Speer manual calls out specific bullets (JHP, TMJ, GDHP) at specific weights. But really, a 155 gr bullet is the same as any other 155 gr bullet, yes? As long as I stick to the suggested charge numbers for a certain weight bullet, it's all good, right?

2) Most all of the reloading equipment has been standardized right? If the book calls out for shell holder #26, that should be the same whether it's from RCBS, or Dillon, or whoever, right?

4) The book calls out CCI primers almost exclusively. Is there anywhere I can check to find out the similar primers by other manufacturers? For instance, is there a Wolf (or other) equivalent to a CCI 500 primer?

1. No. Different types of bullets have different lengths and different bearing surface lengths that all effect pressure.
Stick to what the manual says. Get more manuals until you find one with the specific bullets you are using. The speer manual only lists speer bullets, sierra lists sierra, hornady lists hornady etc... Some powder makers will have generic data that's not brand specific, but it's alwo held to safer levels to account for this.

2. There is no standardization of shellholder numbers between the manufacturers. You will need each manufacturer's shellholder table to figure out what you have/need.

4. You can generally interchange primer brands within a specific type, just don't do it with max loads. So if you have worked up a max load and run out of primers, drop down and re-develop the load if you change primer brands.