Finding the right reload mix

[GillaFunk]

So, all my powder and primers finally came in, so I am ready to start reloading.

My question is, for pistol, how do I know when I have found the right combo of components?

Thanks in advance

[XDRoX]

Which ever one shoots the most accurate.

[Bug Splat]

Within the recommended Min and Max charge the two major things to check for are accuracy and that the load cycles the action normally. I normally I just take the min charge weight and add 1/2gr and call it a day. Always shoot great. Unless you are competing in Bullseye or something there is not a whole lot of reason to chase super small groups in pistols. My Min+1/2gr always gets me one ragged hole at 10 yards and thats plenty good for me.

[GillaFunk]

Which ever one shoots the most accurate.

I figured that. I just assumed that since pistol shooting involves a few more externalaties...it might be different. But noted. I'll just see how it goes.


Thanks gents

[fullspeed1]

Within the recommended Min and Max charge the two major things to check for are accuracy and that the load cycles the action normally. I normally I just take the min charge weight and add 1/2gr and call it a day. Always shoot great. Unless you are competing in Bullseye or something there is not a whole lot of reason to chase super small groups in pistols. My Min+1/2gr always gets me one ragged hole at 10 yards and thats plenty good for me.

+1
Follow your manual load recommendations and work from there.

[Jonathan Doe]

If I am starting to reload for a specific caliber, I usually follow the manual's accuracy load info. It usually is pretty close, although I had to modify a little to work in my gun better.

[CSACANNONEER]

Here's a great trick,

Take all your different powders and mix them together. That way, you have one powder that you can load pistol, rifle and shotguns with.

OK, please don't do that. Topgun7 has the right idea, use the maunals and don't think that max loads will be the most accurate or precise. Usually, loads closer to minimum will produce better results.

[LGB Loader]

Take all your different powders and mix them together. That way, you have one powder that you can load pistol, rifle and shotguns with.

That's is funny but I wonder how many newbee's out there have actually pondered this theory. Funny and scary all at once.

My answer is pick a component combo that makes sense and get the Manuals out, the calipers and a calculater and start making the strings or ladders or anyother method you use and start doing your work up. then grab your rest and chrono and hit the range. Keep good notes & records and save your targets.

Then start over with a new set of components. sound like work? it's actually alot of fun.

LGB

[J-cat]

So, all my powder and primers finally came in, so I am ready to start reloading.

My question is, for pistol, how do I know when I have found the right combo of components?

Thanks in advance

Half the fun is the experimentation.

Start at min and work toward max. Somewere inbetetween you'll fing an accurate load. Just be sure to rest the gun on a sturdy benchrest to minimize shooter error.

What components did you buy?

[CSACANNONEER]

That's is funny but I wonder how many newbee's out there have actually pondered this theory. Funny and scary all at once.

LGB

Yes it is. That's one reason that I feel strongly about not discussing details of duplex and triplex loads on an open forum. Some rookie might kill themself or someone else.

[GillaFunk]

Well, Im not looking into doing any shooting matches, mainly just to keep me at the range without going broke buying ammo. I'm reloading .223, .308 (for an M14 and a Rem 700), .380, .40, & .45.

Ive looked around and apparently IMR4895 is basically the baseline for .308 from what I understand. For the .223 I'm still looking for bullets, but I have Tac powder and federal small pistol primers.

From what I understand from my Lyman guide the Bullseye powder should work for pretty much all of my pistols. I'll be using federal and wolf primers. I'm also looking into Rex2 Powder for pistol also.

[rkt88edmo]

What matters to you?

Shoots clean?
Shoots accurately in your gun?
Is as cost effective as possible?
Shoots softly?
Shoots hot?
Fills the case?
Is easy to purchase?