First reloads - Range proven!

[jak77]

So I took my first batch of 100 .45acp reloads to the range today to see if they were any good. I was a little anxious as this was my first batch ever and I was second guessing myself if I did everything correctly/safely. Well, they turned out to be a great success! I loaded up 200 gr lswc over 4.7 grains of bullseye to any oal of 1.240. They all fed and ejected flawlessly, even better than the factory ammo I brought with me. It was pretty darb accurate too. I'm so stoked!

Anyway, what's the next step in increasing gunpowder load to see if I can get better accuracy? How do you typically inrease your loads from the recommended starting loads?

Thanks!

[CSACANNONEER]

Increase your loads in .1 gr increments. If you are a ways from maximum loads, you can do .2gr increments.

[Dubious_Beans]

For 9mm I typically increase loads in 0.2g increments until I get close to the upper limit, then I go to 0.1g increments.

I highly recommend a chronograph also. Most load "recipes" list the estimated projectile speed, and a chrono is a good way to make sure that you're not to far off base from what's expected.

Every time I work up a new recipe I fire 10 of them through the chrono to see what the average speed is and inspect the spent brass for signs of trouble. If all seems well, then I build up another 20-50 for target practice evaluation and check the brass again. If those work out well, then I can either make more just like 'em, or bump up the powder dosage a little more and repeat the process again.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Why do you want to increase the load?

First you gotta ask yourself, "What am I going to use them for"?

If you are shooting matches, then get them to the minimum power factor you must be at. (You need a chronograph for this).

If for feel/accuracy, then not only do you need to work with the powder, but with the COL as well.

If for HD, then a good box of factory ammo is best. (It's a legal thing).

Remember, reliability is number one!!!

In Christ: Raymond

[Dubious_Beans]

If for HD, then a good box of factory ammo is best. (It's a legal thing).

Well. I don't wanna 'jack anyone's thread, and maybe this question should go to another forum, but I'm curious enough to ask....

Are their "additional" legal problems to be expected if you shoot someone with hand loaded ammo?
God forbid that the situation ever comes up... I don't EVER wanna have to shoot anyone.

But for the sake of argument... If I had NO OTHER CHOICE but to shoot an intruder to save myself or family, would there be a legal difference between shooting them with "Factory" Hornady 60 #90242 (124g XTP factory loads) or shooting them with the SAME 124G Hornady XTP bullets, but hand loaded?

Is hand loaded HD ammo bad? Obviously it needs to be RELIABLE, but from a legal standpoint...?

You've got me curious.

[RaymondMillbrae]

I've read a bunch of court accounts from Masaad Ayoob (spelling?) and there have been many instances where sharp prosecutors have used that against the defendant.

Reloads are great for competition and hunting. But for HD, $30.00 is a miniscule amount for dependable HD ammo, that may possibly keep you from getting accused of something you are not.

Just my opinion.

In Christ: Raymond

[Dubious_Beans]

I just asked this question in a (hopefully) more appropriate forum so I don't pollute this thread with my curiosity.
And thanks Raymond for bringing it up, because I am curious about this. Honestly, I trust MY loads over factory for HD. I have full control over the process and don't have to worry about someone ELSE'S mistakes.

But I am curious about any weird legal consequences. Please post any responses here to keep jak77's thread clean:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=4886905#post4886905

Thanks!

[Cowboy T]

Just be careful and pay attention while you're raising your powder charge. Nothing wrong with it, as long as you stay less than or equal to the the max load specs.

BTW, my target loads are not max loads. That's because I practice a lot with them, and my hand likes it better. :-)

[jak77]

I just asked this question in a (hopefully) more appropriate forum so I don't pollute this thread with my curiosity.
And thanks Raymond for bringing it up, because I am curious about this. Honestly, I trust MY loads over factory for HD. I have full control over the process and don't have to worry about someone ELSE'S mistakes.

But I am curious about any weird legal consequences. Please post any responses here to keep jak77's thread clean:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=4886905#post4886905

Thanks!

Thanks Dubious, I appreciate it.

Anyways, i dont think im going to raise my powder charge that much or at all. I really liked the way these turned out and everything worked perfectly. I believe in not fixing something if it aint broke. Thanks for the responses gents. And to echo what others have said, I'd stick with factory ammo for defense rounds, more peace of mind IMO.