Reloading book that shows case density or capacity

[canon714]

I am looking for a reloading book that show load data and the density or percentage full. For example using blue dot for 9mm 7.6 gr will give me 90% case full.

I hope this makes sense.

[dstiltner]

I have Speer #14, Hornady #1, Lyman #47 and Hodgdon #26 manuals and none of them have it but I have picked a few of the "The Complete Reloading Manual for XXX" published by Loadbooks USA at the gun show. They have load data from the various bullet and powder manufacturers for a specific caliber. The Nosler load data does list Load Density with their data, so you might want to check out the Nosler manual.

[Bill Steele]

I am looking for a reloading book that show load data and the density or percentage full. For example using blue dot for 9mm 7.6 gr will give me 90% case full.

I hope this makes sense.

The Lee book has case capacity in CC for each caliber listed. It also shows the volume of the powders for each start weight. In addition, the book has a chart of most of the popular powders and what their volume to weight ratio is, making approximations easy. The only problem with doing anything with this data is the Lee density information is book data from the powder manufacturers and generally doesn't match exactly (in some cases it is way off, like the current blend for Unique). In addition, the case capacity is SAAMI data and may or may not match the actual capacity of the cases you are using. Some case manufacturers use thinner brass, some use thicker brass and it greatly affects the capacity and volume.

Hope that helps some.

[sunborder]

Not only this, but powder density actually varies a little bit from lot to lot. So, you've have to calculate VLD for your current LOT of powder, then compare it to the ACTUAL or AVERAGE case capacity of your brand/lot of brass, as you measured it yourself.

If you are just looking for a ballpark, then the lee manual is the way to go, especially if you confirm the powder density yourself.

[RugerNo1]

Use your own measurements and plug them into Quickload?

[FLIGHT762]

The Nosler #5 manual shows % of load density in all of their loads. I don't know if their newest manual does , since I only have #5.

They may or may not have the powder you want to use in your load.

[ruggyh]

Barnes manual

[DarkSoul]

I use the Quickload software backed up by the a couple of reloading books. The Quickload software will give you more data about each cartridge then you could ever hope to use.

Since QL has stored data on hundreds of powders, projectiles and cartridges, chances are, the percentage of case fill will be pretty close, but if you want to really dial it in, you can manually measure the case volume of the cases you are using (fill it with water and a drop of alcohol to break the surface tension) and plug that in. All the provided powders have their data already done, so you will be pretty dead on.

The software is only about $150, and you can get the update each year pretty cheap, it's a great tool for avid reloaders.

[DarkSoul]

[canon714]

$150 is a lot for software.

[CSACANNONEER]

Case capacity varies from lot to lot and even within each lot.

[DarkSoul]

If you are really worries about case capacity, you really want to know, then you can take your empty cartridge, leave a spent primer in it, put it on a powder scale, zero the scale, and then with a small syringe, fill the case with water and a drop of alcohol to break the surface tension, and there you have your absolute case volume.

This number can be plugged into the software, or even used with your reloading books for whatever you are trying to achieve. It is time consuming, but as long as you are not up at the max. p , the case volume on common cases shouldn't vary enough to matter if you stay within a lot, or at the very least, brand.

[CSACANNONEER]

If you are really worries about case capacity, you really want to know, then you can take your empty cartridge, leave a spent primer in it, put it on a powder scale, zero the scale, and then with a small syringe, fill the case with water and a drop of alcohol to break the surface tension, and there you have your absolute case volume.

This number can be plugged into the software, or even used with your reloading books for whatever you are trying to achieve. It is time consuming, but as long as you are not up at the max. p , the case volume on common cases shouldn't vary enough to matter if you stay within a lot, or at the very least, brand.

The anal friends I have that measure case volume of every case, pop out the primer and then reinsert it upside down. Also, there is no reason to weigh the cartridges if you are measuring the volume of water you are putting in, that is all you need.

[the86d]

Would it just make more since and save time to get a chronograph, and check primers for overpressure signs like everybody else(, as powder is dry/compress the load)?

Am I missing the reason to check capacity?

[CSACANNONEER]

Would it just make more since and save time to get a chronograph, and check primers for overpressure signs like everybody else(, as powder is dry/compress the load)?

Am I missing the reason to check capacity?

Consistancy. Some anal BR shooters measure and sort every case.