I finally broke down and purchased QuickLoad.
Spent a few days familiarizing myself, reading and watching videos.
Also read the "Optimum Barrel Time Concept" .... for this barrel at node #7 is 1.018ms. (Can't go any faster in the 309 JDJ)
The Gun: TC Contender Rifle in 309 JDJ (From 30/30 barrel) (Stainless)
Barrel length is 17" (without muzzle brake ... I removed it to measure)
Don't happen to have 4350 on hand ... IMR 4320 was an alternative.
Shooting a Nosler 150Gr Partition bullet.
Shot 38.0 / 39.0 / 40.0 with no signs of pressure. 39.0GR shot the best group at 100yds. About a "quarter" size group.
So ... I measured case capacity at 63.2gr h20
Case length is 2.210 (hornady 444 formed runs slightly short)
COL is 3.090 (10 off lands) in this particular barrel.
Plugging in all this data made me blink a couple times ....
To meet the 1.018ms node speed it shows 47.9Gr IMR 4320. Pressure are under max .... and this powder seems to be lower pressure than 4350.
Built a test ladder of 41.0-48.0 in 1Gr increments to test at range, firing each one and watching for pressure signs as I run up the load to what. according to QL should be around 47.9Gr. IMR 4320.
I guess I am looking for suggestions, remarks, guidance as I know several here are far more accomplished with QL .... and likely reloading in general than myself. Is the "Optimum Barrel Time Concept" and reliable guide? As a shooter, reloader and tech dude ... I like the idea of a blind study so to speak. Guidenace here would be very welcome. Thanks for your time.
Spent a few days familiarizing myself, reading and watching videos.
Also read the "Optimum Barrel Time Concept" .... for this barrel at node #7 is 1.018ms. (Can't go any faster in the 309 JDJ)
The Gun: TC Contender Rifle in 309 JDJ (From 30/30 barrel) (Stainless)
Barrel length is 17" (without muzzle brake ... I removed it to measure)
Don't happen to have 4350 on hand ... IMR 4320 was an alternative.
Shooting a Nosler 150Gr Partition bullet.
Shot 38.0 / 39.0 / 40.0 with no signs of pressure. 39.0GR shot the best group at 100yds. About a "quarter" size group.
So ... I measured case capacity at 63.2gr h20
Case length is 2.210 (hornady 444 formed runs slightly short)
COL is 3.090 (10 off lands) in this particular barrel.
Plugging in all this data made me blink a couple times ....
To meet the 1.018ms node speed it shows 47.9Gr IMR 4320. Pressure are under max .... and this powder seems to be lower pressure than 4350.
Built a test ladder of 41.0-48.0 in 1Gr increments to test at range, firing each one and watching for pressure signs as I run up the load to what. according to QL should be around 47.9Gr. IMR 4320.
I guess I am looking for suggestions, remarks, guidance as I know several here are far more accomplished with QL .... and likely reloading in general than myself. Is the "Optimum Barrel Time Concept" and reliable guide? As a shooter, reloader and tech dude ... I like the idea of a blind study so to speak. Guidenace here would be very welcome. Thanks for your time.