lwestatbus
New member
I've been reloading revolver cartridges for about two months now and have successfully loaded and refined loads for .38 Spl, .38 +P, .357 Mag, .44 Spl, and .44 Mag. "Successful" is defined as all fingers, eyeballs, and firearms remain intact and have had no stuck bullets.
I would have a LONG way to travel 90 min+ to get to a range where I could set up a chronograph and I haven't purchased one. I have one range about 30 min away that allows reloads (one slightly closer does not) so my approach has been to start with low-end-of-the-table loads and creep up on the load I'd like to make the standard.
"The standard" has been loads that feel like factory loads in the appropriate caliber. After testing a load for overall feel and for not blowing up the revolver I place a reload - factory -reload - factory in the cylinder and compare the feel. If they are pretty close I make that recipe the standard for that caliber and bullet style. I also check cartridge cases for evidence of high pressures. Haven't experienced any keyholing or separation of plated bullets on the target.
Since I made up this procedure on my own and since I am very inexperienced I'd appreciate thoughts on the reasonableness of my approach and on estimating velocities from barrel length, bullet, powder, etc. To be honest, having energy that suits the cartridge's purpose and not overpowering the load is sufficient for me but if I can do better, or learn something, I'm all for it.
Thanks in advance.
Larry
I would have a LONG way to travel 90 min+ to get to a range where I could set up a chronograph and I haven't purchased one. I have one range about 30 min away that allows reloads (one slightly closer does not) so my approach has been to start with low-end-of-the-table loads and creep up on the load I'd like to make the standard.
"The standard" has been loads that feel like factory loads in the appropriate caliber. After testing a load for overall feel and for not blowing up the revolver I place a reload - factory -reload - factory in the cylinder and compare the feel. If they are pretty close I make that recipe the standard for that caliber and bullet style. I also check cartridge cases for evidence of high pressures. Haven't experienced any keyholing or separation of plated bullets on the target.
Since I made up this procedure on my own and since I am very inexperienced I'd appreciate thoughts on the reasonableness of my approach and on estimating velocities from barrel length, bullet, powder, etc. To be honest, having energy that suits the cartridge's purpose and not overpowering the load is sufficient for me but if I can do better, or learn something, I'm all for it.
Thanks in advance.
Larry