How do I determine a loads min load data? I know how to get the max, but unsure about minimum.
Quick Load Question
- Thread starter thaught
- Start date
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Don't go below book minimum without some expertise. Some powders are dangerous at low charges. There is data for reduced loads available if you search. You also get erratic ignition with reduced loads depending on if the powder is back on the primer or up next the bullet.
A rule of thumb would be 10% below max. But again I caution that may not always be the case.
A rule of thumb would be 10% below max. But again I caution that may not always be the case.
Thanks.
when working with quickload the pressures will have colored background. white, yellow, purple, red. I stay in the yellow for starting loads stay at the lowest yellow setting until you get quickload calibrated to your rifle and powder lots. after your calibrated then you can start high yellow/low purple and save supplies or use unknown powder/ bullet combinations.
just start safe until you see how your rifle reacts according to the predictions
just start safe until you see how your rifle reacts according to the predictions
It would help to understand your reason for determining a minimum load.
1. Safe starting load for load development?
2. Developing low recoil load?
3. Other reason?
1. Safe starting load for load development?
2. Developing low recoil load?
3. Other reason?
#1
For brass case sizes below 50 grains capacity I usually start about 3.0-4.0 grains below manual max load and increment up about .3 to .4 grains per load until I find pressure signs.
For brass case sizes above 50 grains I usually start about 4.0-5.0 grains below manual max load and increment up .4- .5 grains per load until I find pressure signs.
Once you find pressure signs, I would look for stable velocity nodes (hopefully an accuracy node as well) about a grain or more below the pressure signs depending on the severity of the pressure signs. Search this website for more information about pressure signs.
I would expect most reloading books would cover this topic although their guidance may be more conservative. Based on your question you should probably follow a reloading manual for guidance until your experience and confidence grows. I suggest buying the current manual from the bullet manufacturer whose bullets you are loading.
For brass case sizes above 50 grains I usually start about 4.0-5.0 grains below manual max load and increment up .4- .5 grains per load until I find pressure signs.
Once you find pressure signs, I would look for stable velocity nodes (hopefully an accuracy node as well) about a grain or more below the pressure signs depending on the severity of the pressure signs. Search this website for more information about pressure signs.
I would expect most reloading books would cover this topic although their guidance may be more conservative. Based on your question you should probably follow a reloading manual for guidance until your experience and confidence grows. I suggest buying the current manual from the bullet manufacturer whose bullets you are loading.
Its a modelling software, so it costs nothing if you start too low. But what I do, I look in reloading manuals for starting loads. I do like to have case capacity more than 90% filled. I always DOUBLE check with loading manuals or powder maker guidelines before I proceed
pdshooter2
Well-Known Member
QL IS A TOOL NOT A BIBLE. books are based on test DATA..not guesses.
you should own several current reloading manuals, tho there is a ton of DATA on the net.
you should own several current reloading manuals, tho there is a ton of DATA on the net.
And keep your old one too.
Go on line and just get current load data if you don't have a book. In 45 years of loading I will say I have NEVER had one over pressure load at the minimum and when I started you only had books....4-5 different ones. Even the books and internet now vary with the same powder, case, primer, bullet on minimum and max loads. If you are concerned a lot about where to start just drop it below the lowest another 10 percent. Yes, you can be safe, safer, ultra safe to the point of just giving up and letting someone else do it. Not how I operate at all.
QuickLoad is a great tool. If you don't know how to use it, or just plain don't like it, its OK!
But if you know how to use it, use it correctly, it will save you on components and get you to your optimum load much faster.
Loading books are good, I use them and QL as well, but loading books have been the victim of lawyers....
There is also a new very promising...free for now...Gordon's Reloading Tool
But if you know how to use it, use it correctly, it will save you on components and get you to your optimum load much faster.
Loading books are good, I use them and QL as well, but loading books have been the victim of lawyers....
There is also a new very promising...free for now...Gordon's Reloading Tool
pdshooter2
Well-Known Member
actually i think BETTER TECHNOLOGY is the reason loads have gone down...just my opinion.
i still load for my guns, not a book
Can you add a little more. What do you mean loads have gone down? Just trying to gain some knowledge and be able to not have the blank WTH did you just say look if I heard this again.
