I must be anal retentive because I weigh every charge.I visual check each case before seating a bullet and every 10 rounds I weigh the charge. I have yet to have one off by more then .1 grains.
I must be anal retentive because I weigh every charge.
I loaded the "minimum recommended charge" in these first 20 rounds of 230grain 45ACP. I checked the powder charge in each of the first 3, then in #5, 10, 15 & 20. All were within a tenth grain of "on the money".
I used the caliper to check the OAL of every round. I had read on another site about someone being concerned with the crimp and whether or not the round had bulged in the crimping process. One contributor suggested a Dillon Case Gauge. I have ordered one but couldn't wait. I mean, I've been patient, but... So, what to do?I broke down my Sig P220, took out the barrel and slipped all 20 rounds in and out. This worked while I'm waiting for that Case Gauge to arrive.
So, I get to the range and put a magazine of factory loads through the Sig, so I can't blame the gun if my loads suck, right? (I just love the shove of the 45ACP!) Then I loaded the first 6 handloaded rounds so that #1 ended up first, etc. I had numbered each round with a Sharpie as I "built" them so I could make any notations as needed. I set the target at 21ft. Here's how my 20 rounds played out:Now that I have a reference point, I've increased the load from 4.2 to 5.1 grains. I made the next 20 rounds and went through the same process of weighing, checking the OAL and sliding them in the barrel. I'm not disappointed. All 20, while underpowered were consistent, I have gotten a good start on how to use the equipment, I'm well on my way of establishing a routine (which I'm convinced is very important) and nothing blew up.
- All were way underpowered - the minimum starting load was exactly that, minimum
- All 20 hit the paper
- None skipped off the floor or bounced off the paper target
- There wasn't enough power in the charges to eject the spent casing and shove the next one home; I had to chamber each round
- BUT ALL OF THEM FIRED
- And I have all of my body parts
Thanks to everyone for all of the great advice! Your selflessness is greatly appreciated.
KimberPB, I'm using Hodgdon's HP-38. 4.2 is the start load for FMJ's. I was being very cautious. After reading some comments from others, I chose 5.1 being close to but not necessarily full tilt boogie loads. BTW: that load rating came from the carbide die package in my Lee Dies. The bottom line is that I learned a pile with 20 rounds and expect to learn more with the next 20. Thanks for your interest.
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?