Finding starting point for load when it is not in a book?

[sndmn11]

How does a person find a starting point for developing a load, when the powder or bullet is not listed for the cartridge?

I have a 1:7 twist 25" barrel arriving this week for the Tikka in 22BR. I bought some 80gr ELDm today because that seemed about right. Powders I have are Staball, IMR4451, IMR4166, Ramshot TAC, and IMR4198. The Hodgon site has sata listed for 22 Nosler/224 valkyrie and 80gr bullet data listed for staball, 4166, and 4451. They do not list an 80gr bullet for 22br nor any of those powders.

I would be really happy using the IMR4451 first, and the IMR4166 second due to supply, but am unsure of how to do so without getting a bullet stuck or making an owie. If I call Hodgon do they give advice beyond their website data?

 

[SawtoothShooter]

Quick loads if you're willing to pay, Gordon tool if you want a free tool that is good but not quite as good.

 

[Raygun15E]

Hopefully someone with loading for wildcat cartridges will chime in shortly. From what I’ve read about loading for wildcats, you look at load data for a number of cartridges with a similar case volume and/or case to bore ratio. Then make an educated guess for your test loads.

There is a guy named Greg (GLShooter) on AR15Armory forums that is super helpful and has a LOT of experience with wildcats. In particular the .22 cal and smaller variety. I’m certain he could help you.


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[lennywd87]

I’d say work off the 6BR data conservatively with similar load weight or another cartridge with similar capacity. I have a 6x45 and the loads almost mirror the 5.56x45. The .22 has about 1-1.5gr lower max than the 6mm but I run both at 24.5gr charge of H335. Start on the low side of 6BR data and work up and you’ll be alright.


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[nhyrum]

Places like this is where the quickload software comes in handy. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's a computer simulation that gives all sorts of powder burn data, and it's great for situations where there's no data. You are on your own to know and look for signs of excessive pressure. You assume any and all liability.

This is for 22br rem (not 100% sure it's the same thing, if not I could always change the case capacity to match yours)

So, that said, what I'm about to give is in no way a substitute for book data. Take it with a grain of salt, but it could at least get you a starting point. 26 grains 4451, at an oal of 2.20, has an estimated pressure of a tad over 40k psi(max being 58,740 psi) so 25.5 might be a safer starting point, the computer estimates a near max load at 29.0 having a max chamber pressure at just about 56k psi.

For 4166, take a grain off those figures puts you right in the same area.

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[lennywd87]

http://www.6mmbr.com/f/Sierra_22BR_data.pdf

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[sndmn11]

Places like this is where the quickload software comes in handy. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's a computer simulation that gives all sorts of powder burn data, and it's great for situations where there's no data. You are on your own to know and look for signs of excessive pressure. You assume any and all liability.

This is for 22br rem (not 100% sure it's the same thing, if not I could always change the case capacity to match yours)

So, that said, what I'm about to give is in no way a substitute for book data. Take it with a grain of salt, but it could at least get you a starting point. 26 grains 4451, at an oal of 2.20, has an estimated pressure of a tad over 40k psi(max being 58,740 psi) so 25.5 might be a safer starting point, the computer estimates a near max load at 29.0 having a max chamber pressure at just about 56k psi.

For 4166, take a grain off those figures puts you right in the same area.

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Did it give velocity for those? I think I will be ae to try them Saturday and curious how accurate the software is.

Thank you too!!

 

[nhyrum]

Did it give velocity for those? I think I will be ae to try them Saturday and curious how accurate the software is.

Thank you too!!

It did, but I do not recall, other than the max load were just shy of 3000 fps, 2930 ish

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[snuzzo29]

Sierra has 22BR in their manual. For the 80gr SMK and 4451 it shows 26.8gr starting and 30.9 at max. 4166 is 23.1 starting and 27.1 max. 90gr SMK for 4451 shows 24.5gr start and 29.1gr max. 4166 is 22.8gr start and 26.2 max. Not sure the length difference between the ELD and the SMK so I listed the 90gr SMK data too.

 

[sndmn11]

Sierra has 22BR in their manual. For the 80gr SMK and 4451 it shows 26.8gr starting and 30.9 at max. 4166 is 23.1 starting and 27.1 max. 90gr SMK for 4451 shows 24.5gr start and 29.1gr max. 4166 is 22.8gr start and 26.2 max. Not sure the length difference between the ELD and the SMK so I listed the 90gr SMK data too.

From what you see are those two on par for velocity with the rest of the listed powders?

 

[snuzzo29]

From what you see are those two on par for velocity with the rest of the listed powders?

The powders that Sierra show with higher velocity is RL15,16,17, Ramshot Big Game and Hybrid 100V. Velocity difference will be +/- 100fps according to Sierra.

 

[sndmn11]

Results.
Cci 400 eldm 80gr BTO 1.675" COAL 2.230" just so I knew it would fit.

Imr 4166
25.5gr = 2718fps
26.5gr = 2793
27.0 = 2855
27.5 = 2935

Imr 4451
30.0gr = 2856fps
30.5 = 2841
31.0 = 2920
31.5 = 2975

All were fine. I loaded 13 of each powder, shot the few to see the velocity, and then shot the rest together into a group at 200. Ended up being about a 3.5" group for the 18 of mixed powder and charges, so I think I will be just fine and probably stick with the IMR4451.