Load Development Question

[BigDawgWill44]

When you guys start development for a new load from scratch where do you start in terms of powder charge from a manual? The reason I ask is I know people who say start 2 or 3 grains below max charge and work your way up in .5 or .2 grains to or even over the listed max charge. Stop when you see pressure signs and that is your max for your rifle. I also know guys who start at the very minimum charge listed in their manual and work their way up. Seems like that could take a long time and burn a ton of powder, but seems to be the safer route. Thoughts?

 

[WeiserBucks]

If you're a beginner, I'd recommend starting at minimum and working up towards maximum in .5 grain increments. There's alot to learn about reading pressure and learning along the way , you DON'T want to learn the hard way. Reloading is great in many ways but there's some real safety issues that must be learned and not shortcut.

 

[doverpack12]

If I have zero experience with that powder and bullet I'll likely start at or very near the bottom end, then proceed in 1 grain increments for 30-06 type and larger or a smaller increment if below, just looking for pressure but might get lucky and find a couple shots with similar velocity and impact close together. Then I'll load up a ladder in 0.5 gr or finer increments based on my max pressure i found above. When looking for pressure I always go over book max by 2-3 charges to make sure I find pressure. If I've loaded a similar combo before I may start a little above minimum book charge to decrease the amount of shots it takes me to find pressure.

 

[JLW66]

i start 2 grains below the max listed and work up in .2 or .3 grains. I usually do three shot groups if its a larger caliber. Or you could do the scaterlee 10 shot thing over your chrono. you really do have to watch the pressure signs. heavy bolt lift, pierced primers, etc. if its a new rifle to you make sure you check the chamber, the seating depth. i had a winchester that had a bad chamber and i figured out quick that even with factory ammo it was sticking the handle. there are no heros in reloading. As Johnnys Reloading Bench says, dont blow your face off! Good Luck.