Reload Companies- HELP!

[Nealm66]

One thing I noticed shooting some long range targets with my buddies that have the load work up done is that in different temperatures and environments, slight changes occur. I have seen some factory ammunition that has some voodoo powder that seems quite immune by comparison. Something to keep in mind as well

 

[gbflyer]

I’ve not fought any of my 6.5’s for extreme accuracy as I’m good with anything sub-MOA. But if I were to engage in that battle, I’d get a box of 6.5 GMM from Federal. In .308, it’s really hard to beat. I don’t know how they do it, honestly. I’d have to assume the 6.5 is just as good. I’d try it at least.

 

[MuleyFever]

I was just about to go through Copper Creek but then bought a reloading kit. I enjoy reloading so far. It was very intimidating to start but once you get going it all makes sense. It’s nice to be able to test multiple configurations at will too.

Also, I am pretty sure Copper Creek gives you the load data if you buy 100 rounds.

 

[Nealm66]

I agree 100% about the rewards of reloading yourself. I’m almost always able to get tighter groups. Also gives me a lot more trigger time behind a stubborn rifle. But even after many years of practice, it still takes a lot of time. Those guys that do a load work up and produce match grade ammo are probably not making stacks of money by the hour

 

[duckhunter175]

My Primary reason was to eliminate the pressure build up cause something was happening that never did before. the fact that he wouldn't share with me his data, AFTER I explained my situation, is what turned me away from him. I had an issue, he didn't care.

Any loader should gladly share. Some guys want to know for reasons other than "copying". I can buy a box, and pull a part if I wanted to know. Measure, weigh etc. All I would be in the dark on was powder source.

Help me out here because I don't feel like I've got the full picture from you--

1. Did you send a rifle to him for load dev or buy his ammo 'off the shelf'?
2. Did you change components being used to load the ammo?
3. Or were you loading your own, modeled after his and then encounter pressure signs?

Many loaders won't share specifics or they'll label disclaimers and I certainly wouldn't expect it from a business unless you are paying him for that service with the understanding you expect the load data so you can make your own. Again- some of the powders and how these guys are loading is 'proprietary' for lack of a better word and its hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars and wear on their own equipment testing and trying-- so it isn't malicious... they have a business to run.

Lastly- I have a hard time believing Chad didn't care. He may not have agreed with your diagnosis of the problem and as many rounds as he had put through the 28N he probably figured he had an understanding of the problem based off how you described it. Again- this is based off my experience with him, hours on the phone, hours at his house, etc.

 

[mfllood3800]

1, Never sent the rifle
2. nothing was changed
3. hadn't loaded my own, all store bought loads.

That ended up being the issue, as I stated previously - Nosler change a supplier of their brass and the density of that brass was too weak to handle the loads in custom rifle chambering in 28 nosler.
No one knew this at first, especially me. But then I found out thru a gun builder.
When talking to CRD I mentioned it to him, and he blew it off and said no one was having issues with his stuff and I would be good to go.
I went to him because the store bought loads were giving me issues.
I was hoping his would resolve this. I was some what new to reloading.
It did not, I got 2 boxes and same thing happened- stuck bolt, no head pressure signs no primer pressure signs at all. It was again the cheaper brass, nothing on him. These work good in over the counter rifles.

So I finally got the Bertam brass, loaded my own , pretty weak charge- no issue. Worked it up to mid- high range- all is well, never a stuck bolt.

My whole point is all I wanted was info as I was trying to find out why I was having problems.
He seems like a good guy, way more knowledgeable than me no doubt. But he didn't listen to my findings and ignored me.

 

[duckhunter175]

What rifle were you shooting? You are describing stiff bolt lift from what it seems. And you encountered this with factory ammo from Nosler, Norma and the the 'Off the shelf' ammo you bought from CRD, correct?

Were these various ammo types all different weight and designs of bullets as well?

TBH- it sounds like the problem might be the chamber of the rifle and not the brass or ammo, especially if you experienced it with everything but one type of brass. If this is a Christensen rifle then I am even less surprised.

Lastly- like I previously explained- the 'off the shelf' loads that Chad develops are not gonna be shared because that is how he stays in business-- it would be like KFC giving away the recipe. He runs those loads through many different test rifles.... but that isn't ALL rifles and certainly it may not work for some, just like any other load not developed for that exact rifle. But he does it for a baseline and for safety; which is probably why he came off the way he did.

It still sucks to feel ignored and I don't blame you for that. I'm just interested in diagnosing the actual issue.

 

[mfllood3800]

What rifle were you shooting? You are describing stiff bolt lift from what it seems. And you encountered this with factory ammo from Nosler, Norma and the the 'Off the shelf' ammo you bought from CRD, correct?

Were these various ammo types all different weight and designs of bullets as well?

TBH- it sounds like the problem might be the chamber of the rifle and not the brass or ammo, especially if you experienced it with everything but one type of brass. If this is a Christensen rifle then I am even less surprised.

Lastly- like I previously explained- the 'off the shelf' loads that Chad develops are not gonna be shared because that is how he stays in business-- it would be like KFC giving away the recipe. He runs those loads through many different test rifles.... but that isn't ALL rifles and certainly it may not work for some, just like any other load not developed for that exact rifle. But he does it for a baseline and for safety; which is probably why he came off the way he did.

It still sucks to feel ignored and I don't blame you for that. I'm just interested in diagnosing the actual issue.

Not sure why there is an "investigation" from you. The problem was identified, as I already explained. It was the brass from Nosler and Norma in the 28 cal. They couldn't keep up with demand and outsourced to another company and got a lesser quality of brass. As soon as I switched to the Bertram, there were no more issues. It's not a CA rifle. You can identify the new Nosler brass by the size of their logo on the head. The older ones that do work, are the smaller version. I repeat the older nosler 28 brass works just fine. Its the new nosler 28 that doesn't. The newer ones that don't are the bigger logos. Pretty simple.

I bought from Chad 3 times with various rifles. He was my go to guy. I really liked what I got from him, until this issue. he ended selling me 2 boxes I couldn't use, just as I suspected when talking to him.

 

[duckhunter175]

Not in an investigation man- just curious. It's a cartridge I don't own and negative experiences that I haven't had. Do I have a bias b/c I've had good experiences with him, yes, and I can recognize that.

My questions aren't an impeachment of your character. It just seemed odd that, as I understood what you wrote, your rifle didn't like brass from two different factory loads or CRD's load and only ran with Bertram.

Did you weigh the old and new Nosler along with the Bertram or measure case capacity?

 

[mfllood3800]

My last comment cause I'm tired of explaining is simple- if you want good loads with no data- got to CRD. If you need the data, don't go there.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Here’s what I got back from Unknown Munitions on his load development package. I’ve been reloading for over 20 years and at this point I absolutely hate it. I’ve been looking for a company like this for awhile!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[BRTreedogs]

@Ryan Avery Tinkerbell huh?
I hate reloading to, I hate my chargemaster.
I hate that I'm not quite tedious enough to do my rifle justice.
But ugg the cost.
Heck cant find any H1000 anyways.
Gonna have to use unknown just to get ammo lol.

 

[Ryan Avery]

@Ryan Avery Tinkerbell huh?
I hate reloading to, I hate my chargemaster.
I hate that I'm not quite tedious enough to do my rifle justice.
But ugg the cost.
Heck cant find any H1000 anyways.
Gonna have to use unknown just to get ammo lol.

HAHA! I call his 300 Norma the 300 Nancy....

 

[BRTreedogs]

HAHA! I call his 300 Norma the 300 Nancy....

That package is impressive. I'll have to give him a call.
New brass grows quite a bit in my rifle.
Wonder if he will do subscription on a 300 Whinny. With an appropriate cost.

 

[OSU Fisher]

I'm going with unknown as well. The podcast turned me onto him. Seems like a great guy and business! If everything goes well I will be a regular needing ammo for 6 different rifles. I just don't have the time nor really the want to do it. I'm excited to give them a try!

 

[Barnesc6]

Think I’m going with Unknown Munitions... listened to the podcast and like what I heard. Going to have them do a los development for my gun

 

[Barnesc6]

Anybody have any opinions on using 127 grain Barnes LRX on elk... I’m not talking about long range use... prob just out to 300-400 yards depending on how many ftlbs of energy you can get at that distance. Thinking should be able to get 1400+ lbs of energy at that range

 

[BRTreedogs]

Backcountry hunting podcast #32 mono metal vs lead core.
I believe it's the Lrx Joseph likes.
It that podcast doesn't give the info you need email him.
He seems really knowledgeable on bullet disigns.

 

[HuntnPack]

Think I’m going with Unknown Munitions... listened to the podcast and like what I heard. Going to have them do a los development for my gun

Just what I was looking for. Gonna give em a try. Talked with Jake the other day, very informative. Gave me options & recommendations.
I recommend listening to the pod cast.

 

[wind gypsy]

With a creedmoor I sure wouldn’t spend the dough before trying factory Berger ammo!