Replicating a factory load

[whoami-72]

Hello, I'm still working on getting back into reloading and have dumb questions.

The Hornady superformance cx 150gr ammo shoots really well out of my rifle. If I were to try and reload to copy it, should I expect to get similar results by copying the seating depth and adding powder until I get the same velocity? I understand it may not be exactly the same but figured it ought to be pretty close and a good place to start. Anything else I should try to copy it better?

I'm using norma cases, cci primers, and staball match. The bullets would be the same obviously.

 

[SDHNTR]

I’ve often wondered if Superformance factory ammo actually uses Superformance powder.

 

[Pescetism]

I’ve often wondered if Superformance factory ammo actually uses Superformance powder.

The version of Superformance powder we have access to might be the same powder used in some factory loads but definitely not all. Superformance factory loads are different powder blends, supposedly 42 of them. I could be remembering it wrong or out of context but pretty sure I read somewhere that the retail version of Superformance is blend b.

 

[Pescetism]

What you're doing is definitely a good starting point. You might pressure out before reaching Superformance velocity but that may not result in different accuracy. I'd see how it shoots with your current components before introducing another variable.

 

[Wolfshead]

Checking a loading manual will give you an idea as to where you’re going to be with the various loads.
I don’t really handload to replicate a factory load however, but I do pretty much what you’re describing to start to get in the general vicinity.
I have a Hornady manual and if you tell us what caliber you’re looking for I can give you some info from that

 

[RME]

The version of Superformance powder we have access to might be the same powder used in some factory loads but definitely not all. Superformance factory loads are different powder blends, supposedly 42 of them. I could be remembering it wrong or out of context but pretty sure I read somewhere that the retail version of Superformance is blend b.

I don’t know the details either but what they’ve said on their podcast agrees with that. Not the same powder but presumably using the same technology just custom blended.

 

[Megalodon]

Just shoot the factory ammo??

 

[whoami-72]

Just shoot the factory ammo??

Fair point, however, I enjoy tinkering. The factory ammo was almost perfect. In a 10 shot group I'd get 8 or9 that grouped really (.5MOA) well and then get a random flyer or two (1-1.25 MOA). I did approximately 4 or 5 10 shot groups to confirm and I was thinking if I reloaded I may be able to reduce the amount of flyers. If it doesn't work, I also have norma tip strike which shoots consistently sub MOA with no flyers I'd go back to. But, I kind of want to try to see if I can get the copper to work if I have better consistency than Hornady.

 

[whoami-72]

Checking a loading manual will give you an idea as to where you’re going to be with the various loads.
I don’t really handload to replicate a factory load however, but I do pretty much what you’re describing to start to get in the general vicinity.
I have a Hornady manual and if you tell us what caliber you’re looking for I can give you some info from that

I'm shooting .308 win, 150gr cx bullets, staball match powder. I wouldn't mind buying the manual or caliber but they don't say if it's included so I'm hesitant to throw away money since most manuals don't include the copper bullets.

 

[whoami-72]

I’ve often wondered if Superformance factory ammo actually uses Superformance powder.

If you look at the reloading data from Hodgson, the superformamce powder only works in a handful of cartridges and they obviously load for many more. As a result, I assumed they have different versions of it.

 

[Pescetism]

Here is a free compilation of several manufacturers load data. It can be a little glitchy and slow but I've used it a ton. No Staball Match with CX listed tho so I'd use Barnes data and work up.
Shooters Reference

 

[SDHNTR]

Here is a free compilation of several manufacturers load data. It can be a little glitchy and slow but I've used it a ton. No Staball Match with CX listed tho so I'd use Barnes data and work up.
Shooters Reference

View attachment 1020310

Very odd load data. One grain between start and max?

 

[Pescetism]

Very odd load data. One grain between start and max?

Looked odd to me also so I double-checked to see if there was an update posted. Hodgdon website lists the same charges but also shows 51.0 gr is compressed. I assume there is a significant pressure spike with more powder/compression.