I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. - The Firearms Forum

GMFWoodchuck · 09-04-2009, 08:52 AM

Not to start a whole huge debate. But sometimes I wonder. New reloaders, medium experience reloaders (myself), and seasoned veterans all seem to know that there is some safety issues with reloading. But sometimes I wonder if we worry a bit too much.

It seems to me that there is a range of volumes that work in all modern cartridges. A 22-250 for example. Every single load that I can find had a powder weight range of somewhere between 32 and 34 grains (high on the low side and low on the high side if that makes sense) for a 55 grain bullet. Every single powder falls within this range. Almost all of the max loads just about fill the cartrigdes. The same goes for everything out there that is "modern". Meaning designed since 1900. If we use "heavy" bullets or solid copper ones they will actually impede on how much one can physically put into a cartridge to begin with. This is very common with the short action cartridges such as the 308 and the 7mm-08. Will handguns powders blow my gun up? I doubt it. Will a "slow-burning" rifle powder blow up a handgun? Again, not likely. Can I substitute black powder instead of smokeless. Sure. Will a magnum primer blow up my gun using a load that was developed by speer or hogdons? Again, not likely. Most of them even tell you to use magnum primers if the gun will be used in severely cold weather for reliable ignition. It would seem to reason that if a magnum primer is to be used that we would have to sight it in sometime. I suspect that they have no real reason to think that there are legions of people sighting in their gun in negative 10 degree weather. Most will be shot on a decent temperature day.

Should we be cautious? Yes. But, it need not to be treated like a nuclear warhead. Common sense will bring people alot further than wondering why Hodgons posts a max of 34.1 grains of IMR 3031 behind a 55 grain jacketed bullet whereas Speer posts a max of 36 grains for the same powder and bullet. Anymore than 36 the powder won't leave very much room for the bullets. Why would Speer go so "high?" Don't know. Does it matter? No. It wasn't accurate anyway.

My point to all this is sometimes I laugh some of the responses. Can I use a 7.62 in a 308? And all of the the responses are so varied and the real answer is a simple yes. Can I use black powder? Yeah, just clean it when you're done so it doesn't rust. What is the best deer caliber? Whatever you want to shoot as long it's legal is the real answer. Of course most people responses range from .223 all the way up to the super magnums. What load should I be using for my 6.5mm Creedmore? The real answer is to either post a link showing the data. But people will come up with a load down to the tenth of a grain with a special bullet like it's gospel and it's the only load that will work.

We all have simple common sense. If anyone is asking a silly question like "what load should I use for my 308?" we should answer with go read a reloading book. Obviously they haven't, so an answer with powder type/weight and bullet is just asking for disaster. I am begining to find that 95 percent of these question should be answered with "go read a reloading book" They all state how to reload, how to work up loads, and etc. If someone is asking what load he should use obviously either never read a reloading book, or skipped the first and most important part of the book. The back of the book with all of the reloading data is just there to save us time. The real "how-to" is in the front. Questions like can I use 4064 powder in a rifle, what load should I use in a 270 win, what bullet should I use for a 38 special obviously show that the prerequisite reading wasn't done. As far as the safety goes. Common sense need to be used. If a manual says a max load of 57.1 grains of X powder is to be used, obviously 90 grains isn't going to even fit in the shell. Is 57.2 going to be dangerous? I'm not going to say no, but if another manual shows a max of 58 grains some common sense is to be used.

The single two most important things to reloading is the required reading and common sense. Bullet weight and powder types are just details. I know if I ask LDBennett to make a load for my Dad's 30-40 Krag that it's going to be a safe round. I don't need to know what powder he used, what bullet he used. I know it's surely a safe loading and I can go and shoot it with no worry. He has the common sense. He doesn't need to ever own a Krag, or ever shoot one. I know he's not going to use a 60 ton machine press and cram 100 grains of powder into a hole that can only hold 40. I know he's not going to put a pistol primer in it. It's a rifle. The same goes most everyone else here.

We need to learn what answers to give outright beginners. Which most of the time is: "Go read a reloading book."

medalguy · 09-04-2009, 10:46 AM

I think you're 100% correct. I'm not sure I agree 100% that you can't ever overload a cartridge, but your basic premise about a little knowledge is certainly right on target (pun intended). I too get a little tired of the newbies asking if they can use a rifle primer in a pistol cartridge. Jeez! Go read a manual sometime instead of playing with your X-box or whatever they are called.

You can tell I'm not exactly a youngster, and I've been reloading more than 40 years, and in that time I've seen some dumb things done. Most of those things could have been prevented if a new reloader just bought and read a good book before sitting down with his press. Matter of fact, I recommend getting several manuals and reading through all of them before starting to reload. In this age of the internet and the overabundance of information, there's absolutely no reason for anyone to ask these questions. Sort of like someone asking the difference between boxer and berdan primers (again). Ever heard of google???

mrkirker · 09-04-2009, 10:55 AM

Should we be cautious? Yes. But, it need not to be treated like a nuclear warhead.

Well said, Woodchuck!

Claude Clay · 09-04-2009, 11:04 AM

Quote:

I am begining to find that 95 percent of these question should be answered with "go read a reloading book"

+1+1+1

there is some wiggle room for those who throw out questions to stir the pot and/or like saying something to erase the silence. often inane, but it jump starts a conversation.

dammitman · 09-04-2009, 09:53 PM

it seems to me that most conflicting load data comes from and is due to different barrels that the data is produced from. thats all, nothing to add to that,,,,,,

gdmoody · 09-04-2009, 11:10 PM

GM I totally agree with your post.....but, I do find myself giving information on a load that I use myself. I see nothing wrong with that, at all. I also am kind of tired of the really silly questions like the primer thing, any manual will tell you the answer to those questions, if you READ it. OK, that is my 2 cents worth.

LDBennett · 09-05-2009, 08:04 AM

GMFWoodchuck:

I came to the conclusion some time ago that if I perceive that the post is from a newbie to reloading then I send him directly to the manuals and express loudly as I can that there is a safety issue if he doesn't. Sometimes my perception is wrong and it turns out to be an somewhat experienced reloader and I get a bunch of flack but I will continue to do it none the less.

There are combination of powder and cartridges that can get you into trouble. There are many pictures I have seen of revolvers with broken bent open top frames and a missing cylinder top. I witness an old guy at the range (he came very often and seemed to know his way around guns) lock up a brass framed Italian clone of a Henry. The Henry is of light duty design and had a brass frame to boot so this guy (obviously with no "common sense") shoots 44-40 cartridges loaded up to 44 mag levels. While the gun did not fracture, it took a gunsmith to get it open and the gun became a single shot as the frame was bent by the experience (I saw him weeks later and he related the gunsmithing experience). This was a brand new gun by the way.

In my earlier days I had a more casual attitude towards reloading and after a couple of, we'll say, over pressure experiences I changed my ways....I now follow the books! I've not been hurt but that was only through dumb luck as the potential was there.

When looking for a new load in a new caliber I get out all the manuals and compare the loads. I look at the brass used, the bullets used, the guns used, the primers used and make an assessment to which most closely matches my needs then start near the starting load. But I load up 15 or so at several levels and start with the lightest load first. If I see any signs of pressure I don't shoot the hotter loads but tear them down at home. I am looking for potential best accuracy without pressure signs. It regularly is NOT at the hottest loads!

There is a bit of liability to giving out reloading data. While it may not be prevalent for shooters to sue others, it is possible. I live on a fixed income (retired) and one trip to court would more than likely wipe me out with no way of recovering. While I love my adult kids I wish to remain on my own as long as possible and not end up under foot at their houses because of a stupid lawsuit. Even if I won such a lawsuit, I lost because the lawyers fees would most certainly wipe me out. So I give no data and refer people to reloading manuals. I'll let them make their own mistakes and come to the same conclusions I did years ago that pursuit of the hot load is too dangerous...but I will remind them that it is. I am know to exaggerate the safety issues but that is better than the other way around. I want no one hurt or no one's gun hurt by information I gave them. I could not sleep at night if it so happened that info I gave caused damage of any kind.

LDBennett

carver · 09-05-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDBennett

GMFWoodchuck:

I came to the conclusion some time ago that if I perceive that the post is from a newbie to reloading then I send him directly to the manuals and express loudly as I can that there is a safety issue if he doesn't. Sometimes my perception is wrong and it turns out to be an somewhat experienced reloader and I get a bunch of flack but I will continue to do it none the less.

There are combination of powder and cartridges that can get you into trouble. There are many pictures I have seen of revolvers with broken bent open top frames and a missing cylinder top. I witness an old guy at the range (he came very often and seemed to know his way around guns) lock up a brass framed Italian clone of a Henry. The Henry is of light duty design and had a brass frame to boot so this guy (obviously with no "common sense") shoots 44-40 cartridges loaded up to 44 mag levels. While the gun did not fracture, it took a gunsmith to get it open and the gun became a single shot as the frame was bent by the experience (I saw him weeks later and he related the gunsmithing experience). This was a brand new gun by the way.

In my earlier days I had a more casual attitude towards reloading and after a couple of, we'll say, over pressure experiences I changed my ways....I now follow the books! I've not been hurt but that was only through dumb luck as the potential was there.

When looking for a new load in a new caliber I get out all the manuals and compare the loads. I look at the brass used, the bullets used, the guns used, the primers used and make an assessment to which most closely matches my needs then start near the starting load. But I load up 15 or so at several levels and start with the lightest load first. If I see any signs of pressure I don't shoot the hotter loads but tear them down at home. I am looking for potential best accuracy without pressure signs. It regularly is NOT at the hottest loads!

There is a bit of liability to giving out reloading data. While it may not be prevalent for shooters to sue others, it is possible. I live on a fixed income (retired) and one trip to court would more than likely wipe me out with no way of recovering. While I love my adult kids I wish to remain on my own as long as possible and not end up under foot at their houses because of a stupid lawsuit. Even if I won such a lawsuit, I lost because the lawyers fees would most certainly wipe me out. So I give no data and refer people to reloading manuals. I'll let them make their own mistakes and come to the same conclusions I did years ago that pursuit of the hot load is too dangerous...but I will remind them that it is. I am know to exaggerate the safety issues but that is better than the other way around. I want no one hurt or no one's gun hurt by information I gave them. I could not sleep at night if it so happened that info I gave caused damage of any kind.

LDBennett

I agree with you on this, However, I will post a load that I use, because this load is straight from the book, as all of my loads are.

LDBennett · 09-05-2009, 08:27 AM

Carver:

If the load is straight from the book then I say let the poster find it there himself (I gently guide him there but don't tell him what I shoot). If we hand feed these reloaders that don't own reloading manuals then they never will own reloading manuals. They need to understand what they are doing, not just follow a recipe from you or me. At least that is my opinion and you, of course, may do as you wish.

LDBennett

Rocket J Squirl · 09-05-2009, 11:21 AM

The fastest most powerful load, isnt always the best shooting load per rifle.

Ive had to step down 4-5 grains form amx to tune in a barrel to shoot sub MOA.

Each rifle, can take several bullets, and several powder combonations.

The fun in reloading is to tune your rifle, to the most accurate round you can make.

Or just make a lot of them, and how you hit what your aiming at

fprefect · 09-05-2009, 10:19 PM

I would agree. When reloaders take their time, particularly reloading pistol rounds with small quantities of fast burning powders and there is no reason at all not to expect the rounds they prepare to perform as good or better than factory rounds. I have no idea how many rounds I have reloaded in the past 25 years with the worst incident being a couple of stuck 22-250 cases, I guess I must be doing something right or at the very least, lucky.

IMO, I have always believed that reloaders who actually enjoy that part of the sport are by far the least likely to encounter problems as they seem to take plenty of time when doing something they enjoy and are in no rush to finish, thus greatly reducing the chances for mistakes.

F. Prefect

6mmustang · 10-12-2009, 05:03 PM

Wow, here I am making a first response/post to a can of worms.

My first post was going to ask about favorite/alternate loads for 9mm and 38/357 & 45ACP.

Basically I agree with your premise, but sometimes a seemingly newbie question has practical reasons. I reloaded for several years and a change of jobs forced my activities to change(not necessarily for the better) so I've been out of the hobby for 18 or so years. Actually, I'm not sure the internet even existed when I quit reloading the last time.

I've finally relocated to an area where I can do some shooting again. Since I'm shooting, I getting ready to reload. Unpacked the press and dies, set up the tumblers etc. Most of my former data is probably still relevant, but I'm having a heck of a time locating my former components. They still exist, I just can't get a hold of them "yet".

JLA · 10-12-2009, 05:18 PM

Awesome thread woodchuck... IMO, you win the "thread of the year" award. I could not have put it better myself... Much respect brother

GMFWoodchuck · 10-12-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

Awesome thread woodchuck... IMO, you win the "thread of the year" award. I could not have put it better myself... Much respect brother

Well....I don't think I deserve post of the year. But thanks...

bcl32 · 10-29-2009, 02:46 PM

Years ago 4 of us had coffee togeather every morning. 3 of us reloaded the other guy thought he would surprise us and went out and bought him some used equiptment it had a box of primers and half a can of 4350 with it. He came into the coffee shop and showed us one of his new rounds. Some one asked him what load he used. He got a dumb look on his face and said he just filled them to the top with powder and stuck several different lengths of bullets in them. We told him he had to give them all to us and if he didn,t we were going to let the air out of his tires so he could'nt get to the range. One of the guys called our range officer and told him not to let him on the range until we told him to. Poor guy thought you just filled the case full stuck any bullet in it and was good to go. as matter of fact asked "then why do they make the cases so long". He is now a very cautious and excellent reloader. Guess we all learn some way or another.

GMFWoodchuck · 10-29-2009, 04:04 PM

Well, if they were compressed .308 (or some other short action cartridge) loads he would have been good to go.

It does seem wierd that someone would just go and do that though. With all the hoopla about reloading and accuracy, it would seem that anyone with any brains at all would realize that he/she may want to at least weigh the charges so he/she would know what doesn't shoot well.....

Suicide*Ride · 10-29-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcl32

He came into the coffee shop and showed us one of his new rounds. Some one asked him what load he used. He got a dumb look on his face and said he just filled them to the top with powder and stuck several different lengths of bullets in them. We told him he had to give them all to us and if he didn,t we were going to let the air out of his tires so he could'nt get to the range.

Poor guy thought you just filled the case full stuck any bullet in it and was good to go. as matter of fact asked "then why do they make the cases so long". He is now a very cautious and excellent reloader. Guess we all learn some way or another.

EEEEEEK!!!

Glad someone was looking out for this guy!

SR

38 special · 10-29-2009, 09:51 PM

With my bolt action Remington model 721, I'm not too paranoid about overloading since its probably the strongest bolt action made and when you read about the torture test Remington did by sticking bullets in the barrel ahead of the cartridge and still not blowing it up, it gives some assurance about its strength.
When I load 38 specials however I am extra careful cause you could easily blow one up in a handgun with the case not even half full.

zb338 · 10-30-2009, 05:45 PM

I'm not a snob. I have been reloading since I was a kid and I'm 75
now. If a newbie wants to ask me questions I will answer all day long.
I thought we were supposed to help the youngsters out and foster
our sport, and not set ourselves up as so superior that we can't talk
to the new guys.
Zeke

johnlives4christ · 10-30-2009, 07:11 PM

im not into reloading and im sure i ask dumb questions about it, but i know that before i start reloading i need to read a few manuals, but this is the first time i've heard talk of common sense with reloading. i have a lot of common sense and have picked up a little about reloading just from hanging around people that do reload,

woolleyworm · 10-30-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zb338

I'm not a snob. I have been reloading since I was a kid and I'm 75
now. If a newbie wants to ask me questions I will answer all day long.
I thought we were supposed to help the youngsters out and foster
our sport, and not set ourselves up as so superior that we can't talk
to the new guys.
Zeke

Guess I'm not quite following what your line references here; but my .02 is that when I first checked out TFF, I did an enormous amount of post reading and found the members to be very accepting and encouraging of anyone and most anything. I still find that to be the case today. I tend to be pretty cautious about just handing out info that could get someone hurt if not understood properly; not to be rude, but to ensure proper amount of safety has been addressed First.

RandyP · 10-31-2009, 10:27 AM

There is also the 'reality' of fat fingers and semi-blind proofreading we have 'all' found ourselves doing?

Ever proofread a post you just made only to find a couple words spelled wrong or transposed? Me too.

Now nobody gets hurt if you don't know or mistype type the difference in 'there' -'their'-'they're' or 'to'-'two'-'too'. But change the letters to specific load data numbers and it is quite possible to inadvertently print a kaboom waiting to happen?

RTFM if nothing else puts the responsibility on the publisher, not me.

Gearheadpyro · 11-02-2009, 08:06 PM

Interesting thread on another forum on related topic...
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=341348

new308handloader · 11-02-2009, 08:27 PM

I'm going to go against the consensus on this one. I am a fairly new reloader (about 1 year). When I first started, I got two manuals (Hornady 7th and Speer #14) and I did read them. Not only did I read them, I read them several times....I also went on the Web and found additional information. Even after all the reading and research I had many questions...and I came here to get answers....and I always got good responces that answered my questions...even though there was always a "read a manual" in the responces, they also elaborated further. As reloaders, we want to see others take take it up and not run them off with a one line "Read the manual" answer. My fear? If I was brand new to reloading and I had a question, and I read this post, I probably would not ask the question...after all, asking and answering questions is one of the reasons we are all here.

LDBennett · 11-02-2009, 08:56 PM

When a question is asked and it seems that the person should know the answer from reading a manual I immediately send them to the manuals. But it is hard to make that judgement and often I under estimate the person. But I think it better to risk a small insult than to assume a level of knowledge that is not there and lead the person down a road that is unsafe to the unknowing. I stress safety first for I do not want to be responsible for the demise of anyone (accept maybe a killer or a rapist or an armed intruder or.... you understand, I'm sure).

I also do not advocate getting "trained" by another reloader without first reading the manuals, understanding them, and being able to spot the errors of the teacher. You see, some of us who have reloaded for decades without paying a price tend to cut corners. Most of use know when we can and can't cut those corners but a newbie should never be shown those short cuts as they might use them in the wrong way and cause harm. There is one story here of exactly that issue (I'll not name names) but it cost him a trip to the factory for his gun to be repaired. Fortunately he was not hurt from the completely wrong info the "experienced" reloader gave him that was wrong and unsafe.

Distraction are another thing to be avoided when reloading. Lock the door or make it absolutely apparent to the distractor that now is not the time as it is unsafe for any interruption while reloading. Turn that radio off if it distracts. Send the friend home while you are reloading if they are there to talk and not help. Put the phone on the answering machine and call the caller back after the reloading session or at a break when the call will not distract (at caliber changes or ?).

While reloading is not rocket science it can be dangerous if you deviate from the instructions in reloading manuals. Safety first!

LDBennett

09-04-2009, 10:46 AM	#2
medalguy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 585	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. I think you're 100% correct. I'm not sure I agree 100% that you can't ever overload a cartridge, but your basic premise about a little knowledge is certainly right on target (pun intended). I too get a little tired of the newbies asking if they can use a rifle primer in a pistol cartridge. Jeez! Go read a manual sometime instead of playing with your X-box or whatever they are called. You can tell I'm not exactly a youngster, and I've been reloading more than 40 years, and in that time I've seen some dumb things done. Most of those things could have been prevented if a new reloader just bought and read a good book before sitting down with his press. Matter of fact, I recommend getting several manuals and reading through all of them before starting to reload. In this age of the internet and the overabundance of information, there's absolutely no reason for anyone to ask these questions. Sort of like someone asking the difference between boxer and berdan primers (again). Ever heard of google???

09-04-2009, 10:55 AM	#3
mrkirker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,067	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Should we be cautious? Yes. But, it need not to be treated like a nuclear warhead. Well said, Woodchuck! __________________ *I don't know if dogs have a heaven, but there will be dogs in mine.*

09-04-2009, 09:53 PM	#5
dammitman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 241	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. it seems to me that most conflicting load data comes from and is due to different barrels that the data is produced from. thats all, nothing to add to that,,,,,,

09-04-2009, 11:10 PM	#6
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,354	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. GM I totally agree with your post.....but, I do find myself giving information on a load that I use myself. I see nothing wrong with that, at all. I also am kind of tired of the really silly questions like the primer thing, any manual will tell you the answer to those questions, if you READ it. OK, that is my 2 cents worth. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

09-05-2009, 08:04 AM	#7
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,718	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. GMFWoodchuck: I came to the conclusion some time ago that if I perceive that the post is from a newbie to reloading then I send him directly to the manuals and express loudly as I can that there is a safety issue if he doesn't. Sometimes my perception is wrong and it turns out to be an somewhat experienced reloader and I get a bunch of flack but I will continue to do it none the less. There are combination of powder and cartridges that can get you into trouble. There are many pictures I have seen of revolvers with broken bent open top frames and a missing cylinder top. I witness an old guy at the range (he came very often and seemed to know his way around guns) lock up a brass framed Italian clone of a Henry. The Henry is of light duty design and had a brass frame to boot so this guy (obviously with no "common sense") shoots 44-40 cartridges loaded up to 44 mag levels. While the gun did not fracture, it took a gunsmith to get it open and the gun became a single shot as the frame was bent by the experience (I saw him weeks later and he related the gunsmithing experience). This was a brand new gun by the way. In my earlier days I had a more casual attitude towards reloading and after a couple of, we'll say, over pressure experiences I changed my ways....I now follow the books! I've not been hurt but that was only through dumb luck as the potential was there. When looking for a new load in a new caliber I get out all the manuals and compare the loads. I look at the brass used, the bullets used, the guns used, the primers used and make an assessment to which most closely matches my needs then start near the starting load. But I load up 15 or so at several levels and start with the lightest load first. If I see any signs of pressure I don't shoot the hotter loads but tear them down at home. I am looking for potential best accuracy without pressure signs. It regularly is NOT at the hottest loads! There is a bit of liability to giving out reloading data. While it may not be prevalent for shooters to sue others, it is possible. I live on a fixed income (retired) and one trip to court would more than likely wipe me out with no way of recovering. While I love my adult kids I wish to remain on my own as long as possible and not end up under foot at their houses because of a stupid lawsuit. Even if I won such a lawsuit, I lost because the lawyers fees would most certainly wipe me out. So I give no data and refer people to reloading manuals. I'll let them make their own mistakes and come to the same conclusions I did years ago that pursuit of the hot load is too dangerous...but I will remind them that it is. I am know to exaggerate the safety issues but that is better than the other way around. I want no one hurt or no one's gun hurt by information I gave them. I could not sleep at night if it so happened that info I gave caused damage of any kind. LDBennett

09-04-2009, 08:52 AM	#1
GMFWoodchuck Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,369	I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Not to start a whole huge debate. But sometimes I wonder. New reloaders, medium experience reloaders (myself), and seasoned veterans all seem to know that there is some safety issues with reloading. But sometimes I wonder if we worry a bit too much. It seems to me that there is a range of volumes that work in all modern cartridges. A 22-250 for example. Every single load that I can find had a powder weight range of somewhere between 32 and 34 grains (high on the low side and low on the high side if that makes sense) for a 55 grain bullet. Every single powder falls within this range. Almost all of the max loads just about fill the cartrigdes. The same goes for everything out there that is "modern". Meaning designed since 1900. If we use "heavy" bullets or solid copper ones they will actually impede on how much one can physically put into a cartridge to begin with. This is very common with the short action cartridges such as the 308 and the 7mm-08. Will handguns powders blow my gun up? I doubt it. Will a "slow-burning" rifle powder blow up a handgun? Again, not likely. Can I substitute black powder instead of smokeless. Sure. Will a magnum primer blow up my gun using a load that was developed by speer or hogdons? Again, not likely. Most of them even tell you to use magnum primers if the gun will be used in severely cold weather for reliable ignition. It would seem to reason that if a magnum primer is to be used that we would have to sight it in sometime. I suspect that they have no real reason to think that there are legions of people sighting in their gun in negative 10 degree weather. Most will be shot on a decent temperature day. Should we be cautious? Yes. But, it need not to be treated like a nuclear warhead. Common sense will bring people alot further than wondering why Hodgons posts a max of 34.1 grains of IMR 3031 behind a 55 grain jacketed bullet whereas Speer posts a max of 36 grains for the same powder and bullet. Anymore than 36 the powder won't leave very much room for the bullets. Why would Speer go so "high?" Don't know. Does it matter? No. It wasn't accurate anyway. My point to all this is sometimes I laugh some of the responses. Can I use a 7.62 in a 308? And all of the the responses are so varied and the real answer is a simple yes. Can I use black powder? Yeah, just clean it when you're done so it doesn't rust. What is the best deer caliber? Whatever you want to shoot as long it's legal is the real answer. Of course most people responses range from .223 all the way up to the super magnums. What load should I be using for my 6.5mm Creedmore? The real answer is to either post a link showing the data. But people will come up with a load down to the tenth of a grain with a special bullet like it's gospel and it's the only load that will work. We all have simple common sense. If anyone is asking a silly question like "what load should I use for my 308?" we should answer with go read a reloading book. Obviously they haven't, so an answer with powder type/weight and bullet is just asking for disaster. I am begining to find that 95 percent of these question should be answered with "go read a reloading book" They all state how to reload, how to work up loads, and etc. If someone is asking what load he should use obviously either never read a reloading book, or skipped the first and most important part of the book. The back of the book with all of the reloading data is just there to save us time. The real "how-to" is in the front. Questions like can I use 4064 powder in a rifle, what load should I use in a 270 win, what bullet should I use for a 38 special obviously show that the prerequisite reading wasn't done. As far as the safety goes. Common sense need to be used. If a manual says a max load of 57.1 grains of X powder is to be used, obviously 90 grains isn't going to even fit in the shell. Is 57.2 going to be dangerous? I'm not going to say no, but if another manual shows a max of 58 grains some common sense is to be used. The single two most important things to reloading is the required reading and common sense. Bullet weight and powder types are just details. I know if I ask LDBennett to make a load for my Dad's 30-40 Krag that it's going to be a safe round. I don't need to know what powder he used, what bullet he used. I know it's surely a safe loading and I can go and shoot it with no worry. He has the common sense. He doesn't need to ever own a Krag, or ever shoot one. I know he's not going to use a 60 ton machine press and cram 100 grains of powder into a hole that can only hold 40. I know he's not going to put a pistol primer in it. It's a rifle. The same goes most everyone else here. We need to learn what answers to give outright beginners. Which most of the time is: "Go read a reloading book." -->

09-05-2009, 08:27 AM	#9
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,718	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Carver: If the load is straight from the book then I say let the poster find it there himself (I gently guide him there but don't tell him what I shoot). If we hand feed these reloaders that don't own reloading manuals then they never will own reloading manuals. They need to understand what they are doing, not just follow a recipe from you or me. At least that is my opinion and you, of course, may do as you wish. LDBennett

09-05-2009, 11:21 AM	#10
Rocket J Squirl Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 418	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. The fastest most powerful load, isnt always the best shooting load per rifle. Ive had to step down 4-5 grains form amx to tune in a barrel to shoot sub MOA. Each rifle, can take several bullets, and several powder combonations. The fun in reloading is to tune your rifle, to the most accurate round you can make. Or just make a lot of them, and how you hit what your aiming at

09-05-2009, 10:19 PM	#11
fprefect V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Branson, MO Posts: 63	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. I would agree. When reloaders take their time, particularly reloading pistol rounds with small quantities of fast burning powders and there is no reason at all not to expect the rounds they prepare to perform as good or better than factory rounds. I have no idea how many rounds I have reloaded in the past 25 years with the worst incident being a couple of stuck 22-250 cases, I guess I must be doing something right or at the very least, lucky. IMO, I have always believed that reloaders who actually enjoy that part of the sport are by far the least likely to encounter problems as they seem to take plenty of time when doing something they enjoy and are in no rush to finish, thus greatly reducing the chances for mistakes. F. Prefect

10-12-2009, 05:03 PM	#12
6mmustang Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: iowa Posts: 1	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Wow, here I am making a first response/post to a can of worms. My first post was going to ask about favorite/alternate loads for 9mm and 38/357 & 45ACP. Basically I agree with your premise, but sometimes a seemingly newbie question has practical reasons. I reloaded for several years and a change of jobs forced my activities to change(not necessarily for the better) so I've been out of the hobby for 18 or so years. Actually, I'm not sure the internet even existed when I quit reloading the last time. I've finally relocated to an area where I can do some shooting again. Since I'm shooting, I getting ready to reload. Unpacked the press and dies, set up the tumblers etc. Most of my former data is probably still relevant, but I'm having a heck of a time locating my former components. They still exist, I just can't get a hold of them "yet".

10-12-2009, 05:18 PM	#13
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Awesome thread woodchuck... IMO, you win the "thread of the year" award. I could not have put it better myself... Much respect brother __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

10-29-2009, 02:46 PM	#15
bcl32 Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Years ago 4 of us had coffee togeather every morning. 3 of us reloaded the other guy thought he would surprise us and went out and bought him some used equiptment it had a box of primers and half a can of 4350 with it. He came into the coffee shop and showed us one of his new rounds. Some one asked him what load he used. He got a dumb look on his face and said he just filled them to the top with powder and stuck several different lengths of bullets in them. We told him he had to give them all to us and if he didn,t we were going to let the air out of his tires so he could'nt get to the range. One of the guys called our range officer and told him not to let him on the range until we told him to. Poor guy thought you just filled the case full stuck any bullet in it and was good to go. as matter of fact asked "then why do they make the cases so long". He is now a very cautious and excellent reloader. Guess we all learn some way or another.

10-29-2009, 04:04 PM	#16
GMFWoodchuck Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,369	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Well, if they were compressed .308 (or some other short action cartridge) loads he would have been good to go. It does seem wierd that someone would just go and do that though. With all the hoopla about reloading and accuracy, it would seem that anyone with any brains at all would realize that he/she may want to at least weigh the charges so he/she would know what doesn't shoot well..... Last edited by GMFWoodchuck; 10-29-2009 at 04:08 PM..

10-29-2009, 09:51 PM	#18
38 special Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 548	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. With my bolt action Remington model 721, I'm not too paranoid about overloading since its probably the strongest bolt action made and when you read about the torture test Remington did by sticking bullets in the barrel ahead of the cartridge and still not blowing it up, it gives some assurance about its strength. When I load 38 specials however I am extra careful cause you could easily blow one up in a handgun with the case not even half full.

10-30-2009, 05:45 PM	#19
zb338 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Recently moved to Pennsylvania. Posts: 286	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. I'm not a snob. I have been reloading since I was a kid and I'm 75 now. If a newbie wants to ask me questions I will answer all day long. I thought we were supposed to help the youngsters out and foster our sport, and not set ourselves up as so superior that we can't talk to the new guys. Zeke

10-30-2009, 07:11 PM	#20
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. im not into reloading and im sure i ask dumb questions about it, but i know that before i start reloading i need to read a few manuals, but this is the first time i've heard talk of common sense with reloading. i have a lot of common sense and have picked up a little about reloading just from hanging around people that do reload,

10-31-2009, 10:27 AM	#22
RandyP V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 430	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. There is also the 'reality' of fat fingers and semi-blind proofreading we have 'all' found ourselves doing? Ever proofread a post you just made only to find a couple words spelled wrong or transposed? Me too. Now nobody gets hurt if you don't know or mistype type the difference in 'there' -'their'-'they're' or 'to'-'two'-'too'. But change the letters to specific load data numbers and it is quite possible to inadvertently print a kaboom waiting to happen? RTFM if nothing else puts the responsibility on the publisher, not me. __________________ Lee Anniversary and Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret, presently reloading .380, 7.62 Nagant (32-20), 9mm and 45ACP Last edited by RandyP; 11-02-2009 at 10:18 AM..

11-02-2009, 08:06 PM	#23
Gearheadpyro V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 110	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. Interesting thread on another forum on related topic... http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=341348 __________________ www.southernmarksman.com Owner of & Chief Instructor for The Southern Marksman, LLC NRA Life Member, NRA CRSO, Multi-Discipline NRA Certified Instructor

11-02-2009, 08:27 PM	#24
new308handloader Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 535	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. I'm going to go against the consensus on this one. I am a fairly new reloader (about 1 year). When I first started, I got two manuals (Hornady 7th and Speer #14) and I did read them. Not only did I read them, I read them several times....I also went on the Web and found additional information. Even after all the reading and research I had many questions...and I came here to get answers....and I always got good responces that answered my questions...even though there was always a "read a manual" in the responces, they also elaborated further. As reloaders, we want to see others take take it up and not run them off with a one line "Read the manual" answer. My fear? If I was brand new to reloading and I had a question, and I read this post, I probably would not ask the question...after all, asking and answering questions is one of the reasons we are all here. __________________ "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid." D. D. Eisenhower

11-02-2009, 08:56 PM	#25
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,718	Re: I'm sure I'm opening a can of worms with this one. When a question is asked and it seems that the person should know the answer from reading a manual I immediately send them to the manuals. But it is hard to make that judgement and often I under estimate the person. But I think it better to risk a small insult than to assume a level of knowledge that is not there and lead the person down a road that is unsafe to the unknowing. I stress safety first for I do not want to be responsible for the demise of anyone (accept maybe a killer or a rapist or an armed intruder or.... you understand, I'm sure). I also do not advocate getting "trained" by another reloader without first reading the manuals, understanding them, and being able to spot the errors of the teacher. You see, some of us who have reloaded for decades without paying a price tend to cut corners. Most of use know when we can and can't cut those corners but a newbie should never be shown those short cuts as they might use them in the wrong way and cause harm. There is one story here of exactly that issue (I'll not name names) but it cost him a trip to the factory for his gun to be repaired. Fortunately he was not hurt from the completely wrong info the "experienced" reloader gave him that was wrong and unsafe. Distraction are another thing to be avoided when reloading. Lock the door or make it absolutely apparent to the distractor that now is not the time as it is unsafe for any interruption while reloading. Turn that radio off if it distracts. Send the friend home while you are reloading if they are there to talk and not help. Put the phone on the answering machine and call the caller back after the reloading session or at a break when the call will not distract (at caliber changes or ?). While reloading is not rocket science it can be dangerous if you deviate from the instructions in reloading manuals. Safety first! LDBennett