Hornady book on the light side?
Hey guys,
I have loaded up the first of some rounds for my M1A standard. I have a hornady book, and I thought the powder seemed a little low, but my last rifle was an ar10 and I assume those can be loaded hotter. I am using 178 Amax, imr4064, winchester primers, and winchester nato cases. I put in 37 grains of powder, but even for a military case is that low? I also have about 100 lapua cases I was going to load for a longer range trip, would adding a grain for a non military case still be low, or am I right on? My overall length is 2.8.
Thanks
I have loaded up the first of some rounds for my M1A standard. I have a hornady book, and I thought the powder seemed a little low, but my last rifle was an ar10 and I assume those can be loaded hotter. I am using 178 Amax, imr4064, winchester primers, and winchester nato cases. I put in 37 grains of powder, but even for a military case is that low? I also have about 100 lapua cases I was going to load for a longer range trip, would adding a grain for a non military case still be low, or am I right on? My overall length is 2.8.
Thanks
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This right here... No need to pull slugs and start over. Shoot them, collect data and work your way up. Every rifle is different.
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I also use the Hornady manual. Looking at other manuals, yes, the Hornady manual is on the light side. After doing some testing these lighter load numbers, I now, start my loads about .5 lower than Max. It might sound risky,...but we are talking about lighter (lawyered) data.
I'm not sure its a matter of lawyers so much as different components, test barrels, and gauges. I don't have my manuals with me, but if you were using the exact same components and test barrel as Hornady, you should expect to get the same results. I'm often disappointed in my chrono results untilI go back and read the manuals, which often have 26+ length barrels, or use different components. Not always the case, but worth looking into.
I would agree Hornady seems on the light side. As always safety is the most important concern. Every firearm is different at least in a minor way as far as what load works the best.
However, what I like to do is use at least three or four manuals when I am working up a load. I spend a good bit of time reading and researching before I even touch any components. I also like to have a goal in mind for the load I am developing and keep detailed records of the process.
This has allowed me to work up some great loads along with some that were not so great. It is a hobby all in itself to me and very relaxing and fun.
However, what I like to do is use at least three or four manuals when I am working up a load. I spend a good bit of time reading and researching before I even touch any components. I also like to have a goal in mind for the load I am developing and keep detailed records of the process.
This has allowed me to work up some great loads along with some that were not so great. It is a hobby all in itself to me and very relaxing and fun.
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