I've been reloading for my 300WinMag about a year now and was wondering if my favorite recipes for Sierra bullets will work for other bullets as well. I've had great success with the GameKings of all weights and would like to try some Noslers now. Can I change bullets safely?

If a recipe for a 180gr GameKing (72.6gr AA3100, WLRM primer) does well, can I use that for a 180gr Nosler Partition?

Your input will be appreciated.

Short answer, not necessarily.

Too many variables to be able to tell. Differences in jacket material, thickness, bearing length, diameter, and ogive may affect chamber pressure. Best to back off and work up for each individual bullet.

You might be OK, but do you really want to take the risk?

Regards, Bill

The rule is that anytime you change a component (brass case, primer, bullet, etc.) you need to back off about 5 to 7 percent and start back up. This is the safest thing to do, and it will only require about three or four wasted bullets and powder charges. And in truth, they aren't wasted, as you're ensuring your own safety.

Often, bullets of the same weight have differing amounts of bearing surface. The more of the bullets exterior that is rubbing the rifling, the higher the pressure will be.

Best of luck with the Noslers...

Dan

Many thanks to both of you. i'll start with sligthly softer loads. I suspected it woudn't be so easy.

AND, if you're changing from a standard cup/core bullet to a one piece, like the "X"'s, you might want to back off a full 10%.

R-WEST

Safety first - look into your reloading manuals to get your answer. Another issue you will have is bullet seating depth - if your dies are set for the Sierra - you may have to change your settings for the Noslers (actually I know you will). This is if you want to keep your col(oal) the same.