I do a bit of reloading and check with a chrono. From my observations most reloading manuals seem to be conservative on max charges and a bit optimistic on velocities for a given load. The Nosler manual seems the worst for this and the Hodgdon manual the closest to (my) actual results. What has your experience been?

Of the manuals I have, Lyman's 46th edition is the best, with velocities right on the money, when barrel lengths are the same. VihtaVuori's second edition is the most conservative with some rifle loads listed as maximum running a full 10.0 grains below what I'm using.

Sometimes he's a bit conservative too, but Ken Waters' pet loads are a staple around my house. His work has saved me much frustration and money.

Many if not most modern reloading books give loads and velocities as developed in SAAMI or CIP spec pressure barrels. These barrels are made to the very minimum tolerances, and this in turn raises pressures (and thus velocity) for a given load. Some develop the loads in the pressure barrels and then fire the max load in a factory rifle in an attempt to get for publication a velocity reading closer to typical.

The idea behind the min. tolerance pressure barrels is that any load developed in such a barrel is very likely to be safe in any factory rifle which conforms to the chamber and barrel tolerances set by SAAMI (or CIP).

There seems to be some agreement that if you use all the same components as given in the load book recipe, you can increase charge somewhat so long as you don't exceed the velocity shown in the pressure barrel. This load will only be safe in your rifle. Don't hand such a cartridge to a friend for use in his rifle; his factory barrel or chamber may well be tighter than yours.

Clem you have made an accurate observation.
The bottom line is, YOUR rifle is unique.. There is not another one like it, so it will shoot loads however it does and your results will be yours and yours alone. You might experience on occasion where two rifles shoot a load closely the same but this is not the norm..
The loading manuals are a guide and do not necessarily represent any element of truth as to how your rifle will perform. The only way to find out what your rifle will do is to get to the range and see for yourself. With the aid of a chronograph you can make up your own loading manual based on actual work you did yourself.

IMO the best manual is Hodgdon's hard cover book...it lists several powders and many different bullets and several popular wildcats as well.....

quote:

Originally posted by Clem:
I do a bit of reloading and check with a chrono. From my observations most reloading manuals seem to be conservative on max charges and a bit optimistic on velocities for a given load. The Nosler manual seems the worst for this and the Hodgdon manual the closest to (my) actual results. What has your experience been?

My experience mirrors yours. Nosler velocity results are unobtainable in any of my guns but Hodgon hardcover comes closer than any of the other 5 manuals that I own.

quote:

Originally posted by Clem:
From my observations most reloading manuals seem to be conservative on max charges and a bit optimistic on velocities for a given load.

I have noticed the same thing.
Might be a lawyer - marketing driven strategy.

Sierra's rifle load book max loads are often exactly where my loads end up after much time consuming overloading, reducing, accuracy chasing development.

Quickload is very good for bottle necked cartridge that do not touch the lands.

The .38 Special load data in "Modern Reloading" is very conservative when compared to the data in "Sixguns" by Keith.

I'm sure the people producing the various reloading manuals have a tendency to run scared at times. It's not difficult to see why with threats of lawsuits at every corner. I suggest relying on a chronograph. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I am using the Nosler manual for my 280 Improved & I am not seeing the velocities that they have listed. As a matter of fact, the velocities that I am seeing are closer the standard 280 that is listed in the manual. I am seeing similar results from the newest Hornady manual for my 7mm08.

I am a big fan of Ackley, but if the pressures are the same, the velocity on increases by 10 or 20 fps in most cases.

In some rimmed cases, where the Ackley version pushes the shoulder way forward, and so, picks up some real case volume, there can be signifigant velocity improvements.