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Nosler vs: Sierra Reloading Manuals

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08 December 2004, 15:48
Val
Nosler vs: Sierra Reloading Manuals
I've noted in researching loads that the Nosler and Sierra reloadings usually differ in their most accurate load powders. Often the most accurate powder in one manual isn't even listed in the other manual. I have had some pretty good loads in several calibers using the Nosler most accurate powder tested. Has anyone have some reasons why the two manuals are so different (competition?)? Have any of you tried the Sierra accuracy loads? What kind of results have you yielded with the Sierra accuracy loads?
08 December 2004, 16:03
schromf
Quote:

Have any of you tried the Sierra accuracy loads? What kind of results have you yielded with the Sierra accuracy loads?



I don't own a chronograph so if your asking about velocities don't, cause I would just be guessing.

Rifles differ, a super load in one rifle can be just a good load in another, and terrible in a third. This is usually bullet types and the right choice of powders 2-4 types are the same for different rifles and bullets. I have tried several of the accuracy loads. They are usually pretty good in my experience, they might need tweaking in the grains of powder for your rifle for the best accuracy, example a best load with 45.5 grs, might need a .2 grain adjustment up or down to best suit your rifle, not always but expect it.
If on the otherhand your rifle doesn't like Sierra bullets of a certain wieght ( it happens ) that powder type and a close powder wieght is a good start point for the different brand of bullets.

Note: this is not how I usually work up new loads though.
08 December 2004, 16:24
djpaintles
What I like to do is compare not only the Sierra and Nosler, but the Hodgen, Hornady, Swift and internet data and look for trends. If one has a particular load that's a lot higher than the others I'm suspicious of it. If several list a given powder as one of the best, that's probably the best place to start........DJ
08 December 2004, 18:29
scotty
Loading manuals will always vary (sometimes widely) in their loads. As stated above, it's always a good idea to compare. I also look at what kind of barrel the loads were tested in. I lend a little more credence to data that was worked up in a firearm similar to mine as opposed to a pressure barrel.
09 December 2004, 09:40
fredj338
It's the reason that an accurate load from one guys rifle is going to be THE load for your rifle. Every rifle or pressure bbl. is different. Brass, powder, bullet & primer lots are different. You can only pick a starter load & work up to see if it works in your rifle.
02 December 2005, 00:00
Clem
A Nosler bullet in their test rifle with their barrel will like a different powder then Sierras bullet in their test rifle and barrel. Rifles are like guitars - they must be tuned - and each one will like a different powder/bullet/case/primer combination. That is the challenge of handloading - it can be hit-or-miss to find the right combination that your rifle prefers. Certain cartridges will tend to perform better with a specific powder like the magnums with 4831 and '06 varients with 4350. They list what they find to be the most accurate powder for their particular rifle and bullet. It is a good place to start then "tune" from there.