Many of you have asked what does AccuLoad do that the other reloading programs do not do. Let me answer that in a round about way.

In the June 2002 issue of Rifle�s Handloader Ammunition Reloading Journal, there is an article by John Barsness titled �Computerized Handloading�. In that article, Mr. Barsness gives five reasons why he does not use reloading software:

1) The trajectory tables all assume standard atmospheric conditions. All of AccuLoad�s ballistic analyses (version 2.00 has 49 different ballistic analyses) let you enter your specific atmospheric conditions. Many of the other reloading programs out there also allow you to do this. AccuLoad also gives you a very easy way to correct your analyses from the conditions at sighting-in to the conditions at the time of your hunt or competition.

2) The trajectory tables all use 1.5 inches as the standard height of the scope over the rifle�s bore. AccuLoad allows you to enter the actual height of your scope, or iron sight, above your rifle�s bore. Many of the other reloading programs also allow you to do this.

3) The trajectory tables all depend on the ballistic coefficient figures supplied by bullet manufacturers. Some of the programs out there provide you with a way to estimate a bullet�s ballistic coefficient. AccuLoad version 2.00 provides two ways for you to estimate the ballistic coefficient, and two ways that you can very accurately calculate the actual ballistic coefficient.

4) Reloading programs can�t deal with the differences between individual firearms. AccuLoad�s precision reloading modules tie every handload to a specific firearm, automatically dealing with the differences from one firearm to the next. We don�t know of any other reloading programs that do this for you.

5) Reloading programs can�t deal with the lot-to-lot differences in reloading components. AccuLoad�s precision reloading modules tie every handload to the specific component lots used in your handload. In fact, if you have the desire, AccuLoad will allow you to track 80 different load measurements, and will provide over 400 different load statistics. And this is where AccuLoad does something for you that no other reloading software even comes close to doing. AccuLoad provides you with graphical analyses of your precision reloads. Select from one of twenty-three dependent variables ... the outcome result variables in which you are interested. Then select from one of twenty-two independent variables ... the variables you manipulate to change the outcome results. Then specify how you are going to control for consistency in your analysis ... eliminate sources of error. You will then be presented with a graphical analysis of your precision reload, along with recommendations for improving your load. That's 506 different analyses you can perform on your precision reloads � just by pointing and clicking with the mouse. Once you become familiar with how Accuload�s Precision Reload Analysis works, you will discover that there are 80 different measurements that you can track with your component lots and precision reload assembly lots. By carefully selecting the precision reload lots to include in your analyses, you can actually perform over 1800 different graphic analyses. What more could the most fastidious bench rest competitor or wildcat developer want?

And for those of you who don�t want to track all this data, but primarily want AccuLoad for its vast reference library (version 2.00 has more than 8000 literature references, 1000 cartridges, 4000 bullets, 200 powders, 100 primers, 100 cases, 1300 firing ranges, 500 manufacturers, 500 authors, and lots of information on every one of them), there is an easy load module that let�s you track just the basics.

I hope that answers what AccuLoad can do that the other reloading programs do not do. Some other reloading programs answer at least three of Mr. Barsness� reasons for not using them. AccuLoad answers all five.

Regards,
Ed

Ed

I'm interested in your software.

A few questions if you don't mind though first:

1. Can the ballistics section be used to calculate a maximum point blank range? - eg if we say we want a bullet to remain in a 10 inch circle, we have its BC and velocity, and I want to know, how high to sight it in at 100 metres (or yards), for a maximum point blank range. And what range would that be as well.

2. Is it in metric measurements as well as imperial measurements (ie US)?

3. Does it include the following cartridges?
6.5x68
8x68S
404 Jeffrey
5.6x50mm
5.6x57mm
9.3x62mm
303 British
Any of the Nitro Express cartirdges?

(Just an idea - it would be great if the cartidges covered were listed on your web site, as well as eventually the powders, projectiles, cases etc)

4. Do you cover the Australian Mulwexa propellants?

Thanks fo rany info you can provide.

Good morning,

I'll try to answer each question in order:

1. Yes, it can. It will do each of those things.

2. The current version 1 and the next version, which is ready for beta testing, are both in Imperial measure. Metric conversion was one of the items we had planned for version 2, but we just ran out of time. I had thought that would have been an easy thing to program, but it is not. The complexity is due to the way AccuLoad links data together. It is, however, our top priority for version 3. That isn't a sales pitch for a second purchase. All owners of AccuLoad receive updates and revisions for free.

3. Addressing the listed cartridges - yes to each one for the version 2 database. For the N.E. cartridges, I did a quick search and found 13 with N.E. in the cartridge name.

3. (idea) I liked your idea so well, that I exported the names from the cartridge database, the bullet database and the powder database. I've sent them to our web wizard so that they can be placed on our web page for viewing. I just sent the list to him, so please allow him a few hours to get the job completed. GREAT suggestion! Thanks!

4. We have the Australian ADI powders, but I cannot find a link, or data, for Mulwexa powder. If you can send me a link or an address, I will contact them. We still have about 6 to 8 weeks before AccuLoad V2 should be ready, so perhaps we can enter the Mulwexa data into this upcoming version.

Thank you for your interest and the great suggestion.
Regards,
Ed

Ed

Thanks for the answers.

The Mulwexa propellants are the same as the ADI powders. I think when they first came out they were called , Mulwex, or that is the town where the factory is (something like that). Great if you've got them covered as well.

If the programme does everything claimed it sounds great.

Can you email me when version 2 is ready for sale and shipment (nitro@nitroexpress.com). Thanks

Will do.

I just checked our web page and the web wienie has put up the FAQ to cover your suggestions. (He's pretty quick!) I tried it and it works well. Take a look and let me know if this is what you had in mind.

Regards,
Ed