mapsjanhere
Active Member
I ordered some Berger 210 VLD for my 300 RUM, and got the usual load data email. Do you treat those numbers as max or as recommended, and where do you start your load development (5% down, 5 gr down, whatever you like)?
Berger email load data
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Kevin Thomas
Well-Known Member
The data should show both a minimum and a maximum. I know this gets repetitive, but always start with the bottom load listed and work up cautiously from there, watching for pressure signs as you go.
Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
mapsjanhere
Active Member
Sorry, I realized I missed the main point for people that haven't dealt with Berger - that data has a big "developed with Quickload" disclaimer on it. So yes, I have 2 numbers, but how real are they?
Kevin Thomas
Well-Known Member
They're a starting point, and that's what you need to keep in mind. The variables in firearms and reloading components tend to make all this stuff a lot more flexible than many people realize, in both the good and bad directions. Use the starting load listed, but don't drop down below that. Not a problem with many powders, but a very real problem with others. Rather than trying to ennumerate each of these, you gt the blanket warning about not dropping below the listed starting charge. Working up, the same cautions apply. If the data shows that you're not yet at max, but are getting sticky bolt lift and loosened primer pockets, yeah, you're already past the max. They're good numbers, but just don't assume that any sort of reloading data is carved in stone.
Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
Fitch
Well-Known Member
They are as real as any other prediction of how a load will function in your rifle.
Load manuals with loads developed in different chambers, different brass, different barrel lengths show what was done in some rifle or test barrel which may or may not have a reasonable relationship to yours. I frequently see bigger variations between load manual MV perdictions and what I get than I see between QuickLoad and what I get.
I use QuickLoad a lot. I don't think I've loaded any ammo that wasn't modeled first in QuickLoad for at least 3 years. It isn't my only data source, but it is a major help both in picking cartridges and in sorting out how much of what powders might work well in a cartridge. I compare the results with load manuals when I can. I also chronograph the starting loads at the range and compare the MV numbers I'm getting with QL predicitons to make sure nothing is going off the reservation.
QuickLoad is a good tool to have at your disposal. It is better if you have it to use in person. That allows for fine tuning it with the actual fired (in your gun) case water grain capacity (of your brass), seaing length for the cartridge matched to your chamber, etc. Each of these tweaks improves the model.
I use it in combination with the bullet makers load manual and powder company manuals to pick a powder. zero in on a charge range, start 10% below max and work up toward the max checking the measured MV against the predicted MV.
It's a tool, one of several, nothing more, but it is a uniquely useful tool because it allows what-if exploration of multiple options before spending any money on powder or primers. .
It is especially useful when there is no bullet company load data to start with. Powder company manuals with don't have "your" bullet listed are relatively useless. Different bullets seated at different depths can make a big difference in pressure.
Fitch
mapsjanhere
Active Member
Thanks for the info on Quickload, naturally your answer opens a new question 
The Berger data has very narrow minimum-maximum ranges, loading 10% under max would be way below the minimum they give. Is it safe to do that?
The Berger data has very narrow minimum-maximum ranges, loading 10% under max would be way below the minimum they give. Is it safe to do that?
Fitch
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the info on Quickload, naturally your answer opens a new question
The Berger data has very narrow minimum-maximum ranges, loading 10% under max would be way below the minimum they give. Is it safe to do that?
I have no clue having exactly zero data on their recommended load. What is the Berger data? Powder? Charge? Bullet? COL? Brass? Primer?
Fitch
