I've used QL before to get some base data on cartridges that don't have a lot of load data out there or maybe a combination that is not listed. It's good at suggesting suitable powders. Of course the old adage start low and work your way up applies. I will say in my experience it has been pretty close.
Pressure from base loads in Quickload
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benchracer
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If that is how you are using QL, you are doing so without applying common sense and/or fundamental reloading practice. The fact that you got away with it doesn't make it a good idea.
I say again, using QL to determine a safe starting charge is a misuse of the tool and is a potentially dangerous practice. If you are going to use a tool, at least take the time to learn how to use it correctly.
Well what do you think wildcatters did before quick load even existed? They made an educated guess and started low. I didnt say I used the exact QL data. It's just a refference. Even book data is not exact. You get what data you can, use some common sense and start low. I always use a chrono so with one round loaded low I get a pretty good idea off the bat where I am. Then of course normal work up applies.
been using QL for 10yrs to predict start charges on unavailable combinations and many wildcats with and without a parent case and to say it is fundamentally wrong is crazy. QL isn't a load manual but when used for what it is makes it a valuable asset to the reloader willing to put the time into it.
benchracer
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No, it's not crazy. You not knowing how to properly use the tools you are using is crazy. Ignorant is a better word for what you have done for 10 years.
benchracer
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What wildcatters did before QL is what I am referring to as solid fundamental reloading practice. Untested QL data is NOT a reference until it has been verified through testing. Using unvalidated data to establish a starting charge is nothing less than stupid behavior.
its real apparent you have nothing to help the OP or any knowledge of QL or how to use it so maybe just move on.
to the OP you can send a PM and i will help with setup for starting loads
benchracer
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I have clearly stated what the OP needs to do differently in order to get quality results from QL. So far, I have observed only one other commenter on this thread who understands how to use QL.
To anyone who actually knows what they are doing, you have openly confessed that you do not know how to use QL or even understand its application. Anyone who hasn't slept through 3rd grade science class and 7th or 8th grade pre-algebra, is capable of seeing the flaws in what you are doing and telling others to do.
If you, or anyone else, thinks QL is a tool that allows you to skip fundamental reloading steps (such as determining a safe starting load), you really should consider sticking to factory ammo. In that case, it is YOU who should move on.
I do understand how to use QL and I do wish you'd move on too. Are you actually being helpful here? Ask yourself.
benchracer
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Let's take inventory, shall we?
I have done the following:
- Advised AGAINST utilizing QL as a reloading manual on a disk, which it decidedly is not, and AGAINST listening to people who advocate this (and apparently don't know any better AND are not intellectually honest enough to admit that fact).
- Advocated FOR the application of solid reloading fundamentals (such as the need to determine a safe starting load BEFORE using QL).
- Clearly stated the need to reconcile predicted data with actual results in order to produce valid data using QL.
- Pointed out that the source of the OP's problem is not the software, or any of the components used. The source of the problem is misuse of QL software by skipping preliminary load development steps.
YOUR wishes are irrelevant. I am not obligated by them. Feel free to follow your own directive.
nksmfamjp
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How do you establish a starting charge safely? Please consider that you are using a case, bullet and twist that doesn't align well with current cases. There is no trustworthy load data.
nksmfamjp
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How?
Why not just get starting load data from posting the question on Sherman FB page or get a good idea from the data on this forum. The 300 Sherman has been around for yrs, so there should be a good amount of data for the asking. While the CEBs are not super popular like berger or eld accubond etc they tend to be easy engraving so higher psi should not be an issue..
Here is how I went about searching for the data putting myself in your position and not posting on the FB page but just from available data on the net.
I first checked user supplied Shermam load data file on the Sherman site. That was a bust. Then I did a search on here for "300 Sherman". On the first page #6 of results was 300 Sherman Load Data as well as #10 "300 Sherman vs '06"
I got the starting load data from the first which its title was quite telling.
The case capacity (which I needed but you could get from your case) from the second on post #44-#47. Skimming the thread a comment in that thread had someone mention their 300ss had about 4-6 gr less capacity. That made me look at the full size SAUM case for capacity which was 76 +/- manf. If I had not seen it I would have gone to one of the sites like chuck hawks and scanned all the list for one close to that capacity in the 30 cal. I ended up doing that anyways to confirm 2nd source.
I then went to hodgdon site (Vihtavuor does not list 300saum) and compared Rich's recommended 300 Sherman 186gr starting data from that first link with the recommended for 300 SAUM 180-190gr bullets of one of the powders (I chose h100v as its close and similar energy to N550 (a bit faster) I found the exact same recommended starting powder charge.
Based on this and if you compare n550-h100v in other cases I personally would have started around 58 gr to be safe even though H lists 59g h100v for 168 Sierra sp. You can always go up. You only have to shoot one rd.
Looking at the time I spent about 20 mins to find and check all this info.
The very first way you go about finding a starting load with no direct source of the data is to measure case capacity and find a case as close as possible then compare the data. As its a starting load you have little to be concerned with a difference in max case pressure as thats case construction. Besides most offical load data sites list pressures so you can confirm your in a safe window.
Hope this helps
ETA: there is also a rough powder rule for different weight bullets to powder charge if load data is limited to certain bullet weights. The ratio is 10:1 ratio, a change of 10 grains bullet weight : 1 grain in powder charge. For every 10 grain increase in bullet weight drop a grain of powder and vise-vera. This of course assumes the same powder is used. Obviously things like bullet bearing surface or mono vs jacket can effect this but it gets you close.
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Now that you have some real world #'s from the loads you shot you can enter these into QL along with your case cap etc, adjust the burn rate factor and weighting factor to suite your velocity #'s and you should get fairly accurate #'s from QL. JMO
