Interpreting load data

[7000grain]

Interpreting Load Data: Complete Guide
(Full Text Version - Safe for Copy/Paste)
==================================================
FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS
SAAMI Specifications define maximum cartridge dimensions and pressures. Critical measurements:
• OAL (Overall Length): Case base to bullet tip
• Ogive Measurement: Bullet contact with rifling
• Charge Weights: Powder ranges for tested setups
==================================================
CROSS-REFERENCING SOURCES
.308 Win 175gr Load Comparison
+—————+—————+—————+—————+
| Source | Powder | Min (gr) | Max (gr) |
+—————+—————+—————+—————+
| Hodgdon | Varget | 42.0 | 46.0 |
| Sierra | Varget | 43.5 | 47.5 |
| Lyman | Varget | 41.0 | 45.0 |
+—————+—————+—————+—————+
Velocity Ranges:
• Hodgdon: 2600-2750 fps
• Sierra: 2650-2800 fps
• Lyman: 2550-2700 fps
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COMPONENT ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustment Table
Component Adjustment Example
Lead Bullets -10% to -15% 43.5gr –> 37.0gr
Magnum Primers +5% pressure 45gr max –> 42.8gr
Military Brass -1gr to -2gr 46gr –> 44gr
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LOAD DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
1. Start 10% below max charge
2. Increment by:
• Rifle: +0.5gr per test group
• Pistol: +0.2gr per test group
3. Pressure Signs Checklist:
• Case head expansion > 0.0005”
• Primer cratering
• Stiff bolt lift
==================================================
DOCUMENTATION TEMPLATE
Logging Table
Date Bullet Powder Charge Velocity Notes
02/05/25 Hornady 75gr H4895 23.4gr 2715 fps No pressure
02/05/25 Hornady 75gr H4895 23.7gr 2742 fps Ejector mark
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CRITICAL SAFETY CHECKS
3. _ Weekly scale calibration
2. _ OAL verification every 20 rounds
3. _ Batch velocity variance <5%
4. _ Manual cross-check before loading
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[JeffRachael]

That's dead on. I would bold 1. Start 10% below max charge
and very rarely is max charge the most accurate. Max charge also causes more wear and tear on the gun. And higher Maintenace.

[7000grain]

If you see room for edits to make it better then feel free to update. The goal in these HOW TOs is to have a solid base for new comers to reference.

[JeffRachael]

I'm trying my best to Chief. I'm a knuckle dragger. I having a hard enough time navigating forums. All others I have walked away from. The mouse wheel is screaming. This one means alot to me so I am putting my time in.

[7000grain]

Awesome brother. Means allot to me too. Trying my best to post useful and worthwhile stuff to help others.

[7000grain]

I’m no manicured retired aviator warrant. lol. I’m a retired Field Artilleryman.

I'm trying my best to Chief. I'm a knuckle dragger. I having a hard enough time navigating forums. All others I have walked away from. The mouse wheel is screaming. This one means alot to me so I am putting my time in.

[JeffRachael]

Round OUT, Round OUT

[7000grain]

Ha