Load data old manuals vs new

[xiholdtruex]

I was looking at the sierra app today fpr .38sp +p and the higher end of the spectrum they are pushing light magnum + on some of them for sure

[william]

This thread visited this subject also: https://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/r...down-data.html

[xiholdtruex]

Yep read that thread also, actually purchased a new sierra 11 manual to cross fereference the current sierra app. Most loads are a grain or more over what the powder manufactuers recommend. Going to work up a defensive 38 +p load soon also to have in the data bank.

[william]

I reload for accuracy, which usually does not translate to fastest. If my SD bullets don’t expand properly at the accuracy speed, I find one that does.

YMMV

[xiholdtruex]

I reload for accuracy, which usually does not translate to fastest. If my SD bullets don’t expand properly at the accuracy speed, I find one that does.

YMMV

definitely could not agree more, Luckily most of the loads I have used have been common loads used by many so there is a ton of data on how well they work online. I for example worked up to a max load of trail boss in .38 special and 357 magnum and found that instead of max 4gr shot more accurate.

for some reason also I find that in .38 special plated ammo shoots better when loaded to +p and soft lead shoots better at +p loads. I find that if I match the bh of the bullet and the psi so it obturates correctly int the barrels it greatly increases my accuracy. could be attributed to most of the lead bullets I use have a bh of 10-12.

speed is useless If I cant hit the target lol

Appreciate the input from everyone Thank you all

[Sawfish]

LoadData the online loading manual from the publisher of Handloader and Rifle magazines has both old and new data from loading manuals and magazine articles.

[Kevin Keith]

I keep older versions for reference. I think for Lyman the major transition was between Lyman's 44th or 45th to Lyman's 46th. The loads do appear to be lighter after that point. I also generally load to mid levels based on the current data Most of my firearms however will handle +P loadings without a problem so that's an additional buffer built in.

It's an old thread, but a current topic because people always wonder about the "hot" loads of yesteryear. You mentioned Lyman's 44th. Here is the data for 240-250 grain hard cast .44 Special back in 1967, tested in s Colt SAA. Loads like this give people the heebie jeebies today. Just for informational purposes.

[YOT]

One thing to remember about manuals and their data... Test barrels are just that. Unless you are shooting with the exact same gun/barrel your results will vary. Find the load YOUR gun "likes" and stop before blowing it, and you, up.

[olfarhors]

to me its a lot like following as gasoline recommendations for your new 2019 car by using recommendations from a 1953 manual.
things change over time, especially years and years.
first no 2 batches of any powder are identical, the chemist guys at the powder companies add stuff to get the powder rates as close to uniform as possible but still.
a powder that was manufactured say 30 -40 years ago is not going to be same as a powder manufactured last year typically. add to that that these load rates are generalizations as to performance with a mind on safety.
as we are now a much more sue everybody nation well safety margins have been increased, guess someone is trying to protect us from ourselves???--well I will show them-- here hold my Beer!
in the end does it really matter that much if your load produces 550 Ft pounds of energy or a measilly 530 Ft Lbs of energy???
we all have our loading rituals , myself I will stay within the recommended loads from the current info.

[Fishinkeylargo]

I use current load data for all but one of my loads, that one I don't is .32 S&W Long. I am using data that dates back to the early 50's I think. Well above today's max data. I worked up to it slowly and watched for signs of pressure that never came. What I did do is get my cases to expand properly and not get scorching down the case almost to the rim. I also started getting complete powder burns, which never happened with current data. Now my .32 S&W Longs are hot loads in modern terms and they are also way more accurate. I did work up my loads in a .32 Mag revolver to stay on the safer side.