A bullet is a bullet is a bullet?

[ShipDate]

I'm just beginning to get involved in reloading so please forgive me if this question is silly.

In looking at various load data I am wondering if the starting charge (minimum amount) for a particular powder would be the same for all bullets of a given weight. In other words, if all other things are the same; same powder, same case, same primer, will the starting charge for a 55 grain bullet be the same regardless if the bullet is a FMJ, JHP, boat tail, flat base, etc. And if not, why, and what rules would need to be followed to preserve my rifle and my appendages?

The reason I ask is that although I can find powder charge info for bullet weights, not all bullet types of a particular weight are listed.

Thanks in advance!

[Colorado Osprey]

I can't think of any time that if you used a published starting charge you would get into any trouble by switching bullet manufacturer's as long as you stayed in the same bullet weight.

That is to say or shall I say clarify:
If a book says that you use 20.0 grains of H4064 as a starting charge with a 60 grain Speer bullet, you could substitute a 60 grain Hornady bullet.

Is this what you are trying to determine?
Do no substitute powders like IMR4064 and H4064 nor 60 grains bullets up or down to say a 55 or 70 and you should be ok.

Substituting a BT could cause problems as it increases pressure outward at the base of the bullet, but since you are at starting powder charge you probably still won't see any problems.

I commonly look at several load manuals to determine a starting load to make sure also that you haven't got a mis-print.

[ShipDate]

Yes, that is exactly the information that I was looking for.

It seemed to make sense but I thought it might be best to ask.

Thank you.

[tmckay2]

yeah shouldn't matter. in fact, some load data doesn't even give brands, just weight

[gnihcraes]

and some load manuals say to use only their brand of bullet, as the jacket on another brand might be harder/softer and cause further issues... but i'm not sure about that?

[Colorado Osprey]

agreed.. and that is why using jacketed for jacketed and cast for cast data and starting at beginning charges should be just fine with different manufacturer's bullets. It's a more CYA thing for them to list that you should only use their bullets with their data.

I know a few people who don't like to start at beginning charge weights... but that is their choice.

[ShipDate]

To play it safe I have made 3 batches of 6 rounds for a total of 18 rounds for each powder I am trying. The first is at the minimum charge for that powder and stepping up to roughly half way to maximum. I'm thinking this will leave some cushion.

They fly tomorrow so we'll see what happens...

[ShipDate]

I still have my face and my rifle so all is well. I even have what look to be some pretty decent loads.
Thanks to all who contributed.

[sniper_tim]

you were able to tell the difference between batches of only 6 rounds? Hmmm, it has been years since i've loaded 223, however starting again. According to my records and experience, i've never been able to tell the difference between minimum and maximum charge on paper, nor have i ever been able to duplicate or come close to Win white box (Q3131). Typically my 223 reloads look similiar to wolf.

Anyone else get better accuracy from reloading for a semi-auto than factory, please keep in mind this is for plinking and not high-power competition. For example, if i was inclined to re-load for high-power matches, I would definitely have tighter QA, such as same brass, trickle charge, micro measure each round, etc, etc. You can really take this hobby to extremes if needed.

Cheers,
Tim

[spencerhenry]

i load for accuracy in my colt h-bar. some of my loads with target bullets will group one ragged hole, most loads with hunting bullets will group about an inch.

but back to the original question. for the most part, load data can be used for most bullets of a given weight. but i say most NOT all. bullet construction can have a big effect on pressures. i think it is in speer's manual that has different load data for the same weight bullet. an all copper bullet, or a solid, or a bullets with a partition are supposed to be harder to push down a barrel. i dont have data for all copper bullets, but i have read that the data is different. look at the disparity between manuals, some charge weights vary by a considerable amount. i have also loaded ammo with data from IMR's website and had signs of excessive pressure with a load that was no where near maximum. i double and triple checked the data, the load was within limits. but i still had primer cratering, sticky bolt lift, and poor case life. bottom line is, pay attention to what the brass and gun are telling you.