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.