Primer or powder

Biggfoot44 · Jul 5, 2020

In the magnum revolver context , it is * generally acc3 * for 296/ 110 to use magnum Pistol primers . [ Insert ramblings about exceptions in both directions about slow powders in revolvers , extraneous to current question .]

But .300 BO/ Whisper is much smaller case capacity and different expansion ratios than revolvers , and it is my understanding that Rifle primers are inherently hotter than even Magnum pistol primers . What does this mean ? I dunno from personal experience . If/ when I get a Whisper , I would certainly experement to see .

85MikeTPI · Jul 5, 2020

Everyone gets beat up for not using MFG data, but there’s always some black magic with primers? W296/H110 is Spec’d in 300BLK using magnum small rifle primers.. It’s right on Hodgdon’s site, why all the back and forth?

outrider58 · Jul 5, 2020

85MikeTPI said:
Everyone gets beat up for not using MFG data, but there’s always some black magic with primers? W296/H110 is Spec’d in 300BLK using magnum small rifle primers.. It’s right on Hodgdon’s site, why all the back and forth?

Not spec'd in Hornady's book.

(10th Ed.)

Magnumite · Jul 6, 2020

Speedluvn said:
How do I know how much crimp to apply? At the moment, I believe I’m applying a “light crimp, for accuracy.

I always use a tight crimp. It reduces variables and creates a consistent bullet pull force which is important for load consistency and accuracy. Be it light or heavy loads, its effects are consistent. It may and will reduce case life of most cartridges. But if you are loading for finite accuracy you aren’t going to be using cases reloaded 30 times. Those cases will affect pull weight as well...

Speedluvn · Jul 6, 2020

Magnumite said:
I always use a tight crimp. It reduces variables and creates a consistent bullet pull force which is important for load consistency and accuracy. Be it light or heavy loads, its effects are consistent. It may and will reduce case life of most cartridges. But if you are loading for finite accuracy you aren’t going to be using cases reloaded 30 times. Those cases will affect pull weight as well...

I’m seeking case life as a priority at the moment. Accuracy is also a priority as well.

John from MD · Jul 6, 2020

Speedluvn said:
I’m seeking case life as a priority at the moment. Accuracy is also a priority as well.

You can't have your cake and eat it too. Something has to give.

Working brass (think shooting, resizing, bullets seating and crimping. As the brass gets hard, bullet pull decreases. If you are using too light a crimp, the pressure generated will be less and your accuracy will be off. So, either you use a good crimp and get less reloads but better accuracy or use less of a crimp and get more reloads and less accuracy.

Speedluvn · Jul 6, 2020

John from MD said:
You can't have your cake and eat it too. Something has to give.

Working brass (think shooting, resizing, bullets seating and crimping. As the brass gets hard, bullet pull decreases. If you are using too light a crimp, the pressure generated will be less and your accuracy will be off. So, either you use a good crimp and get less reloads but better accuracy or use less of a crimp and get more reloads and less accuracy.

As I build a solid reloading routine, I’ll take the latter for the time being.

John from MD · Jul 6, 2020

Good, now you have a starting point and later you can change as needed. :thumbsup:

mtlcafan79 · Jul 6, 2020

300blk doesn't really need a crimp like a revolver round does. I only "crimp" mine enough to take out any belling from loading flat base bullets. I use a Lyman 30 cal M die to expand. The "crimp" on a final found is with a Lee factory crimp die set just enough to make things = bullet diameter plus case thickness. Something like the M die is indispensible when loading powder coated bullets. No more shaved coating. Flat based bullets seat much better as well. (Looking at you 110gr Varmagedons)

Speedluvn · Jul 8, 2020

When seeking new powders what are you looking for?

PowPow · Jul 8, 2020

Speedluvn said:
When seeking new powders what are you looking for?

Mostly in order:

Suitability for my firearm & purpose
Availability of load data
Metering in my equipment
Temperature sensitivity
Price/lb.

Speedluvn · Jul 8, 2020

PowPow said:
Mostly in order:

Suitability for my firearm & purpose

Availability of load data

Metering in my equipment

Temperature sensitivity

Price/lb.

That’s something to think about. Now that I feel that I can reload, somewhat reliably, I’m thinking about the different components of the cartridge.
When you say metering in your equipment. I’m using lee powder measuring equipment. I use Winchester 231, 296 & 748 and they all seem to leak from the measurer. I’ve searched for solutions but I haven’t been successful.

Explain suitability in your firearm.
I find myself thinking that now I can make my gun go boom . . . now what?
I understand & cherish the freedom of reloading regardless of the current political or social situations.
Ultimately I compete in some 3 gun competitions. So economically I can save some money and/or practice more by reloading. I can see myself finding loads that lower recoil thus allowing faster follow up shots on target.

PowPow · Jul 8, 2020

Speedluvn said:
That’s something to think about. Now that I feel that I can reload, somewhat reliably, I’m thinking about the different components of the cartridge.
When you say metering in your equipment. I’m using lee powder measuring equipment. I use Winchester 231, 296 & 748 and they all seem to leak from the measurer. I’ve searched for solutions but I haven’t been successful.

Explain suitability in your firearm.
I find myself thinking that now I can make my gun go boom . . . now what?
I understand & cherish the freedom of reloading regardless of the current political or social situations.
Ultimately I compete in some 3 gun competitions. So economically I can save some money and/or practice more by reloading. I can see myself finding loads that lower recoil thus allowing faster follow up shots on target.

Metering mostly comes down to the type of powder it is, e.g. flake, spherical, extruded, etc. Does the powder clump, bunch, or otherwise lead to inaccurate powder measurements? I've had the most inconsistencies with extruded powders (e.g. IMR 4350) in my powder measures. That doesn't matter as much if I'm going to drop it with my Chargemaster instead of trying to run it through my Dillon.

Suitability for my firearm & purpose. First - is the powder I'm considering something that should go into cartridges for the firearm that I plan to load for. Most powders have a sweet spot set of cartridges. Second - if I have a treasured/antique rifle to load for, I might want to go less than full power loads. Some powders are more suited to that than others. As to purpose, if I'm loading for plinking, I'd be less picky about the powder than I would otherwise.

PowPow · Jul 8, 2020

One consideration others might use in choosing a powder is "How clean does it leave my firearm when I'm leaving the range?" It's not a consideration for me. Firearms get dirty. We have technology to clean them.

Then, there are powders that say they'll help do some of the cleaning for you. CFE Pistol, CFE 223, CFE BLK are examples among others. CFE = Copper Fouling Eraser. I would choose them based on my list - not based on the promise to maybe leave my firearm cleaner. If I'm shooting lubed cast boolits, I don't care about copper fouling. I care that I'm not leading my barrel. AND, I would not choose the powder for cast boolits if I didn't have available load data for those bullets. (one of my list items)

Speedluvn · Jul 8, 2020

Ok. So right now my purpose is to build a solid reloading routine. So for the time being I’m just plinking, I guess but I’m also noticing a level of improved accuracy over commercial ammo. Eventually I’ll have a more focused purpose towards my reloading, such as accuracy, cost and how clean it shoots.

John from MD · Jul 8, 2020

H110/W296 is going to leak some from just about any measure. I've seen some home made fixes for Dillon measures but, I'd rather just keep a shop vac handy.

Speedluvn · Jul 8, 2020

John from MD said:
H110/W296 is going to leak some from just about any measure. I've seen some home made fixes for Dillon measures but, I'd rather just keep a shop vac handy.

I’m currently employing the shop vac technique as well.

John from MD · Jul 8, 2020

Great minds think alike.

Magnumite · Jul 8, 2020

“Ultimately I compete in some 3 gun competitions. So economically I can save some money and/or practice more by reloading. ...”

shooting competitively I don’t know of anyone saving money reloading. But they did shoot more....

Speedluvn · Jul 8, 2020

Magnumite said:
“Ultimately I compete in some 3 gun competitions. So economically I can save some money and/or practice more by reloading. ...”

shooting competitively I don’t know of anyone saving money reloading. But they did shoot more....

The hard part is maintaining the necessary stock of consumables, mainly preferred bullets, for an appropriate price.

Primer or powder

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