Hcidem
Regular Member
imported post
One of the issues I had to address with my first reloading session was the reconcilation of powder and bullet types. I believe I had a 115gr XTP bullet. I had purchased Hodgdon's HS6 powder. The chart did not even list that powder/bullet combination.
I had to use the knowledge I gained by reading the general manual (Lee's in this case) to determine the route to use with my very first reload! Manuals always indicate the importance of never exceeding the maximum allowable loads so I was a bit aprehensive about proceeding. I found the loads listed for 115gr jacketed bullets worked just fine.
I loaded 5 rounds at each grain level beginning with the starting load. I shot them at the range beginning with the lowest loads, and everything went very well.
In regard to competition, I had read on another forum that some competitors found a difference in performance amongst bullet/powder combinations. I have no idea where I saw this, but a competition forum might be able to lead you toward bullet/powder selection which will start you on your way.
As I recall, each shooter had varying preferences depending upon their particular pistol, stance, grip strength, etc. It sounds like some of these folks have built it into a specialized science.
One of the issues I had to address with my first reloading session was the reconcilation of powder and bullet types. I believe I had a 115gr XTP bullet. I had purchased Hodgdon's HS6 powder. The chart did not even list that powder/bullet combination.
I had to use the knowledge I gained by reading the general manual (Lee's in this case) to determine the route to use with my very first reload! Manuals always indicate the importance of never exceeding the maximum allowable loads so I was a bit aprehensive about proceeding. I found the loads listed for 115gr jacketed bullets worked just fine.
I loaded 5 rounds at each grain level beginning with the starting load. I shot them at the range beginning with the lowest loads, and everything went very well.
In regard to competition, I had read on another forum that some competitors found a difference in performance amongst bullet/powder combinations. I have no idea where I saw this, but a competition forum might be able to lead you toward bullet/powder selection which will start you on your way.
As I recall, each shooter had varying preferences depending upon their particular pistol, stance, grip strength, etc. It sounds like some of these folks have built it into a specialized science.