This is a basic question from someone who is trying to start reloading but I cannot find the answer. I just purchased the RCBS Supreme Master Reloading Kit which came with the Speer manual. The data only uses Speer bullets, however Cabelas (who sold me the kit), does not seem to sell Speer bullets. So my question is- can all bullets of the same caliber and weight be interchanged, if not how do I switch brands without the data. Sierra for example does not have reloading data on their site. Am I missing something? Thank you.
Yes, you may use different bullets of similar weights and styles. Just start at the bottom of the scale, as some bullets may have more bearing surface and thus more drag, and may boost pressures a little sooner than others. If you look on the powder manufacturers website, you may find data for the exact bullet you are using. I have the speer manual also, and seldom load speer bullets. Lyman sells an excellent reloading manual, that lists various bullets from different manufacturers. I you decide to load barnes bullets, take a look at their website. The data for barnes bullets is a little different when it comes to seating depths and they are generally loaded with a little heavier powder charge.
Yep, and you can also go through the various powder manufacturers sites for data as well. You might find that one of them has data for the bullet you want to use. You can also try emailing the bullet manufacturer. I emailed Berger for load data for my 257 Wby, and they sent back data for a dozen different powders for their 115 gr VLD.
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.........All good answers. I do have to agree that the Lyman manual, although not totally inclusive, is probably one of the best in my opinion for just good basic information and load data for various bullet manufacturers.
Yes, to a point. You got to be careful with a few styles of bullets. One is barnes bullets. Two are solid shank bullets, like trophy bonded and failsafes, three is scirroco's at least the first versions had very thick soft jackets.
The rest, you just start at the beginning load and work up. Don't assume anything. Alway work up.
When I first started loading, I had a nice load for a partition. I assumed it worked for trophy bonded bullets, and it locked up my chamber cold. I had to beat out bolt, and then take a piece of steel rod to beat out the brass. Lucky bad things didn't happen. Didn't have the internet around to tell me
Your speer manul will explain this in detail I believe.
Just use starting loads with similar bullets and you should be ok. The Hodgdon annual reloading manual is the one that I like. I also like the Speer and any other reloading manual that I can get my hands on, but the Hodgdon seems to have the most useful information about the different powders and several bullet types and brands.
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Just a gun enthusiast looking to gain more knowledge.
While data can be obtained online I still like hard copy manuals on hand. I buy the ones for the bullets I'll be using such as nosler, barnes, hornady, etc & lymans, powder/online as cross reference materials. Lymans is a good read/one to have for the starting out reloader, IMO.
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