ORIGINAL: dkbs
Hello
I'm about set up to do my first reloading. I have a couple items that I'm waiting for, should be here in a few days.
I have Hodgdon H110 powder and according to their table the min charge is 29 grain and the max is 31.5 for 180 grain bullet.
The question is; Can I start out lighter than the min. Say like 25 grains or do you have to have the min. or else you'll have problems. I'd like a light load so my wife can shoot the gun a few times.
Just for the heck of it, I scaled out the 29 grains and put it in a once fired case with primer still in it and there was just enough room for the bullet to sit on top. (of course it wasn't packed down) It seems like getting the 31.5 grains would be a tight fit, had I wanted to go that high.
Thanks for any answers.
Dan
Most powders, you can, but not H110. You can get erratic pressures or uncomplete burns lowering less than 3% of max pressure. Its designed for higher pressures.
But with powders like HS-6, HP-38, or unique, sure, you can lower them down a ton.