I've finally taken the jump into reloading. Here is my first 100 (Well 99, I had to shoot one). I figured I'd start fairly light.
Cases - DoubleTap Nickel cases
Primers - CCI Large Pistol
Bullets - 155 XTP HP
Powder - 9.0 grains of 800-x
OAL - @1.26 inches
The one I shot was obviously very easy to control. I'm guessing it was in the 1225 fps range. I figure I'll work up the next batch to maybe 10 grains.
I used a Lee Classic Turret, Carbide Dies, and a Auto-Disk Powder Measure (it metered even 800x pretty well).
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And my second batch of 100 is complete. This time the only difference is 10.5 grains of 800-x which should mimic the Underwood load.
So the first 200 rounds I've ever loaded are all 10mm.
Quote from: P33v3 on August 03 2014 05:09:51 PM MDT
And my second batch of 100 is complete. This time the only difference is 10.5 grains of 800-x which should mimic the Underwood load.
So the first 200 rounds I've ever loaded are all 10mm.
I hope your safe. There are variables that can make that load too hot. If OAL is shorter, that could be bad. If primer is different, that could be bad. When getting close to max, go slow and careful.
If I were you, the next rounds to load are a series of steps (a few of each) stepping up to that load and paying close attention to pressure signs.
Here is a pick of the last time I will ever shoot that loading (factory Underwood 155g XTP) out of the G20. I don't like smiles and that load did this!
(http://www.spanielsport.com/photos/i-vFmRMgg/0/XL/i-vFmRMgg-XL.jpg)
Greg
Underwood is typically in the 1.25 OAL range mine actually are in the 1.26 for that reason. In the future I will probably settle in the 10.0 range and keep the slightly longer length. I will be shooting these out of my S&W 1076 just to be safe.
I will be looking for smileys though. Thanks for the input.
Quote from: P33v3 on August 01 2014 10:15:11 PM MDT
and a Auto-Disk Powder Measure (it metered even 800x pretty well).
This is the amazing part.... I've found even with good powders the auto-disc varies +/- .2 ( if super clean and grafhite lubed its +/- .1 for a while )
be careful 9.8gr is listed max tho pressures at 30k , running 10.5gr with a +.2 error is way up there.... does 800x pressure spike quickly???
The picture of all those "smiles" Geeman posted is a reason to back down or find another chamber with better support.
I will say, I am not an expert... :-[
There are a few things to consider, first is the chamber providing good support to the casing? If yes, is there good lockup of the barrel to the slide and barrel to locking block, with adequate RSA tension, to hold things lock together, for the duration of the pressure event?
Having the pressure event unlock the breech too early can increase the lack of support to the casing, thus allowing the pressure to act on the unsupported brass. Than can result in "smiles" and even blown out casings! :o
The angles and surfaces of the lockup of the barrel lug to the locking block and the barrel to the slide work to hold lockup with the assistance of RSA. This is why I happen to like a non-captive RSA applying ample forces to hold the lock up a little tighter and possibly longer duration of the pressure event.
Brass can have different strengths and hardness, Star Line is usually soft and malleable, as it is a handloaders brass which will get work hardened and less malleable with use.
The issues require some study to understand what is taking place, we all want the power of the 10mm ammo, but it becomes a delicate balance of power vs. the properties of the individual firearm for safety! 8)
In determining the 10.5 grains. I did a couple of preliminary things.
I first checked the load sheets from pull downs we had on this site. (seems the Underwood pulldowns were 10.8 grains).
I then checked the case length on several kinds of Underwood I have. The 165's I have were pretty consistently seated at 1.254-1.255
I then loaded some at 9.0, 9.5, and 10.0. All seated at 1.264-1.265. All were very soft shooting in comparison to the Underwoods.The 10.0s reminded me of the Georgia Arms Stuff I have. I think 10.5 should be just right. The reason I went with a hair longer is to relieve some of the pressure and to guard against bullet setback. They all fed fine with no hangups.
I'll shoot some of them soon and will let you know. I am on a trip early tomorrow morning so it will need to wait.
First, I want to say I should have replied to your first post. I'm glad to welcome a new reloader on board. There is a lot of satisfaction making your own ammunition. Take pride in your decision.
I'm one that likes to shoot at the upper end of the 10mm power spectrum. When you play close to that edge, stuff can happen. It is good to be conservative in working up toward the max loads, and when changing any component it is also a good practice to back down a bit and working back up. That includes changing lots of the same powder, as they can vary. Its better to be safe than sorry.
In spite of me wanting to be careful, I have blown up a Glock 20. It is a bit unnerving to have happen. I reloaded a PPU case with a warm load that I had worked up to .5g warmer and found it "safe", backed down that half grain and had a case head separation. I don't know if it was the PPU not being up to the task, or if the case was hard and it sprang back enough to allow the bullet to set back. I thought I was safe, but a component proved that I wasn't careful enough. I was the manufacturer and the liability belonged to me. I now purge all PPU brass, and I have a generic 180g load that I use with all used brass that clocks out of a barrel at around 1200 fps. The hotter loadings get assembled only with new brass.
My post was based on a jump from post #1 at 9.0g to a loading of post #2 at 10.5g. Just please be careful, and don't hesitate to tear down rounds if you find them beyond your comfort zone.
My preaching is done and welcome to the reloading club. Its so nice to build 'em the way you like 'em.
Greg
Welcome to reloading ;D , I've got the basically same set-up as you, very fun hobby. I reload everything I shoot, with the exception of 5.7
All my carry ammo is factory :D Now get yourself a good chronograph ! Have fun !