You guys are awesome - always great information here.  I know it takes time to write responses like that, and I sure appreciate it!  I'll also slug the barrel soon to see where it sits. 

Thanks!

Hi guys,

I used the search function and found some good information, but wanted to specifically ask my question. 

What is the max velocity considered to be safe for hard cast 180 grain bullets? 

I wrote the folks at Rushmore, and was told that 1200 fps was generally the limit they suggest due to barrel leading at velocities above that. 

I know a lot of you have experience with cast bullets at velocities a good bit above 1200 fps, and I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Thanks again!

Okay, I think I have chosen my combination. 

Rushmore hard cast 180gr truncated bullet
8.6 grains Longshot
Remington Magnum Primers
New Starline Brass
OAL 1.240"
Mild crimp

1313 FPS average
High of 1325 fps
Low of 1301 fps

Shot with a Springfield XDM 5.25, 22lb Wolff recoil spring.  Brass went about 15 feet. 

It's very accurate, and showed no signs of excessive pressure.  That said, if there is a reason to back it off a bit I would love to hear about it. 

Thanks again for the great input!

Very cool - thanks again!  It may be a bit, but I will post results when I get some testing done. 

Have a good one guys!

Great - thanks again everybody!

One last question - what would be a good starting charge to start with for Longshot?  Like, what's the lowest number of grains that would still function well?

Great information guys, thank you!

Is there a good Velocity vs Pressure rule that I can apply while chrono testing?  Like, how to know what velocity corresponds to a max load for my combination?  I definitely believe in a conservative starting charge and laddering up in small increments. 

Thank again!

Hi guys,

First time post here.  I have been loading shotgun shells for years, and I'm finally just getting into hand loads for my 10mm and have a few questions.

I've seen that some reloaders use mixed brass - so I take it reload recipes aren't specific to a particular make of brass?  I plan on using Starline, but don't really see the type of brass listed in loading data. 

Does it matter what brand of primers I use?  I know in shotshells they can have a dramatic effect on pressures.

I recently got some Rushmore 180gr coated bullets.  Has anyone here used them? 

The big question I have is about Longshot powder.  I use it for my shotshells and love it.  I'm seeing that about 9 grains behind a cast 180 grain bullet has given some good results. 

Based on the Starline brass, 180 grain cast bullets, and Longshot powder, what primer has worked well for folks here?  It also sounds like a chronograph is a good piece of tuning gear.  I'll pick one up.

Oh, and I'm shooting a Springfield XDM 5.25. 

Like I said, I'm totally new to this part of reloading so any info you can share will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!!