Bspurr13 wrote:"Tough crowd today."
Just the first two - but that's ok, I have thick skin. Plus, the other 3 of you guys took some time, from busy lives, to give me some great info and advise - and it's much appreciated.
The difference in bullet lengths was a big factor in making me realizing I had done at least one thing wrong - prob 2 (bullet depth, on top of too big a charge). Yikes! In a few places the reference material has the 165 and 168 grain bullets lumped together like 165/168. But as I looked closer I saw the different dimensions, resizing it would seat deeper. Plus I sat it too deep anyway, regardless of the dimension difference.
On load data.com I found the bullet / powder combo that I needed (I signed up today).
With that bullet, and a COL of 2.26, the powder range is 11.8 - 14.2 - sound right to everyone?
So, I'll get a pullin - then do a real "work up".
Hi there and welcome!
I think the guys have covered the main parts about pulling the bullets and starting over.
Also you should know that "safely" working up a load is the general best practice of starting 10% below the minimum load and then building a "ladder" upwards to higher grain loadings.
A "ladder" means you will load a number of bullets (lets say 8 ) at one load grain of weight, then the next set at a slightly higher, and continue until you reach desired speeds, accuracy, and/or pressure signs.
For example my last ladder I was using published data that listed the powder + bullet + COAL (Cartridge OverAll Length) so I didn't start 10% below the minimum, I started at the minimum. I then worked up in .3gr (grain) intervals staying within the published load data until I hit my desired accuracy without seeing pressure signs.
When I load with an unknown bullet I work up safely to a comparable bullet and load.
For example, I have some 148gr FMJ's that have no load data. So I use a published 150gr load as my reference.
I make sure I use the same powder and I have the same amount of bullet in case with my 148gr bullet as would be with the 150gr bullet. You must do a little research like dellet did or have both bullets on hand and measure the length differences to get an idea on how to make sure you keep the amount of bullet in case the same between the two bullets.
Finally I work up a load "safely" by following the practice of starting 10% below the minimum published load data of the 150gr bullet load.
If you can get your hands on the ABC's of Reloading book it is good for general practice info and safety when it comes to reloading. I hope you find this info helpful