Reloading different bullets of same weight.

DMan · December 29th, 2008, 08:06 PM

So, question for all you experts! I have found the ideal load for my rifle using a 30-06 with 165 grain Sierra GameKing bullets. I know different manufactures and different bullets have different characteristics, but if I duplicate the entire load with the exception of the bullet itself, replacing the bullet with a different brand, but the same weight, will this allow me to just refine the charge (couple tenths of a grain on either side) to find the best load for that round?

Or will I need to start the whole process over again to find my ideal load.

bmcgilvray · December 29th, 2008, 08:14 PM

You'll effectively have to start over. Some good rifles will shoot different brands similarly. Never count on it though and if your pet load is near maximum you'll need to work up to it anyway.

Ram Rod · December 29th, 2008, 10:55 PM

Different bullets even with the same grain weight may have different characteristics...mainly the ogive of the bullet and it's location in the assembled cartridge in relationship to the rifling once chambered. If you're backing the bullet off the rifling at .006" with one manufacturer's bullet, another manufacturer's bullet may very well touch the lands or come within .002" then pressure builds. You should start new loads for different brand bullets.

December 29th, 2008, 08:06 PM	#1
DMan Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 394	Reloading different bullets of same weight. So, question for all you experts! I have found the ideal load for my rifle using a 30-06 with 165 grain Sierra GameKing bullets. I know different manufactures and different bullets have different characteristics, but if I duplicate the entire load with the exception of the bullet itself, replacing the bullet with a different brand, but the same weight, will this allow me to just refine the charge (couple tenths of a grain on either side) to find the best load for that round? Or will I need to start the whole process over again to find my ideal load. __________________ If guns cause crime, then forks made Rosie O'Donnell fat!!

December 29th, 2008, 10:55 PM	#3
Ram Rod VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: crawford county, arkansas Posts: 8,826	Different bullets even with the same grain weight may have different characteristics...mainly the ogive of the bullet and it's location in the assembled cartridge in relationship to the rifling once chambered. If you're backing the bullet off the rifling at .006" with one manufacturer's bullet, another manufacturer's bullet may very well touch the lands or come within .002" then pressure builds. You should start new loads for different brand bullets. __________________ RamRod-----sans remords live, eat, breathe, sleep Glock

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December 29th, 2008, 08:14 PM	#2
bmcgilvray Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,737	You'll effectively have to start over. Some good rifles will shoot different brands similarly. Never count on it though and if your pet load is near maximum you'll need to work up to it anyway.