Zetter Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 (edited) So after reading loads of stuff and getting the kit in I have started on reloading my .17 hornet. How does everyone go about sorting out a suitable load from scratch? I have the max/ min load data from my sizing dies/ the Hodgdon website for the powder and I am using H4198 powder. Is it just a case of loading three cartridges each from min to somewhere near max going up by 0.1 grain per time from min load to max and seeing how the groups go? Obviously keeping a close eye on pressure signs as you go? Cheers in advance Zetter Edited February 26, 2017 by Zetter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetter Posted February 26, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Cheers mate that helps a lot. I am loading 20 grain v max to start with as my rifle does ok with factory ammo so rahter than changing too many variable I thought I would sitck with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casts_by_fly Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 (edited) For the 17's the pressure can sp Ike quickly. I use 0.1g increments. I tend to do a ladder type test first to find the pressure range the rifle likes with that bullet and powder. Min to max, 0.1 increment, one shot each watching for pressure signs and marking the bullet holes on a spare target. You'll find a sweet spot where a couple close charges look like they could be the same charge. You'll also find the rough max loads for your gun. From there I go back and load three shot sets around the sweet spot. Usually you'll get a weight where both the load above and the load below shoot about the same. That is usually where I settle in. If it shoots really well then I usually go with it. If I want to tighten it up I will play with seating depth. Fwiw, I shoot 4198 and 20's in my ackley hornet. My gun likes max loads as high as I am willing to push it (around 3650 from a 16" barrel). Rick Edited February 26, 2017 by casts_by_fly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 This, going in steps of 0.2gn and you could miss an accuracy node or overpressure sign. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labstaff Posted February 26, 2017 Report Share Posted February 26, 2017 Sorry to jump on the thread. I don't reload but it's something I'm thinking about starting for my .243. What are the pressure signs you should look out for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mick miller Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) Buy the Hornady book and have read. Edited February 27, 2017 by mick miller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetter Posted February 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Cheers All This has given me a good plan to get started. I appreciate he advice from you all on this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Also be aware of temperature increasing the pressure later on in the warmer months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeadWasp Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Here's an article with some good photo's. Doesn't cover everything in detail but give a good over view of primer signs and brass flow. http://www.massreloading.com/reading_pressure_signs.html. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetter Posted February 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Cheers LeadWasp that is really really handy and the photos tell a great story on what to look for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labstaff Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Here's an article with some good photo's. Doesn't cover everything in detail but give a good over view of primer signs and brass flow. http://www.massreloading.com/reading_pressure_signs.html. Thanks leadwasp, I found that article very informative and useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeadWasp Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 Thanks leadwasp, I found that article very informative and useful. Most welcome Zetter and Labstaff!! I was suffering from sticky bolt last weekend (fetch the nurse!) but one of the blokes had a wildcat with a load that was blowing primers left right and centre. We reckon he was trying for a recoilless rifle...................... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeadWasp Posted February 27, 2017 Report Share Posted February 27, 2017 (edited) Anyway Zetter are you at Catton this Saturday? We'll all be about if you'd want to talk reloading. Is Monsieur Fister coming out to play? Edited February 27, 2017 by LeadWasp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooter Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Try and PM Si-Bore on here. He reloaded for a .17 Remington (not a Hornet but could give some pointers) and put a lot of information into his posts about it. I just searched for his posts but it was a few years ago and nothing is showing up on the search engine now. There s a link to one of his .17 vids here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetter Posted February 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Anyway Zetter are you at Catton this Saturday? We'll all be about if you'd want to talk reloading. Is Monsieur Fister coming out to play? Unfortunately I am going to have to give Catton a miss this weekend mate as im sort of up to ears with work I will try and make the next one though to get some more pointers. Its been a great thread though and has given me a lot of pointers on stuff to watch out for. Reading the loading manuals is great but real world experience from people who have done it is a lot better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted February 28, 2017 Report Share Posted February 28, 2017 Anyway Zetter are you at Catton this Saturday? We'll all be about if you'd want to talk reloading. Is Monsieur Fister coming out to play? Don't forget to say hello Mr Leadwasp. I will be there, with a couple, of boom sticks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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