[Staestc]

Is it just me, or do suggested loads in the current published manuals keep going down more and more every time they come out with a new manual?

I managed to find some older manuals online, at Castpics.com, and compared them to "today's" published data, and it seems like the data just keeps dropping each issue.

I understand that these guys have to publish data that will be safe in any potential firearm, and I understand they have a bevy of liability lawyers making sure they do so.

I ask, because I am wondering it the loads I am using based on the current data seem really light (I am starting at the low end) and am wondering it some of the failure to feed issues might be the fact that the loads for my XDm .45 might be too light for the spring configuration, and not the fact that I have have OAL too short or too long, etc.

Just wanted y'all's thoughts on this. (wow y'all's is a cool word)

Thanks

[steve4102]

What loads are you using?

If you are starting at the low end and are having cycling issues, bump it up to mid range or higher and see it it clears up.

[axxe55]

sometimes load data can change due to different powder composition even in the same type powder. the powders made today can be very different from those even five years ago. so as newer load data books come out they will reflect these changes. always use the most current load data books available. i have several different ones and when one book shows a powder charge different than another, i start with the lowest one first then work up slowly as needed.

[locutus]

Maximum loads go down every time a new class graduates from law school.

[rjd3282]

I've got the last 3 Lyman editions and nothing has changed much in them. Some new powders and cartridges added that's all I see different.

[hiwall]

the loads listed can be changed to fit your needs and your gun. many reloaders have done their "own" loads. the listed loads are just their suggested loads. Nothing is stopping you from loading hotter or milder.

[1hole]

"wow y'all's is a cool word"

Off topic, and not that it matters much, but true Southern "yawl" is a single word. It's not a compound word; "you all" or "y'all" is iggerant yankee spelling.

All yawl have good day now, ya hear?

[Staestc]

Originally Posted by 1hole

"wow y'all's is a cool word"

Off topic, and not that it matters much, but true Southern "yawl" is a single word. It's not a compound word; "you all" or "y'all" is iggerant yankee spelling.

All yawl have good day now, ya hear?

I was commenting on the fact it has two apostrophes. I'm not southern. I was born and raised in Texas! Now my mom and wife, on the other hand, are southern (Alabama, Mississippi), but my dad's a coon ass (N'awlins)!

[JonM]

The reason load data can change is because often the test barrel or gun used changes. Always note what length barrel and type of action used to get the results printed.

One year it may be a 28inch barrel the next a 20. Velocities change greatly with barrel length.

If a load was done with a 16inch barrel and your using a 24inch you DO NOT want to start out out with max loads.

[tri70]

I have Lyman, Hornady and Nosler, the Lyman loads will show a little more powder in some recipes. I like the Nosler info the best for load data and COL but the Hornady has the latest information on 6.8 spc loads and new powders. I recently bought some Varmit powder and have good luck with it from the Alliant web site recipe. I will be checking the new manuals for the latest info on powders and bullets.

Also Nosler and Hornady both have service rifle data loads for heavier bullets.