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[PeteSurrey]

I always make sure i cross reference between two loading manuals. But the best tool i use is quick load just to make sure that the case volume and OAL all work together and dont over pressure

 

[EMcC]

This is where a rough location of the poster is useful as posted advice is OK but practical help is better.

 

[fra150l]

Most of the powder makes publish load data on their websites.
Reloading data - Vihtavuori is one and their powder is widely available.

 

[safer]

I use several manuals as reference but mainly use powder manufacturer data if it is available. Never start with highest load. I would load develop with 5 rounds of each load half grain apart between low and high load and use the one with best group.

 

[benzac]

Still using a Sauer 200 .243 with original barrel which I purchased over thirty years ago , will still group to 1/2 -3/4 inch despite shooting thousands of rounds, main rule for what is already a high pressure round KEEP away from maximum and very low
powder charges both are capable of causing real damage to shooter and rifle if rules are ignored.

 

[25 Sharps]

Still using a Sauer 200 .243 with original barrel which I purchased over thirty years ago , will still group to 1/2 -3/4 inch despite shooting thousands of rounds, main rule for what is already a high pressure round KEEP away from maximum and very low
powder charges both are capable of causing real damage to shooter and rifle if rules are ignored.

Just stick to published data and work up, back off if you see evidence of pressure

 

[efp]

All very wise words written above and I'm in no way advocating using loads outside the published parameters, unless you really know what you are doing and are willing to take the personal risk of catastrophic injuries, but may I just point out that in these litigious times, the manufacturers quite sensibly err well, and increasingly, on the side of caution in their advice for maximum loads.

They have to factor in all the other potential failure points, poor chambers and brass, as well as human stupidity, to arrive at a figure that is safe in ALL circumstances, or run the risk of being sued into oblivion.
I queried one major powder maker (who I won't name) about a certain 308 max head/propellant combination they listed in a catalogue, when later in the same catalog they had an interview with one of their sponsored shooters who described his match winning accuracy load as being exactly the same components but with a 6 grain higher charge.

Again, Im NOT suggesting that the maximum published loads should be ignored, at least by novice reloaders, but nor should they be treated as absolute gospel, and sometimes (but perhaps rarely) the sweet spot lies outside the published limits. Anyone serious about reloading for maximum accuracy will use a chronometer and will be well versed in looking for the slightest pressure signs as they work up a load.
Its a risk of course, but its up to you what your risk threshold is. If the nationwide speed limit was 20mph, there would be no traffic fatalities.

 

[Klenchblaize]

And be aware it may not be too far down the line that ‘difficulty’ will be encountered in using anything other than factory ammo on MOD ranges if the current increase in ‘incidents’ with reloaded ammunition continues at Bisley.

K

 

[Philski]

I have the Lee Manual and have been advised to read several others. Recommendations please?

Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is a great reference for the entire topic of reloading, although some powder manufacturers (Reload Swiss for example) will happily advise you of min -max powder loads if you email them with your bullet of choice and it's weight. Last time I did this I had a personal response within a day.