First reloading question

[Ernie]

Nice setup Ernie especially that Kennedy Toolmaker/Machinist box! I have one just like it....and almost 50 yrs. old!
Do you have a chrono to check bullet speeds? I have a nice collection of loading boo boos too!

I have a Kennedy box at work that I bought in the late 70s and when I was looking for a box for the bench I found an identical one on eBay. It is well made and the perfect size for what I wanted.
I have a Labradar chrono I got last Spring and I am re-reading the manual this morning. Hope I can make it do what I want.

[Shakey Jake]

You'll get to learn by feel on crimping. Once you get the die set for the crimp you want, you can tell by the feel of the press if it's right. Just something tactile I've picked up.
Jake

[Rifletom]

Ok, you're loading the Berry's to lead or cast data. That should be a good load.

[Ernie]

Went to the range and shot some 158gr PPU Defense line ammo at 50 yards. Got data on these shells with my Chronograph. I have not heard of the brand but it was the only ammo I could find 6 months ago. They were not grouping at all and the chronograph info states highest velocity 1779fps - lowest 1689fps over 21 shots. V for last shot at 20 yds was 1763fps and at 50 yds was 1542fps. I was using this ammo to get rifle toward center of target to establish drop of my reloads. However, my Chronograph gave me an error on each shot so it could not acquire information. Now that I am home I think perhaps the velocity was lower than what I had set the parameters to be. I selected rifle which range in one section says 1600 to 3900 fps and another 984 - 3900 fps. pistol is 400/600 - 1600 fps, so maybe I should change that since the recoil was noticeably less using the reloads. It could also be that I should have set up a second series for the reloads since they were so different. I will ask LabRadar what they think.
Anyway, the reloads did not drop and 3 grouped tightly with 2 to the left. They are numbered 5 on the right side of the target.

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So I will load some more of the same and some with a bit more powder, talk to LabRadar and try again.

[Rifletom]

Ernie, this is all part of the handloading process. Sometimes it's the first load, sometimes it's down the road . But, when you find it, you'll know.
That's the one you circle as the keeper. Looks like you're approaching this the right way.

[Hatchdog]

Here is my load development target from when I was creating a load for my .357 Henry. Notice how much difference in groups there is with just a small change in the powder charge. While none of the groups are horrible the winner is clearly….the winner,

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