I recently had someone work up a bunch of handloads for a 7mm rem mag. My question is what should be the normal variance of muzzle velocity on handloaded ammo? If all other variables are consistent, how much effect will different brass have on mv? I have not been pleased with results but was looking for some input before contacting the gunsmith.
Handload consistency
- Thread starter derquhart
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Cahunter805
Long Time Member
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- 3,348
What caliber, bullet and powder? I like my ES to be below 20. Many things can affect this such as neck tension, primers, powder, seating depth.
ElevenBravo
Active Member
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- 524
Variations of less than 30-50fps should be tolerated given the kind of equipment available at any gun store, and level of technical competency of the average reloader. I've seen loads vary by as much as 100fps (not mine), but those loads were done by people doing mix-and-match on components and didn't do a good job with their powders and seating. I don't use their ammo.
Since you're asking about brass, cases from different manufacturers loaded identically can have different results on POI and velocity. While the external dimensions may be the same, internally they can have different volumes, and thus different pressure levels.
The guy who taught me how to reload said that the key to good loads is consistency, and that means finding the right components and measurements and staying with that magic formula.
Since you're asking about brass, cases from different manufacturers loaded identically can have different results on POI and velocity. While the external dimensions may be the same, internally they can have different volumes, and thus different pressure levels.
The guy who taught me how to reload said that the key to good loads is consistency, and that means finding the right components and measurements and staying with that magic formula.
ElevenBravo
Active Member
- Messages
- 524
>I can tolerate SD at around
>20fps but I know guys
>WANT it lower but most
>often it's not a realistic
>expectation.
>
>The info in this thread, along
>with the general thread, whould
>arm you with everything you
>need.
I've seen variations of 50+fps just from leaving ammunition out in the sun.
>20fps but I know guys
>WANT it lower but most
>often it's not a realistic
>expectation.
>
>The info in this thread, along
>with the general thread, whould
>arm you with everything you
>need.
I've seen variations of 50+fps just from leaving ammunition out in the sun.
If the group consisted of different kinds of brass I wouldn't expect much consistency. Moreover, several different combinations of powder and bullets (and other stuff) are often required to find a load that a rifle likes. Some rifles are not picky, some are very picky. But once you find the right combo you can replicate it as long as components are available.
Zeke
Long Time Member
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- 10,604
>>I can tolerate SD at around
>>20fps but I know guys
>>WANT it lower but most
>>often it's not a realistic
>>expectation.
>>
>>The info in this thread, along
>>with the general thread, whould
>>arm you with everything you
>>need.
>
>I've seen variations of 50+fps just
>from leaving ammunition out in
>the sun.
That's so true.
20 fps SD (above or below the average) equates to 40 fps ES and that's with everything being equal and consistent. I suppose we're talking the same thing here.
Good info, all, for the OP.
Zeke
>>20fps but I know guys
>>WANT it lower but most
>>often it's not a realistic
>>expectation.
>>
>>The info in this thread, along
>>with the general thread, whould
>>arm you with everything you
>>need.
>
>I've seen variations of 50+fps just
>from leaving ammunition out in
>the sun.
That's so true.
20 fps SD (above or below the average) equates to 40 fps ES and that's with everything being equal and consistent. I suppose we're talking the same thing here.
Good info, all, for the OP.
Zeke
I quit checking muzzle velocity,it can change for many reasons. I look for a bullet and load that groups good and am happy with that.
I cannot tell where 50 FPS makes any difference on the taking of game.But Iam no expert and am not a benchrest shooter.
I cannot tell where 50 FPS makes any difference on the taking of game.But Iam no expert and am not a benchrest shooter.
