Reloading for Handguns / Load Increments

[kmittleman]

Hey Guys,


I've been loading for my new Ruger Bisley Hunter and was wondering how others here work up their loads. I notice in the reloading manual that for handgun rounds, the spread from starting to max load is only about 1.5 grains often times. Do you start at say, 9 gr then go to 9.1, then 9.2, then 9.3 etc? BTW, I'm trying to perfect a 250 gr WFNGC from Beartooth bullets and am using Unique. So far, the load they suggested was 11.5 gr but accuracy has been bad. So, I figure I'll start from 9 gr and work my way up. Any suggestions?


-Kevin

[O.S.O.K.]

Yes - as a general rule, I decrease the increments comensurate with the size of the case - a 45 Colt can stand a two or even three tenth increment but a 9x19 is definately a one tenth increment. Larger rifle cartridges often get 1 or .5 grain incrments for the initial testing.

[AJMD429]

Yes - as a general rule, I decrease the increments comensurate with the size of the case...

Same holds true with seating depth and overall-length - be especially careful when you're dealing with small cases like the 9mm's.