Does quickload help identify equivalent powder charges?

[NICKNICK]

If you work up a load for your particular rifle (say 42.9gr Varget with a 175gr SMK), can Quickload identify an equivalent charge of a different powder? For example, would Quickload calculate that 42.9gr Varget gives a similar pressure spike, similar burn, and similar velocity to (just guessing here) 41.4 gr N150 or 42.3gr 8208XBR, or 40.2gr 2000-MR?

If I've found a happy spot for my rifle, I'd hate to go and do a bunch of tests over a 3.0 grain range if Quickload can get me really close, and I could work within a 0.3 grain window.

 

[Temp9]

Yes and no. Maybe? I'm not sure exactly what you want.

If you have a load for, say, VARGET, and you want to switch over to, say, 8208XBR, you could use QL to calculate what powder charge would give you the same velocity as your previous load, or even better, the same barrel time.

Additionally, you could have QL create a list of all compatible powders according to a specific quality. For example, you could create a list of powders at a charge providing 52kpsi of pressure and pick one that has the highest velocity and acceptable case fill. Or you could get a list of powders at a charge at a specific barrel time and again, pick a powder that gives good velocity with minimal pressure.

As far as using QL to bypass a load workup, it's not an end-all solution, but it's extremely useful. The most effective way would be to calculate the Optimal Barrel Time (Google it) and work around that. Of course, you would still have to make up some proof loads working up to the desired charge, then fine tune the load within a small window. The great thing about QL is that you don't even need a previous load to use this technique so long as you have good input data.

As usual, BE SAFE. Don't jump straight up to any load just because QL says it's safe. Variances in burn rate and errors in data input or QL calculations can result in faulty output. Work up loads carefully and watch for pressure signs. QL is no reason to become complacent.

 

[NICKNICK]

Thanks--this answers my question perfectly. I want to find a smaller window to work within when I try new powders. I don't mind loading up 10 charges from min to max to establish a safe pressure range, but I'd prefer to not have to do full ladder testing all the time if I can avoid it. Having Quickload suggest near equivalents so that I can work in a small window after establishing safety sounds just about perfect.

Thanks for the tip on Optimal Barrel Time.

 

[fish30114]

I'd like to know how you get Quickload to 'make a list' of powders by designating a certain variable. It sure as HELL is not intuitive. I find quickload to be difficult to navigate, and the users guide not very helpful. To the OP's question, I am only able to input different powders by selecting them from the list, and look at what the final calculations are for each powder.
I'd welcome to be schooled on a new methodology.