Max Load Data for Differing Bullet Designs

[TheMonge23]

New to the forum; have trolled for a while but first post:

Is max load data peculiar to a particular bullet design? I am trying to develop a load for Hornady 168gr AMax in .308 but the Hornady reloading manual does not have load data for IMR 4064 (it's what I'm tied to at this point). I have found max loads for Sierra bullets from the IMR data center, but was wondering if it would be any different for the Hornady bullets (Sierra and Hornady are both BT but have different tip designs, atleast). In my mind the max loads shouldn't be very different so long as the bullet weight is the same, but I'm am not an expert. I figure the bearing surfaces or ogive could be different and that might have something to do with it but, again, not schooled up to that level of detail for reloading.

I have load data for bullets above and below in weight (155gr and 175gr-I think) and figured with this, coupled with max data from Sierra bullets and some loads I have found on the interweb I could start loading and shooting to get me in the right direction.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

Do you know how to look for pressure signs???

 

[Rob01]

You can use the 168 SMK data for the 168 AMAX.

If you need other load data you can look at Hodgdon's site for data for Hodgdon, IMR and Winchester powders.

GeoVario LLC - Web Access

 

[TheMonge23]

Do you know how to look for pressure signs???

I have a pretty solid understanding of it and have looked at a ton of examples on the web. Although I haven't actually gone out and done a proper load development yet so haven't had the need to look for it. Just getting into the hobby in the last 10 months really.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

Been gone a few days.

Then just start working up your load about 3 tenths at a time until you get over pressure indications, or accuracy falls off, then back off a few tenths, kinda like working up any other load.

Be careful and good luck.

 

[Pinecone]

Or use the OCW method.

OCW Overview - Dan Newberry's OCW Load Development System

Max load is specific to bullet, rifle, phase of the moon (not really ).

But the book max loads are typically max safe in all firearms. And for some older cartridges, take into account old firearms.