Thread: New to reloading - need to Check my thinking

Since you asked for advice, let me explain what I started with.

I used to read gun magazines from the mid 1970s and got my license when I came to NZ in the early 90s. The best advice I picked up was to buy the Lyman manual and read the early chapters 3 times.

The key is to understand the basic principles of pressure and the variables such as case capacity, bullet weight & profile, powder type / burning rate / charge, etc.

MOST IMPORTANT - Pressure changes exponentially. BE SAFE

In your case you are using 2 different bullets of same weight but similar cup and core construction. So I see no harm in using STARTING loads and working up with a Chronograph. Better still to get some help from a reliable person from your local NZDA.

I always measure case head expansion for any new rifle and cartridge to make sure I am using safe loads that are not exceeding max pressures.

This is very old school but still relevant today.