Favorite Ballistics and Load development programs and software

[svxwilson]

I am interested in taking my load development to the next level. I have read about a program called Quickload. Sounds like it can help a lot with eliminating the bad loads before you ever even load them.

I am interested to hear testimonials on people actually using these type of programs or maybe even quickload specifically.
I thank you in advance for your words of wisdom.

 

[tobedell]

A friend and excellent gunsmith Roy Williamson taught me that even 3 Rem 700's with consecutive serial numbers will have different harmonic's in the barrel. He said when you purchase a new rifle try different manafactured ammo to see which has the best accuracy, so when handloads are not available you know what to buy off the shelf (ha ha).
Two ways to go. First find the COAL your wanting and run powder increments up by .5gn, see the group tighten and loosen. Second run the powder up until signs of pressure on the primer, back off .5gn, then play with bullet seat to attain best grouping.

 

[XL Mammal]

Read Chris Long's paper on Optimum Barrel Timing to get an idea of just one reason Quickload can be valuable to a reloader.
Optimal Barrel Time Paper

 

[Jedi]

QuicK LOAD is IMHO a must have for serious reloaders
Sure you still have to do some work
but the $$ you save in buying incompatible powders for use quickly pays for it

Quickload Reloading Software within AccurateShooter.com
all ya need to know plus user tips etc

 

[Jedi]

A friend and excellent gunsmith Roy Williamson taught me that even 3 Rem 700's with consecutive serial numbers will have different harmonic's in the barrel. He said when you purchase a new rifle try different manafactured ammo to see which has the best accuracy, so when handloads are not available you know what to buy off the shelf (ha ha).
Two ways to go. First find the COAL your wanting and run powder increments up by .5gn, see the group tighten and loosen. Second run the powder up until signs of pressure on the primer, back off .5gn, then play with bullet seat to attain best grouping.

SO how do you explain the numerous loads which work well in most rifles, regardless of brand?

 

[jfseaman]

I got QuickLoad.

I use OBT at the target.

Proof with shooting. Don't take Quicklaod or OBT for gospel.

Good data is a must for QuickLoad. Measured case volumes and barrel lengths are mandatory!

A recent work up for a 243:
firearm: 1961 Sako L579 with a full length "Mannlicher" stock.
projectile: Berger "Column" 65 from a lot that was 64.2

Quickload predicted 3333fps and OBT was within the .005ms range.

Actual velocity measured with a MagnetoSpeed was 3337. Performance was sub MOA.

This is a low pressure load so it was only a couple steps from the bottom. 5 rounds for safety ladder proofing, 5 rounds for chronograph work, 5 rounds for group. Leaves 85 rounds for shooting.

QuicK LOAD is IMHO a must have for serious reloaders
Sure you still have to do some work
but the $$ you save in buying incompatible powders for use quickly pays for it

Quickload Reloading Software within AccurateShooter.com
all ya need to know plus user tips etc

 

[tobedell]

SO how do you explain the numerous loads which work well in most rifles, regardless of brand?

Numerous loaods? do you mean pet loads or Fedral Gold Medal match. Brand of ammunition or brand of firearm?
Swift sirroco II 180gn with IMR4350 68gn for 300WM, or perhaps Sierra 69gn SMK with 26gn Varget for .223