Although I've been at this, with your help, for 3 years now, I think I wish I would have started with molds that actually have load data in reloading books. What have I been doing for 3 years? well, using molds that you fellas also are buying (NOE/Mihec) and finding info here of what's been working for you all.
What I haven't been able to learn on my own is, how to find a "range" of weight of powders for custom molds. I try comparing to what's in the manuals (mostly Lyman 4th Cast Bullet & Lyman 49th) but things just don't add up for me. For instance:
Mihec's 359 140gr FB mold... I've read I can use a heavier bullets' data, so I did that, and it shoots fine. With some testing of 3 powders & slightly different charges, I decided on a load I am content with (4.2gr Power Pistol). But I know accuracy can improve, but I don't know the ranges in which I can safely test.
There's a 140gr Saeco #383 listed in the book, it sure looks like my bullet, but the charge is way different (4.9-5.4). I assume it's because of the shape/length of the bullet? so it wouldn't be safe to use that info? Well that's what I'm assuming...
While fiddling with that bullet's load, this summer I also want to start loading my NOE 402 180gr RN bullet (will be 1st time loading for 40S&W). But, without searching to find if any of you have used this bullet, what is the correct course of action for me finding correct/safe info?
I'm not asking for you to tell me load data, I'm asking how can I safely find it on my own for custom molds?
Does that make sense? Is it easy & I'm making a mountain out of a molehill? Winded I know...
Thank you so much. -Brad