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So I have a box each of Gold Dots bullets, 185, 200, and 230 gr. Finally got around to putting some test loads together, the goal being to duplicate factory loads, or at least get close. For the velocity I was after, CFE Pistol was the best choice of the powders I have on hand, Sierra data says I should be able to get close to factory ammo without having to resort to max loads. So much for the published data .
As stated, I was running below max charge weight with all three bullet weights, but even my heaviest charges were giving velocities at or below what the data showed for the starting charge. Not only that, but the cases were coming out REALLY sooty, looked like they'd been candled, and that was true of pretty much all charge weights. Only variable was bullet and charge weight, otherwise all the same brass, primers, and seating depth, with a light crimp using a Lee carbide FCD. Pistol is a Beretta PX 4 Storm full size, 4" barrel. Had no function issues of any sort, just really dirty brass and low velocities.
So what did I screw up? As stated, I avoided max charges, but I was well into the upper half of the range. I always thought sooty brass was either too low a charge weight, low pressure caused by insufficient crimp/case tension, or just a dirty burning powder, although that's never been an issue for me with any of the CFE powders. My plan (for now) is to re-run the max charges I used before, but with more crimp, see if that helps. However, any thoughts or suggestions ya'll might have would be much appreciated. Later.
Dave
As stated, I was running below max charge weight with all three bullet weights, but even my heaviest charges were giving velocities at or below what the data showed for the starting charge. Not only that, but the cases were coming out REALLY sooty, looked like they'd been candled, and that was true of pretty much all charge weights. Only variable was bullet and charge weight, otherwise all the same brass, primers, and seating depth, with a light crimp using a Lee carbide FCD. Pistol is a Beretta PX 4 Storm full size, 4" barrel. Had no function issues of any sort, just really dirty brass and low velocities.
So what did I screw up? As stated, I avoided max charges, but I was well into the upper half of the range. I always thought sooty brass was either too low a charge weight, low pressure caused by insufficient crimp/case tension, or just a dirty burning powder, although that's never been an issue for me with any of the CFE powders. My plan (for now) is to re-run the max charges I used before, but with more crimp, see if that helps. However, any thoughts or suggestions ya'll might have would be much appreciated. Later.
Dave