I have been reloading for over two decades now. I'm not sure how many rounds I have done but lets just say it is far over 10,000.
How important is a chronograph in reloading?
Most of my experience is in pistol, rifle experience is only two years. The only problem I ever had was when I misread the scale for a powder charge reloading my 40 S&W. I walked away with only having to replace the extractor and some loss pride.
In any event I use several sources to make sure my loads are within what is called for. They are of course published loads, then checking for external signs such as case or primer damage. I'm not sure if perceived recoil is a factor but non the less I know when it is more for a given load.
I never work my loads up to the maxim, I just never had a need to go very far from the middle publish load data. I understand that the actual pressure can be different from the load data.
My second question would I be using best practices for the way I have been reloading or is the chronograph an important step that I should be using for safety?
What is your opinion on this?
How important is a chronograph in reloading?
Most of my experience is in pistol, rifle experience is only two years. The only problem I ever had was when I misread the scale for a powder charge reloading my 40 S&W. I walked away with only having to replace the extractor and some loss pride.
In any event I use several sources to make sure my loads are within what is called for. They are of course published loads, then checking for external signs such as case or primer damage. I'm not sure if perceived recoil is a factor but non the less I know when it is more for a given load.
I never work my loads up to the maxim, I just never had a need to go very far from the middle publish load data. I understand that the actual pressure can be different from the load data.
My second question would I be using best practices for the way I have been reloading or is the chronograph an important step that I should be using for safety?
What is your opinion on this?