Quick load ballistic software

[bobbyfairbanks]

I’ve been looking at quick load ballistic software pretty hard. It looks like it will help my OCD loading practices. Who is using it and what do you think.

[XC700116]

I use it, it's handy for a few things, biggest to me is finding an alternate powder and how it might perform in comparison to one you're currently using and might not be able to get. One other thing that's real nice is once you have your load info tuned in it for the greatest degree of accuracy there's some nice things to do with Barrel time that can be effective for selecting a load combination.

Lastly, if you're looking at a different cartridge or barrel length or something along those lines it can help you decide what components you should be looking for or how it might perform.

[Hoser]

Good stuff. Worth it if you like to tinker.

[20X11]

Yep...big plus for load modeling, calculating the effects of seating depth, powder changes, etc. You still have to work up your load ladders the old fashioned way, but it can tell you the upper and lower parameters.

[Slugjunkie]

Whole heartedly agree with 20X11’s post. It’s a great tool for hypothetical loads, but would not take them to the bench, load up, and expect the results to be 100% true & useable. Useful for tuning for finding alternate propellants. Nice for comparing book loads from brand A and to book loads from B, C, D, E & F etc. I’d still start off with reputable book loads and then if there are questions use QuickLoad to “look” at theoretical loads and possibly fill in the blanks Then proceed down the road, OCD intact, with GREAT caution. Compared a few different loads from a few different load books and it was startling to see the lack of consistency between them...with respect to QuickLoad (min and max loads, though it was a relief & headache to see a larger tolerances than one might expect). Keeping a statistical head in mind, it’s understandable considering barrels, powder lots, projectile lots, and other variables that are not quantified or are difficult to quantify with respect to the hardware and materials one has at their disposal. Statistics can be a $#*%!. Still reference the book loads before going into QuickLoad territory with reckless abandon. QuickLoad does not yet have the capability to differentiate different primer manufacturers letvalone the ole jump vs jam issues/argument/questions/(insert your favorite descriptor). Though there are some “fudge” figures for jump vs jam. If your a noob, stick with the books for a while & if you’re a veteran reloader then you probably have the know how to proceed with appropriate caution. Quick load has a few “small” items that must not be neglected. Worth the coin in my opinion, so long as caution at the fore front and QuickLoad is used as a corroborating element and used appropriately.