reloading data question

i have a question about reloading data is it ok to sub different brand bullets with a specfic load as long as they are the same type of bullets for example say sub a sierra 165 grain soft point boat tail for a speer 165 grain soft point boat tail?? because i found some data for speer with a powder that i really like reloader 22 but i dont want to got and buy new bullets just for this load i have all kinds of sierra bullets would it be ok to just sub the sierras for speers? thanks

I have done that. but you need to be careful start out low again because there is more than just bullet weight that influences pressure. If you start out below or at start you should be ok

Agreed with Reload3006. I do this all the time. I only have a couple reloading book. I find a bullet that is close to the one I am using and use the data for that bullet starting low working up. Bearing surfaces and things like that will differ from bullet to bullet and the length as well...

if you're switching bullets in an established load, back down 5% and rework up.

other then that switching bullets in a new load shouldn't be a problem as long as its not max load.

ok thanks i have done it before but never when it calls for a specific brand like in hodagen book is will call for a 150 grain soft point il use whatever brand! but this data came out of speers books so of course it want have anything sierra listed! lol

I do it all the time and I haven't noticed any drastic changes in the results from one to another of the same wt. but as always start lower and work up.

ok how about if its a difference in bullet type like a flat base to a boat tail??

I would think that it would be even safer to use flat base start load on a boat tail. The boat tail has less bearing surface so should have lower pressures.

Well, you said that you don't load to max anyway so your already going to be using a less than max charge, even if you did load it a bit heavy for the style bullet your using it probably wouldn't even be that close to over pressure. Just pay attention to your first shot and check the case and primer out real good before loading up a whole bunch or firing 4-5 rounds before checking for pressure signs.
You'll be fine.

ok thanks you cant be to safe i just like a little assurace that im doing everything right!!

It never hurt to ask, but it might hurt if you don't!

exactly! i found a bunch of data for reloader but there all mix up like they have data for 165 fb 180 fb and 200 fb with rl 22 but they had 150 bt 165 bt 180 bt and 200 bt for rl 19 but the grain weight was almost identical! i couldlt understand why a bt and fb bulllet would require different powder?? also i cant find any makers that make a 165 grain flat base???

I do the same thing too. If you have the Lee book you will notice there is no brand of bullet listed just the weights.

yea i have noticed that.

I don't like flat base bullets anyway, I've found the boat tail designs much more accurate and nicer to reload. Only bullets that I use that are flat base are Barnes TSX for 22-250 and that's only because the 50 and 55 gr. TSX's aren't made in a boat tail design for whatever reason?

i like the 150 grain pro hunters sierra makes they fly good for me but where i shot and hunt the longest shot i make is 100 yards so the boat tails dont really help me that much!!