I only reload for my pistol but been looking into reloading rifle. Well when I was on Hodgdon site tips and tricks they say must comp. rifle shooters use compress loads for the most part. So what do you do for pistols loads are do you just take a loan out and shoot to you get what you like. Thanks for your time.

I do look at the load density but I don't get too wrapped up in it. What works in a competitive situation may not be the best in a hunting situation. Compressed loads can cause problems too, just read the history of the 458 Win Mag.

I don't think you can really compare the two. My 1000 yard Palma rifle gets more attention to load tune then my pistol. I have found in my experiences that the higher the load density often has produced the more consistent results. But that is not something that I worry much about. I have a rifle that shoots 4 inch groups at 600 yards and the load for that rifle is not even close to compressed.

I am not saying that I don't load test for my pistols but I feel it is different. My pistol accuracy requirements are different then what I need to get out of my competition rifles.

Just view the time at the range while testing loads, as practice and not a waste of money and components.

Nick

Depends on the powder used also. Some powders do not like empty space in the case. Some like Bullseye work fine at low charge density.
That is why most of us have several reloading manuals for a guide to Charge Weight, and Over All Length.
I reload 223 for 4 rifles. For the AR15 you have to keep the Overall Length short enough to fit in the magazine.

I also load for a couple long range bolt action 223's set up on purpose to magazine feed 80's from an Accuracy International magazine. They are loaded to a WAY longer Overall Length than AR15 ammo. This added length opens up a lot more case space for powder. Then you have the throat length. Loading long and seating the bullet hard in the rifling is probably not a good plan either.
My point is get a handle on what you need to do before starting.
It is not Rocket Science, but you do need to know what you are doing.

Bob

Reloading for a rifle isn't too much different from loading for a handgun. Just pay attention to case length, charge weight, and overall length once you seat the bullet, and you should be fine. Try out a few groups of cartridges with different charge weights to see what works best in your rifle.

I don't use compressed charges in my rifles. No point in running them that hot.

That's why I think this site is so awesome. Everyone with a straight up answer and all are down to earth. My dad always told me listen to all you never know when that info will come into play. Thanks for ya'll time.