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Load From A Disk For Windows
Product Review
Calculations alone make this software program worth the investment. If
you have ever struggled with any of the mind boggling equations in
ballistics, then you know what a pain they are.
This software performs the calculations for you, in addition to many
other great features.
The program is simple and clean to operate with handy icons for the
procedures. Basically, it is set up with icons for Internal Ballistics
and External Ballistics.
As you perform calculations, the results can be transferred to the next
stage of load development.
Enhancements in the new version include stronger integration, expanded
graphing capabilities, and a solution to the only negative I had found
with the previous version, bullet input.
The version that I am currently working with only allows the user to
select from the database of bullets, 2000 of them, that came with the
software. The new version will allow the user to input his/her
own
bullet information.
Because I am not using the new version yet, I will hit the highlights
that I am certain will carry over from the previous version.
As I mentioned, there are two sides of the program: Internal and
External Ballistics.
First we will look at the internal ballistics.
Starting with case capacity, the system will tell you the full case
capacity of the cartridge you select. Wildcatting measurements can also
be used.
Given the case capacity, you then enter the following:
Bullet Weight
Bullet Type
Bullet Length
Overall Cartridge Length
Barrel Length to Bolt Face
Based on the entries, the program calculates the following:
Bullet Seating Depth
Displaced Water
Effective Case Capacity
Effective Barrel Length
Simply click a button to transfer this information to the load
development screen. Press the Calculate button and the program
generates load data.
I say generates; this software is not an overgrown database. The output
is based on calculations, and of course you and I know that any minor
change in reloading can have dramatic effects. By generating results
based on user input, you get accurate, reliable output.
In a nutshell, the program will tell you suitable powders, estimated
pressures, load density and charges, and estimated velocity.
This information can then be transferred to the external ballistics
side of the system.
A full array of functions will tell you everything you want to know
about how your bullet should perform.
For years, I have enjoyed the
Of course while you are working with them, in the back of your mind
should be a plethora of "What Ifs?"
Now you can plug in "What Ifs?" until the wee hours of the morning.
You
can even graph them, side by side.
In the May issue of this Ezine, I discussed Recoil
and mentioned this
software had been used to determine the numbers. That too is a
fascinating segment of the software. We all know the bigger calibers
can stomp you, but when you plug in real numbers and get pounds
of energy, and can compare it to other rifles in your rack, or rifles
that you want in your rack, it is a very en"lightening"
journey.
Load From a Disk for Windows has a very informative
website that you
can visit for more information and some screen shots of the software.
http://www.loadammo.com/
This is one tool that should be on every reloaders
bench.
Copyright Centerfire Central, LLC 2004