QuickLOAD

QuickLOAD is an internal ballistics predictor computer program for fire arms.

For computations apart from other parameters
* the cartridge
* the used projectile (bullet)
* the gunbarrel length
* the cartridge overall length
* the used propellantmust be entered for calculating an estimated maximum chamber gas piezo pressure, muzzle velocity, muzzle pressure and other relevant data.

QuickTARGET external ballistics predictor computer program

The [http://www.neconos.com/details3.htm QuickLOAD] interior ballistics predictor program also contains the external ballistics predictor computer program QuickTARGET. QuickTARGET is based on the Siacci/Mayevski G1 model and gives the user the possibility to enter several different BC G1 constants for different speed regimes to calculate ballistic predictions that more closely match a bullet's flight behaviour at longer ranges in comparison to calculations that use only one BC constant.

QuickLOAD database

QuickLOAD has a default database of predefined bullets, cartridges and propellants. Data can later be imported or entered by the user to expand the programs database. The default database contains more than 2 400 projectiles, over 1 200 cartridges, over 200 powders and dimensioned drawings and photos of many cartridges. The default database contains some errors, so measuring sizes, weights and case capacities of components intended for use and if appropriate correcting default provided data is wise to avoid surprises and make the predictions more accurate.

Some default data is incomplete, since it was not released by the manufacturer or when components that are neither officially registered with nor sanctioned by C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente Pour L'Epreuve Des Armes A Feu Portative) or its American equivalent, SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) come into play. Such wildcat cartridges have no official dimensions nor other performance related specifications.

Cartridge case volume establishment

Besides the standard entered information the actual internal volume or cartridge case capacity of the used cases is an important parameter for QuickLOAD to obtain usable predictions. The internal case volume has to be established by weighing empty once fired cartridge cases from a production lot and filling the cases with fresh or distilled water (H₂O) up to the point of overflowing and weighing the water filled cases. The added weight of the water is then used to establish the liquid volume and hence the case capacity. This liquid volume measurement method can be practically employed to about a 0.01 to 0.02 ml or 0.15 to 0.30 grains of water precision level for fire arms cartridge cases. A case capacity establishment should best be done by measuring several fired cases from a particular production lot and calculating their average case capacity. This also provides insight in the uniformity of the sampled lot.

A H₂O case capacity test measurement of 4 fired .35 Whelen Remington cases resulted in:

The case capacity of different cartridge brands of a particular chambering can significantly vary between cartridge case manufacturers and even production lots. The default database of QuickLOAD for example contains 5 different .300 Winchester Magnum case capacities for 5 different cartridge case manufacturers.

Practical use and limitations

QuickLOAD mainly helps reloaders understand how changing variables can affect barrel harmonics, pressures and muzzle velocities. It can predict the effect of changes in ambient temperature, bullet seating depth, and barrel length. However, QuickLOAD has limitations. It is merely a computer simulation. It doesn't account for different brands of primers for example, and its ability to predict the effect of seating bullets into the rifling is crude. A QuickLOAD user most certainly should not just "plug in" a cartridge, bullet and powder and use that load, assuming it is safe. It is good practice to double- or triple-check QuickLOAD's output against reliable load data supplied by the powder producing companies. Of course the best way to check firearms cartridge loads are actual proof test measurements at certified test facilities.

Since version 3.0 QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET is supplied on a CD-ROM. The previous versions were supplied on a diskette. The software suite can be used with metric units and imperial units/United States customary units] .

External links

* [http://www.6mmbr.com/Quickload.html 6mmBR.com QuickLOAD Review & User's Guide]
* [http://www.real-guns.com/books/review82.htm RealGuns.com QuickLOAD Review]
* [http://www.gunsandammomag.com/gun_columns/notes/0706/ Desktop Data by Craig Boddington, Guns & Ammo Magazine]
* [http://www.neconos.com/ Program's website]