QuickLOAD

QuickLOAD database

QuickLOAD has a default database of predefined bullets, cartridges and propellants. The database of the more recent versions of QuickLOAD also include dimensional technical drawings of the predefined cartridges and for most cartridges photographic images. Data can later be imported or entered by the user to expand the programs database. The default database contains more than 2,500 projectiles, over 1,200 cartridges, over 225 powders and dimensional drawings and photos of many cartridges. The default database however 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.

Computer requirements

The QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET 1.x and 2.x versions were supplied on a diskette. Since version 3.0 QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET is supplied on a CD-ROM and requires Microsoft Windows 98 or a newer Microsoft Windows operating system version. The (2011) QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET 3.6 version is compatible with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. The software suite can be used with metric units and imperial units/United States customary units and was created and is maintained by mechanical engineer Mr. Hartmut G. Brömel in Babenhausen, Germany. QuickLOAD is distributed in the United States, Canada and Mexico by NECO (Nostalgia Enterprises Company) and in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Europe except Germany, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland and Ukraine by JMS Arms.