QuickLOAD
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QuickLOAD is an internal ballistics predictor computer program. For computations apart from other parameters
- the cartridge
- the used propellant
- the used projectle (bullet)
- the used gunbarrel length
and the cartridge overall length must be entered for calculating an estimated maximum gas piezo pressure, muzzle velocity and other relevant data.
The QuickLOAD interior ballistics predictor program also contains the external ballistics predictor computer program QuickTARGET.
QuickLOAD has a default database of predefined projectiles, cartridges and propellants. Data can later be imported to expand the progams database. The default database contains more than 1800 projectiles, over 840 cartridges and over 160 gunpowders.
Some data is uncomplete, since it was not released by the manufacturer or when components that are neither officially registered with nor sanctioned by CIP (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 offical dimensions nor other performance related specifications.
QuickLOAD helps reloaders understand how changing variables can affect 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. You 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.
Since version 3.0 QuickLOAD is supplied on a CD-ROM. The previous versions were supplied on a diskette.
