QuickLOAD
QuickLOAD is an internal ballistics predictor computer program for fire arms. For computations apart from other parameters
- the cartridge
- the used projectle (bullet)
- the gun barrel length
- the cartridge overall length
- the used propellant
must be entered for calculating an estimated maximum chamber gas piezo pressure, muzzle velocity, muzzle pressure and other relevant data.
The 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 has a default database of predefined bullets, cartridges and propellants. Data can later be imported or entered by the user to expand the progams database. The default database contains more than 1800 projectiles, over 840 cartridges and over 160 powders. 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 uncomplete, 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.
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 is supplied on a CD-ROM. The previous versions were supplied on a diskette.
