QuickLOAD
Encyclopedia
QuickLOAD is an internal ballistics
predictor computer program for fire arms.
For computations apart from other parameters
must be entered for calculating an estimated maximum chamber gas piezo pressure, muzzle velocity, muzzle pressure and other relevant data.
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 cartridge
s have no official dimensions nor other performance related specifications.
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.
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.
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.
In 2008 QuickTARGET Unlimited was introduced as an additional part of the QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET 3.4 version software suite. QuickTARGET Unlimited is an enhanced beta version of QuickTARGET that can take several long range factors into account to make the external ballistic predictions more accurate. For this it can use several drag models; G1, G5, G7, etc. and a custom drag function that uses drag coefficient
(Cd) data.
In January 2009 the Finnish ammunition manufacturer Lapua published Doppler radar tests derived drag coefficient data for most of their rifle projectiles. The predictive capabilities of the custom mode are based on actual bullet flight data derived from Doppler radar
test sessions. With this data engineers can create algorithms that utilize both known mathematical ballistic models as well as test specific, tabular data in unison. Besides the data for Lapua bullets QuickTARGET Ultimate also contains Cd data for some other projectiles that are often used for extended range shooting.
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 current (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
.
Internal ballistics
Internal ballistics, a subfield of ballistics, is the study of a projectile's behavior from the time its propellant's igniter is initiated until it exits the gun barrel...
predictor computer program for fire arms.
For computations apart from other parameters
- the cartridgeCartridge (firearms)A cartridge, also called a round, packages the bullet, gunpowder and primer into a single metallic case precisely made to fit the firing chamber of a firearm. The primer is a small charge of impact-sensitive chemical that may be located at the center of the case head or at its rim . Electrically...
- the used projectile (bulletBulletA bullet is a projectile propelled by a firearm, sling, or air gun. Bullets do not normally contain explosives, but damage the intended target by impact and penetration...
) - the gunbarrel length
- the cartridge overall length
- the used propellantPropellantA propellant is a material that produces pressurized gas that:* can be directed through a nozzle, thereby producing thrust ;...
must be entered for calculating an estimated maximum chamber gas piezo pressure, muzzle velocity, muzzle pressure and other relevant data.
QuickLOAD database
QuickLOAD has a default databaseDatabase
A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form. The data are typically organized to model relevant aspects of reality , in a way that supports processes requiring this information...
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
Saami
Saami or SAAMI can stand for:*Sami people*Sami languages*Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute...
(Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) come into play. Such wildcat cartridge
Wildcat cartridge
A wildcat cartridge, or wildcat, is a custom cartridge for which ammunition and firearms are not mass produced. These cartridges are often created in order to optimize a certain performance characteristic of an existing commercial cartridge.Developing and using wildcat cartridges does not...
s 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 mlLitre
pic|200px|right|thumb|One litre is equivalent to this cubeEach side is 10 cm1 litre water = 1 kilogram water The litre is a metric system unit of volume equal to 1 cubic decimetre , to 1,000 cubic centimetres , and to 1/1,000 cubic metre...
or 0.15 to 0.30 grains of water
Grain (measure)
A grain is a unit of measurement of mass that is nominally based upon the mass of a single seed of a cereal. From the Bronze Age into the Renaissance the average masses of wheat and barley grains were part of the legal definition of units of mass. However, there is no evidence of any country ever...
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
.35 Whelen
The .35 Whelen is a powerful medium-bore rifle cartridge that does not require a magnum action or a magnum bolt-face. The parent of this cartridge is the .30-06 Springfield, which is necked-up to accept a bullet diameter of...
Remington cases resulted in:
| Measured case capacity (ml) | 4.57 | 4.54 | 4.52 | 4.60 |
| Average H2O case capacity (ml) = 4.56 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Winchester Magnum is a popular, belted, bottlenecked magnum rifle cartridge that was introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1963 as a member of the family of Winchester Magnum cartridges. The .300 Winchester Magnum is a magnum cartridge designed to fit in a standard length...
case capacities for 5 different cartridge case manufacturers.
Practical use and limitations
QuickLOAD mainly helps reloadersHandloading
Handloading or reloading is the process of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun shells by assembling the individual components , rather than purchasing completely assembled, factory-loaded cartridges...
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
Proof test
A proof test is a test wherein a deliberately over-pressured round is fired from a firearm in order to verify that the firearm is not defective and will not explode on firing. The firearm is inspected after the test, and if it is found to be in sound condition, then it is marked with a proof mark...
measurements at certified test facilities.
QuickTARGET external ballistics predictor computer program
The QuickLOAD interior ballistics predictor program also contains the external ballisticsExternal ballistics
External ballistics is the part of the science of ballistics that deals with the behaviour of a non-powered projectile in flight. External ballistics is frequently associated with firearms, and deals with the behaviour of the bullet after it exits the barrel and before it hits the target.-Forces...
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.
In 2008 QuickTARGET Unlimited was introduced as an additional part of the QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET 3.4 version software suite. QuickTARGET Unlimited is an enhanced beta version of QuickTARGET that can take several long range factors into account to make the external ballistic predictions more accurate. For this it can use several drag models; G1, G5, G7, etc. and a custom drag function that uses drag coefficient
Drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...
(Cd) data.
In January 2009 the Finnish ammunition manufacturer Lapua published Doppler radar tests derived drag coefficient data for most of their rifle projectiles. The predictive capabilities of the custom mode are based on actual bullet flight data derived from Doppler radar
Doppler radar
A Doppler radar is a specialized radar that makes use of the Doppler effect to produce velocity data about objects at a distance. It does this by beaming a microwave signal towards a desired target and listening for its reflection, then analyzing how the frequency of the returned signal has been...
test sessions. With this data engineers can create algorithms that utilize both known mathematical ballistic models as well as test specific, tabular data in unison. Besides the data for Lapua bullets QuickTARGET Ultimate also contains Cd data for some other projectiles that are often used for extended range shooting.
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
CD-ROM
A CD-ROM is a pre-pressed compact disc that contains data accessible to, but not writable by, a computer for data storage and music playback. The 1985 “Yellow Book” standard developed by Sony and Philips adapted the format to hold any form of binary data....
and requires Microsoft Windows 98 or a newer Microsoft Windows operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
version.
The current (2011) QuickLOAD/QuickTARGET 3.6 version is compatible with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.
The software suite can be used with metric units
Metric system
The metric system is an international decimalised system of measurement. France was first to adopt a metric system, in 1799, and a metric system is now the official system of measurement, used in almost every country in the world...
and imperial units/United States customary units
United States customary units
United States customary units are a system of measurements commonly used in the United States. Many U.S. units are virtually identical to their imperial counterparts, but the U.S. customary system developed from English units used in the British Empire before the system of imperial units was...
.