Reference loads

Reference loads are published load data sourced from verified reloading manuals and maintained by Loadatum. They are read-only and not user-submitted. You can browse them without an account, and if you're logged in you can save any load directly as a starting recipe in your own library.

What they are

Each reference load is a data point from a published reloading manual: a specific combination of caliber, powder, bullet, and primer with a tested charge weight range. The source manual is listed on every load. Loadatum staff add and maintain this data; users cannot submit or edit it.

Browsing reference loads

The public directory at /loads lists every caliber that has at least one published load, grouped by type (pistol, rifle, rimfire, shotgun). Tap a caliber to see all loads for it. Each load shows the powder, bullet weight and type, charge weight range, primer, and any optional data the source recorded (COAL, seating depth, crimp).

If you're logged in, Reference Loads in the app nav takes you to the same data in a single filterable list. You can filter by caliber, source, powder name, or bullet weight.

Saving a load as a recipe

On any load's detail page, tap Save as Recipe. The app creates a new recipe in your library using the load's data: caliber, powder, bullet, primer, charge weight range, COAL and seating depth if the source recorded them, crimp if specified, and the source manual name. The recipe is created in Development status with an auto-generated name based on the load components.

A few things to be aware of:

• You need to be logged in. If you're not, you'll be prompted to sign in or create an account.
• If you already have a recipe with the same caliber, powder, bullet, and primer combination, the save is blocked and you'll see a message saying it's already in your library.
• Free plan recipe limits apply. If you're at the limit, you'll see an upgrade prompt instead.

What still needs your attention after saving

The recipe is ready to use, but it starts in Development status. You'll want to verify the charge weight range against your own manual edition before loading, since charge data can vary between editions. Your actual charge weight is set per batch, not on the recipe. Notes, die settings, and brass selection are all yours to fill in as you work the load up.

Published data only

Reference loads are sourced from published manuals only. There is no way to publish your own loads or share them with other users. Your recipes are private and visible only to you.