Compressed Loads

[tahoe2]

I have shot compressed loads in 8x57 Mauser that were actually 1 grn below max, those particular loads happen
to be the most accurate load for one of my rifles. No signs of anything out of the ordinary.

 

[Grommit327]

Ends up that 70 gr of IMR 4350 was the best load. I'd say it was compressed a little anyway. I got about a 1" group at 100 yds. Thanks for all the info.

I'm curious what your results would be using something slower such as IMR4831 or RL19

 

[Silver Hand]

Ends up that 70 gr of IMR 4350 was the best load. I'd say it was compressed a little anyway. I got about a 1" group at 100 yds. Thanks for all the info.

As tahoe2 has stated, loads that fill the case volume most completely are usually the most accurate. My 660 Rem shoots three shot groups inside 1'' @ 100 yards, all holes touching each other time after time.
Silver Hand

 

[deadshot2]

As tahoe2 has stated, loads that fill the case volume most completely are usually the most accurate. My 660 Rem shoots three shot groups inside 1'' @ 100 yards, all holes touching each other time after time.
Silver Hand

This is totally dependent on the case/caliber/powder. Had this same discussion at the range yesterday. One of the old-time competitors was telling how he had one cartridge that he couldn't understand why it shot so well at 90% case fill and any attempt to increase it met with worse results, regardless of powder used.

This is what makes hand loading both fun and frustrating, all at the same time.

 

[chainsaw]

I'm curious what your results would be using something slower such as IMR4831 or RL19

my load of 72.0 grs of imr4831,250 gr partition,3.34 oal,shoots 2760 fps from my 24" savage barrel.my best group of 3 has been .30".Iv`e shot several .38" groups with the same load.the bullets I used were the older style partitions with a groove machined in them.

 

[Shooter98]

I shoot .308 with a load of AA 2000MR, 178 SMK's and Lapua brass. It's most accurate load is 47.9 gr and at that point when I'm seating the bullet I hear the powder crunching, a lot lol... No pressure signs what so ever, and the chrono shows velocities at 2880. Pretty safe.

 

[mookmanjdj]

my load of 72.0 grs of imr4831,250 gr partition,3.34 oal,shoots 2760 fps from my 24" savage barrel.my best group of 3 has been .30".Iv`e shot several .38" groups with the same load.the bullets I used were the older style partitions with a groove machined in them.

I got 2725 fps so I must be close to yours. If I can improve my shooting I might be able to get close to your groups, but it sounds like you have way more experience than me. Nice shooting and thanks for all of your input.

 

[Silver Hand]

This is totally dependent on the case/caliber/powder. Had this same discussion at the range yesterday. One of the old-time competitors was telling how he had one cartridge that he couldn't understand why it shot so well at 90% case fill and any attempt to increase it met with worse results, regardless of powder used.

This is what makes hand loading both fun and frustrating, all at the same time.

I have had many loads that shot well under pressured and several loads that went a few grains over the recommended maximum before they started to group tight for the second time using the same powder, primer and bullet. ''NOT That I Recommend you do that!! ''
When I worked up my long range rounds I knew exactly what my goals were and I have accomplished every one and have had my pets in use for, well one load is forty four years old this June and I still use the same powder primer and bullet, others maybe a few years newer but unless the powder or lead becomes unavailable I am set for life. In every case in comes down to desire and dedication to the entire sport. Among other things I have also resorted to re stocking or re bedded several long guns as to coax them into shooting straight.
Shooting at a range or setting up and shooting long range in the Coastal Hills, Cascades or the flat land all comes down to, the more you do it the more you will understand.
Silver Hand

deadshot2 Please review my post - As tahoe2 has stated, loads that fill the case volume most completely [ARE USUALLY] the most accurate. My 660 Rem shoots three shot groups inside 1'' @ 100 yards, all holes touching each other time after time.
Silver Hand

 

[arakboss]

Thread revival.

How do you measure powder compression?

What's the maximum powder compression you feel comfortable with?

 

[arakboss]

I am working up some custom loads using IMR 4831 powder in 223 cartridges. Because it's a very slow powder for the 223 cartridge, I am loading it compressed. My guess is I can compress the charge to just below point where the bullet won't stay seated.

One idea I have for testing is to load up cases with powder just to the bottom of the neck. Then seat bullets in groups of 5 starting from the longest OAL the rifle chamber will accept down to bullets seated at the cannelure. I don't expect any issues with pressure and I can figure out which level of compression works best.

The alternative would be to pick a fixed seating depth and adjust powder charge from heavy compression to lighter compression.

Edited to minimize distractions.

 

[Spitpatch]

1)WHY??? 4831 (IMR or otherwise), is MUCH too slow a powder for the .223. You are dancing with the devil, and a good outcome would be blowing up your gun and not being injured.

2) You better KNOW what brand of 4831 you are dinking with, even in a cartridge for which it is appropriate. H4831 is significantly slower than IMR.

3) As a new reloader, stick with the recommendations that have worked for others. Handloading is not the arena for wild, imagined "experiments" with off-the-wall ideas.

You've been advised of this before, even had a thread closed as a result of this dangerous behavior. Get back on the straight and narrow, and you 'll find all the help you need.

I for one will not participate any further toward your eventual demise.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

3) As a new reloader, stick with the recommendations that have worked for others. Handloading is not the arena for wild, imagined "experiments" with off-the-wall ideas.

This is sound advice...and needs to be said again...and taken to heart.
Andy

 

[Certaindeaf]

The man of mook has been summoned!

 

[arakboss]

From Hodgdon:

Normally a pistol or rifle shellcase is considered full, or 100% loading density, when the powder charge sits at the base of the bullet when the bullet is fully seated. It is possible with some powders and cartridges to increase the powder charge slightly above this point, such that when the bullet is seated it actually compresses the powder charge slightly. This condition is known as a compressed load.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

@arakboss
Any further "experimental " / "just because I can" type of loading data...posts / threads / links etc......
That do not follow safe and accepted practices will be removed.
Andy