Basic reloading question...

[Dick.Magee]

I'm reloading 338WM with 250 gr Hornady BTHP and H4350 powder. I've been slowly increasing the charge (0.2 grain increment) while observing for overpressure signs. I'm currently at 67.2 grains and is approaching Hodgdon published max load (67.5) without obvious sign of overpressure. My question is: Can I exceed max load charge at 0.2 gr rate without endangering myself or others around me?

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

D.Magee

 

[sic65stang]

Re: Basic reloading question...

Sometimes people will work up loads until pressure shows for that specific rifle. If you have established good accuracy and velocity than there may be little to gain by continuing IMO.

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Basic reloading question...

The answer is maybe. Reloading manuals have some "fudge factor" built in. They don't give you their max loads. BUT REMEMBER, they don't have the same lot of powder, primers, brass, etc that you do and that can cause quite a difference. So can the difference in barrels and how the chamber is cut. So, keep working up slowly and see what things look like when you get to the 67.5 charge.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Basic reloading question...

Since the published data is written by lawyers, starting loads are probably quite mild and the maximum loads are not what I would usually consider max. But, you never know so there is nothing wrong with paying attention to the guidelines. I use a load in 300WM that is about 6 grains above what is listed in the manual. But, it's safe in my rifle. BB

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Basic reloading question...

That is a basic question. New guys frequently want the hottest load they can get; not me. I've been doing this stuff for almost five decades and have seen no value to hot loads nor any evidence lawyers dummy up the data. MOST firearms and MOST component lots will be safe with MOST book charges but there are always the exceptions; I have gotten sticky bolts and hard to extract revolver loads with charges well below book max charges so don't let anyone kid you about that!

There is precious little to be gained with going above book max even IF it might be safe in your rig anyway. Adding an extra 50 fps at the high end requires more than a tiny bit more pressure.

As you may guess, I don't think going right to the limit of anything is worth the chance of a KABOOM.

 

[ctsmith]

Re: Basic reloading question...

Only push it past the max if you know what you are doing or have someone working directly with you who does. Among other signs (sticky bolt, hard extraction, cratered primer pockets), I watch the chrono for the point of diminishing returns.

 

[hamour]

Re: Basic reloading question...

I would find the Speer and Hornady reloading books from the late 60's to early 70's. These were true high end loads listed prior to the advent of the lawyers. Some of the beginning loads are more than the Maximum loads listed today for the same cartridges. But use caution when approaching max, there is no fudge factor in these books.

 

[Dick.Magee]

Re: Basic reloading question...

Thanks for weighing in. My intent is to find the upper boundary for this rifle with this combination of power and bullet. From my load buildup and rifle performance, I'm sensing that the limit for this rifle does not lie at Hodgdon published max load.

Based on your comments, it appears that the maximum pressure limit of a specific rifle can reside on either side of the max load number (this poses some interesting implications). This lead me to think that the method used to approach and detect overpressure is as important as, or, more important than the actual number itself.

I am leaning towards moving pass the max limit. However, more research is needed to make certain that my approach is sound before I proceed.

Oh, as always, any suggestion and insight is greatly appreciated.

D. Magee

 

[Explorer]

Re: Basic reloading question...

I like to graph velocity vs charge loads to find sweet spots, aka those points just before velocity jumps sharply. Accuracy is commonly best round these points too.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Basic reloading question...

As Explorer says. IMHO when you are toward the upper limit, look for the best accuracy. You have plenty of power already in hand.

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Basic reloading question...

fuzz, you are so full of shit. My 6 grains over recently published max loads was developed over 30 years ago with no intent to squeeze the last 50fps out of anything. (just an example)

I'm actually sorry that I agree with you, generally, on hot loads. If you need "more" velocity, find a bigger capacity case and load sensibly. but where is your inside information that the legal department does not review virtually all published data? Also, who recommended going "right to the limit"? I didn't see that? Other than that, as usual, <span style="font-style: italic">great</span> advice.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Basic reloading question...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BuzzBoss915</div><div class="ubbcode-body">fuzz, you are so full of shit....

I'm actually sorry that I agree with you, Other than that, as usual, <span style="font-style: italic">great</span> advice. </div></div>

lol , + 1

find a load that shoots small groups , find a load with a low ES/SD , dont worry about velocity.