How much can you compress the powder before you run into problems? Can you fill the case level full and seat the bullet without a problem? I would like to use Varget in my 6X45 and 223, have tried long drop tubes and still get more compression than I am comfortable with.
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Compressed Loads
- Thread starter bsekf
- Start date
If you don’t run into pressure issues you’ll have seating depth inconsistencies
I find that I get the best velocity deviations when I start to get a little compressed. But you make it sound like you want to fill all the way up the neck to the case mouth. That's too much lol.
As with all things your mileage may vary depending on a wide variety of things. Some powders don't mind being compressed while others will react very badly. Some powders compress readily but will slowly expand a bit and push your bullet out of the case a little or a lot. Some powders don't compress well at all and you'll be unable to get the seating depth right without reducing the powder charge.
So the moral of the story is that if you need to compress your powder enough to wonder than you should swap to a more appropriate powder that doesn't need to fill more than 100% of the available volume. Trying to use a powder just because you have it on hand is a bit like wearing your sisters shoes just because she isn't wearing them. Find what fits the need rather than forcing the need to fit what you have. If you have a lot of powder you can't use try asking around and swap with someone who has what you really need.
Frank
So the moral of the story is that if you need to compress your powder enough to wonder than you should swap to a more appropriate powder that doesn't need to fill more than 100% of the available volume. Trying to use a powder just because you have it on hand is a bit like wearing your sisters shoes just because she isn't wearing them. Find what fits the need rather than forcing the need to fit what you have. If you have a lot of powder you can't use try asking around and swap with someone who has what you really need.
Frank
Hodgdon's site will actually list whether or not a load is compressed (they put a "C" by the charge). It can be done, I know Nosler lists load densities and I've generally found a higher density (closer to 100% of case volume) shoots well, but I wouldn't go compressing things wildly. If the data doesn't show it as a compressed load and/or you are exceeding the book maxs, you go at your own peril, no matter how well it shoots.
So much of those depends on the case as well. My friend uses Lapua brass in his 308, he gets like 42 grains or so I think. I'm hardly crunchy at all at 45 grains in my Jagemann 308 brass. I'm hitting 2712 fps pretty easy, and we both use IMR 4064. He is not far behind in velocity though.
I actually like a minor bit of powder crunch as they often seem to be consistent loads.
Not so much where I’m breaking seating dies or having COAL issues.
I left varget because of that very issue.
Heavy crunch to get to my desired speeds when constrained with AR mag lengths.
8208XBR is my new huckleberry.
Longer overall length bolt gun loads are awesome with varget though
My 260 loads you just barely feel powder at end of bullet seating.
Not so much where I’m breaking seating dies or having COAL issues.
I left varget because of that very issue.
Heavy crunch to get to my desired speeds when constrained with AR mag lengths.
8208XBR is my new huckleberry.
Longer overall length bolt gun loads are awesome with varget though
My 260 loads you just barely feel powder at end of bullet seating.
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What I’ve Learned over the years of hand loading the 223 Remington is ,with it’s small powder column, ball or fine extruded powders have proved outstanding performance, with various bullet weights. Furthermore compression has occurred with LC brass, were the same powder in say Winchester commercial brass compression doesn’t occur. Now in some case compression can be a good thing depending on the caliber and brass being used.
