Argh! Frustrating!
I'm playing with 165g Nosler BTs and H4895 powder out of a 308 Winchester (Remington SPS-T) whose barrel has been cut to 18". It's going to be my hunting load.
I started out testing near maximum loads (43.5g) per Hodgdon's site. Today I completed my third test, and have quite literally blown right past their recommended charge weights. Today I tested <span style="text-decoration: underline">45.8 grains</span> with absolutely no pressure signs. I'm thinking about going higher as my velocity is still under 2700 fps, accuracy is mediocre, and ES is also very high (~30 fps). It has been my experience that accuracy and extreme spreads start looking better near maximum case capacities.
I understand that most reloading manuals are conservative. I also know I have a short barrel. That's one of the reasons I went with H4895 instead of Varget. I'm just having second thoughts about going much higher in charge weight. I loaded more rounds tonight, all the way up to 47.0 grains. Yes, my last three charge weights are compressed.
Do you think what I'm experiencing is normal considering my configuration, or is there an outside chance that this powder is unusual? I'd sure hate to develop a load with an extreme charge weight only to buy another lot of powder and blow my face off! No, this powder isn't that old, and has been stored properly.
Just looking for some feedback on what I might consider doing.
Other relevant info;
- New, Winchester cases
- CCI BR2 primers
- loaded to AICS mag-length
- Testing environment hasn't exceeded 50F (it's still cold in Michigan!)
I'm playing with 165g Nosler BTs and H4895 powder out of a 308 Winchester (Remington SPS-T) whose barrel has been cut to 18". It's going to be my hunting load.
I started out testing near maximum loads (43.5g) per Hodgdon's site. Today I completed my third test, and have quite literally blown right past their recommended charge weights. Today I tested <span style="text-decoration: underline">45.8 grains</span> with absolutely no pressure signs. I'm thinking about going higher as my velocity is still under 2700 fps, accuracy is mediocre, and ES is also very high (~30 fps). It has been my experience that accuracy and extreme spreads start looking better near maximum case capacities.
I understand that most reloading manuals are conservative. I also know I have a short barrel. That's one of the reasons I went with H4895 instead of Varget. I'm just having second thoughts about going much higher in charge weight. I loaded more rounds tonight, all the way up to 47.0 grains. Yes, my last three charge weights are compressed.
Do you think what I'm experiencing is normal considering my configuration, or is there an outside chance that this powder is unusual? I'd sure hate to develop a load with an extreme charge weight only to buy another lot of powder and blow my face off! No, this powder isn't that old, and has been stored properly.
Just looking for some feedback on what I might consider doing.
Other relevant info;
- New, Winchester cases
- CCI BR2 primers
- loaded to AICS mag-length
- Testing environment hasn't exceeded 50F (it's still cold in Michigan!)
