Hey guys, I've been reloading for a while, but I would still consider myself pretty new to reloading. My experience is what my dad taught me which was basically started the bottom work your way to a mid-range load and if it shoots under two inches at 100 yards you're good to go. Recently, though I have been starting to get more educated on the subject.
My question is what are the signs I should be looking for to know I am overpressure or in dangerous territory when working up a load. Some that I've seen already are ejector swipes, flattened or cratered primers, and hard bolt lift (not sure what that feels like). Is this what you experienced loaders are usually watching and how significant are these signs? If you have other things you watch what are they and what do you do if you notice pressure signs? Also do you ever go over the maximum load listed for that cartridge, bullet, and powder combination?
** this started because I have a few reloading books and the load data can sometimes vary to a large degree between companies, not to mention between specific bullet types, and specific rifles. **
My question is what are the signs I should be looking for to know I am overpressure or in dangerous territory when working up a load. Some that I've seen already are ejector swipes, flattened or cratered primers, and hard bolt lift (not sure what that feels like). Is this what you experienced loaders are usually watching and how significant are these signs? If you have other things you watch what are they and what do you do if you notice pressure signs? Also do you ever go over the maximum load listed for that cartridge, bullet, and powder combination?
** this started because I have a few reloading books and the load data can sometimes vary to a large degree between companies, not to mention between specific bullet types, and specific rifles. **