Compressed Loads

[Belton45]

Never have been one to push the boundaries on speed. I have always started low in the load range and just stop at the first sign of accuracy. I acquired a 22-250 a few months back and decided to load until pressure signs start showing. I am loading h380 over 53 smk. I am loading a batch to take to the range that are gunna be fairly hot. Anyway at 40.5 grains I was having to tap the case to get it all to fit in the case. I stopped at that point. I am working it up slowly meaning I am taking 5 other lighter loads. I was just curious if this is expected to have to tap case to fit all the powder. Thanks.

 

[37Lincoln1]

Nosler shows a load of 41.0 of H380 as 101% for 50 and 52 Grain bullets (Nosler brass) with a velocity of 3897.

 

[jimbires]

the powder funnels with a drop tube helps fit in a large powder charge . Jim

 

[Martin52]

I was just curious if this is expected to have to tap case to fit all the powder. Thanks.

No, tapping has the potential to be messy if it knocks kernels out of the case neck. Buy a Forster long drop powder funnel and you will find, with correct pouring ie slow, that the powder will settle better and you should eliminate powder crunch when seating.

Martin

 

[DaveWhite]

Drop tubes are not the answer to maximizing powder density and avoiding compression in bullet seating. A tip from German Salazar is to fill a block (I use the 50 round Sinclair poly loading blocks), then put another block upside down over the top of the case mouths (presumes you have not overfilled the powder to the point of spilling over). Then take that "sandwich" of the two blocks with cases trapped between, and hold it on top of your vibratory case tumbler. In about ten seconds, all of your powder is neatly close packed and you will probably not have to compress the load while seating the bullet.

Kudos to German for one of those "why didn't I think of that?" ideas...

 

[bheadboy]

if this is new brass and it sounds likeit is, the fired/sized cases will most likely not be as full as they will have expanded to your chamber size, wait until you reload the fired cases and you may be surprised.

Bob

 

[hedditch]

Just received my Vartarg dies from Redding. In the box was a warning: Do not seat bullets over a compressed load using the micrometer seating die. Doing so will void their warranty. First time I have seen this.

 

[338Lapua]

Do not seat bullets over a compressed load using the micrometer seating die.

Redding must of had issues to put a warning like that in the box.

 

[357Mag]

Belton -

IMHO..... you may not be pushing the boundaries on " speed ", but your .22-250 load probably is pushing the boudnaries on pressure.

A slightly slower powder, such as WW760 might serve you better; should one goal be high load density to go along w/ safe pressure and good vel. WW760 IS a ball powder, yes. H414 is the same stuff.

For a 52-53gr bullets, I dare say you could fill the case w/ I4350; but it wouldn't compact it like you can w/ WW760

If you are loading chuck-full cases, be sure to watch your primer selection(s) closely.
A simple load change like just trying a new primer, could /can spike load pressure dramatically !.

In any event, you wouldn't want to compress the powder of choice to a point where individual "kernels" facture. That is another dynamic, which can drastically alter the predictability of your load(s).

With regards,
357Mag

 

[rocketron]

Do not seat bullets over a compressed load using the micrometer seating die.

Redding must of had issues to put a warning like that in the box.

i called redding looking for a vld seating stem and was told you can crack the stem with compressed loads.

Ron