Compressed Powder Charges ??

[Rupe]

Loading for a 300-221 and am finding it to be a very accurate cartridge. Have noticed that near max recommended charges listed in most manuals are case full and in some instances over-flowing. Are compressed loads safe to fire when within recommended charge listings ? Do any of you use compressed loads routinely ? Thanks..

Chuck - Rupe/PA

 

[swampshooter]

Loading compressed loads is not unusual by any means. After loading though, I would set them on the bench at least overnight, bullet up, and measure before and after to see if the bullet is being forced to migrate outward. Mild compression is not a bad thing, excessive compression is a bad thing.

Bill Batson

 

[Larryh128]

Some of the smaller cases, you can compress certain powders and never be over max charge or even close to over pressure. Obviously that isn't true with every powder. I shoot a 30PPC & compress every charge and would like to get another grain in it. There may be a diminishing return after the case is full vs compressed. Run them thru a chrono to see if the gain is worth the effort. I normally will put about 3/4 of the charge into the case from the scale pan & tap the case lightly against the loading table to settle the charge. Then add the remaining charge & tap again. Does a decent job of settling the powder.

 

[swampshooter]

I have used vibrators in the past to settle powder. It works very well. A long drop tube will help also.


Bill Batson

 

[Canadian bushman]

I use compressed loads in a couple cartridges, and have no trouble.

If you are nearing max when you start to compress a load is when you need to be sure and keep an eye on pressure.

 

[logger3006]

If your load manual has a C after the charge weight then its a safe load IN SOME RIFLES but you could run into pressure before I do with the same identical rifle but if the manual calls for a compressed load then I don't worry..

 

[praveen]

I run compressed loads regularly in my .308 with 155r Berger Hybrid Targets and 47.0 grains of Varget. It is towards the max charge for this combo but I haven't had any issues.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

Just a question. why stuff them so much? If it's accurate, why make it go faster?

What load are you shooting? I know the cases are cheap (when cutting your own). I shoot 18.5 grains of Lil Gun in my 300/221 and there is PLENTY of room to add more. I get about 2200 fps with a 130 grain bullet out of at 16" 1:8 tube (bolt gun) and 2100 through an AR platform.

Mine kills Zombies just as good with a slower speed.

 

[markm87]

I run a powder funnel with a long/drop tube. Someone here posted (a while back) that slow pouring the powder charge in the drop tube got him the best results as far as getting the powder into the case as compact as possible.

 

[Preacher]

Tip the case and slowly swirl the powder into the funnel, and it will pack really good...

 

[Judd]

Just a question. why stuff them so much? If it's accurate, why make it go faster?

What load are you shooting? I know the cases are cheap (when cutting your own). I shoot 18.5 grains of Lil Gun in my 300/221 and there is PLENTY of room to add more. I get about 2200 fps with a 130 grain bullet out of at 16" 1:8 tube (bolt gun) and 2100 through an AR platform.

Mine kills Zombies just as good with a slower speed.

There is only 2 things that beat wind....speed and BC. That is why some folks want to run hot. Close range you won't notice it but past 300 you will start to notice the speed.

 

[P1ZombieKiller]

Just a question. why stuff them so much? If it's accurate, why make it go faster?

What load are you shooting? I know the cases are cheap (when cutting your own). I shoot 18.5 grains of Lil Gun in my 300/221 and there is PLENTY of room to add more. I get about 2200 fps with a 130 grain bullet out of at 16" 1:8 tube (bolt gun) and 2100 through an AR platform.

Mine kills Zombies just as good with a slower speed.

There is only 2 things that beat wind....speed and BC. That is why some folks want to run hot. Close range you won't notice it but past 300 you will start to notice the speed.

The 300/221 case is not exactly the definition of a 300+ yard cartridge. I have hit steel at 500 yards several times, but it doesn't have much ummph left at that range.