Fear of exceeding chamber pressure.

[TundraTim]

To the original post, you loaded up some hot loads, with manufacturers data that have you worried. Are these loads out of a recent loading manual? Is every component exactly as the load data used? Did you work up to the hot loads, or is it just loading a max listed load? Just because a load was safe in a test gun, does not mean that it is safe in yours.

All good questions.

Are these loads out of a recent loading manual? Not sure how to answer, I have been using LoadData.com for the most part, but I only use that data that is listed as manufacturers data. I also check the individual manufacturers web pages and use their data when they have it posted or available for download, for example I use the data from the Hodgdon web page.

Is every component exactly as the load data used? No, for example, I use what primers I have, but I do use standard or magnum primers like the manufacturers data shows.

Did you work up to the hot loads, or is it just loading a max listed load? Excellent question/point. I do work up my loads, I use the "start load" when listed, or I will start at 10% below the max and work up from there.

The reason for this thread is that I was wondering if anyone has loaded some rounds that showed obvious signs of over pressure and what were those signs? Particularly with pistol rounds. I do my best to follow manufacturers load data but I still worry sometimes.

 

[Webster]

To the original post, you loaded up some hot loads, with manufacturers data that have you worried. Are these loads out of a recent loading manual? Is every component exactly as the load data used? Did you work up to the hot loads, or is it just loading a max listed load? Just because a load was safe in a test gun, does not mean that it is safe in yours.

Maybe he shouldn't be reloading ammo. Why would you think you have to shoot hot loads.

 

[DirtySteve]

Maybe he shouldn't be reloading ammo. Why would you think you have to shoot hot loads.

some one be along to criticize that comment shortly. It won’t be me.

 

[TundraTim]

Well, my shooting tests when smoothly and safely today. Still no signs of over pressure that I can see.

 

[Doom]

Well, my shooting tests when smoothly and safely today. Still no signs of over pressure that I can see.

Stuck case and blown primer are your typical first signs. Followed by the bulge in the unsupported portion of the case or case head separation. When that blows out usually the mag is blown out of the pistol. Underwear is likely to need special handling. What is more likely to happen with overpressure loads depends on the pistol. Polymer frame are likely to break from the excessive recoil forces. Metal frames I don't know.

Because of the large area and small volume of the typical pistol cartridge minor changes in seating depth of the base of the bullet can have serious pressure implications. So that is something that as a reloader you need to pay close attention to.

About the only people I know of that load near max are doing so for competition where they need to make Power Factor. If you are serious about loading max loads you need to get a good chronograph (Radar) and learn how to use it and learn how to adjust velocities for barrel length.

 

[ELR LVR]

Thanks guys, just to be clear, the photo is of a Cor-Bon factory round that I shot in a Sig Sauer P239. It was not my hand load. I've never seen anything like this with my hand loads.

that looks like the web actually swelled

 

[Leo_B]

What is it that makes some people need to use every last kernel/flake of powder possible to produce their "hot" loads? What causes that obsessive need? Is it creating a bigger fireball on the line at the range to impress others? It impresses me, the amount of money wasted on powder that is wasted because it is burned outside the gun.

A very interesting challenge, a bigger challenge than how hot can I make this, is how close to the starting load can I find the combination that is accurate. It's a bigger challenge. Takes more skill. And the target paper doesn't know or care how hot a load is. Hot loads prove how much compensating one needs to achieve. Light loads prove how skillful one is at their craft.

 

[TundraTim]

Stuck case and blown primer are your typical first signs. Followed by the bulge in the unsupported portion of the case or case head separation. When that blows out usually the mag is blown out of the pistol. Underwear is likely to need special handling. What is more likely to happen with overpressure loads depends on the pistol. Polymer frame are likely to break from the excessive recoil forces. Metal frames I don't know.

Because of the large area and small volume of the typical pistol cartridge minor changes in seating depth of the base of the bullet can have serious pressure implications. So that is something that as a reloader you need to pay close attention to.

About the only people I know of that load near max are doing so for competition where they need to make Power Factor. If you are serious about loading max loads you need to get a good chronograph (Radar) and learn how to use it and learn how to adjust velocities for barrel length.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I think if I felt the need to try to get more power, I would just get a 10mm.