How hot is it?

[Ksracer]

First, Yes, I know every rifle is different.
This is my first barrel in 6Dasher, and I found a really good node, but it's a little higher than most people seem to report. It shows no pressure signs, but I'm just trying to avoid finding out that I trashed my primer pockets early, or not being able to shoot it in the rain. Would you consider this load "hot"?

33.4gn Varget
CCI 450
Lapua Brass
107smk
2980fps
26" barrel

 

[Jason Boersma]

Are your primers flat? Does your bolt open easy after you fire a round?

 

[brxbrad]

First, Yes, I know every rifle is different.
This is my first barrel in 6Dasher, and I found a really good node, but it's a little higher than most people seem to report. It shows no pressure signs, but I'm just trying to avoid finding out that I trashed my primer pockets early, or not being able to shoot it in the rain. Would you consider this load "hot"?

33.4gn Varget
CCI 450
Lapua Brass
107smk
2980fps
26" barrel

That's pretty much the same load I shoot in my BRX. Like Jason said, If you dont have any signs of over pressure you should be fine. You'll know when you put primers in..

 

[Ksracer]

Thanks guys. Like I said, there are no pressure signs. I'm really just wondering if I have a cushion left, or if I'm on the edge.

 

[randyc]

Thanks guys. Like I said, there are no pressure signs. I'm really just wondering if I have a cushion left, or if I'm on the edge.

You should have more room to expand, my BRX usually runs at 34.6 and 3005 fps with no problems or pressure.

 

[dkhunt14]

First, Yes, I know every rifle is different.
This is my first barrel in 6Dasher, and I found a really good node, but it's a little higher than most people seem to report. It shows no pressure signs, but I'm just trying to avoid finding out that I trashed my primer pockets early, or not being able to shoot it in the rain. Would you consider this load "hot"?

33.4gn Varget
CCI 450
Lapua Brass
107smk
2980fps
26" barrel

Mosly depends on lot of powder, freebore or barrel. According to velocity you should be ok. I run .155 freebore and can shoot 34 plus in most barrels and run 3100. Matt

 

[Sheldon N]

I'd say you're on the edge, especially if you want to shoot in the rain. We had a rainy PRS match at the Oregon coast last weekend, absolutely drenched. So many guns blowing primers and getting sticky bolt lift, etc. Several Dashers had pressure problems and one of the strong shooters ended up switching guns since his Dasher wouldn't run in the rain, stuck cases. I shot 6BRA and took third place with a load of 31.6 Varget at 2945fps with a 105 Hybrid but I fought very hard bolt lift on every single shot. One of my squad mates won the match with his Dasher, he was running down at 2860fps with a 110SMK, he had some pressure too but not as bad as me.

Admittedly extreme weather conditions but if your goal is reliability I would back your load down. Interesting tidbit, was hanging afterwards with the match director who is a top nationally ranked PRS shooter and he was saying he runs his load slow... down around 2920fps just for reliability.

 

[Cuando]

Enlighten a fella as to what the rain does to spike pressure.

I'm assuming water in chamber?

 

[dkhunt14]

Water in the chamber can really drive up pressure. Matt

 

[Ksracer]

I'd say you're on the edge, especially if you want to shoot in the rain. We had a rainy PRS match at the Oregon coast last weekend, absolutely drenched. So many guns blowing primers and getting sticky bolt lift, etc. Several Dashers had pressure problems and one of the strong shooters ended up switching guns since his Dasher wouldn't run in the rain, stuck cases. I shot 6BRA and took third place with a load of 31.6 Varget at 2945fps with a 105 Hybrid but I fought very hard bolt lift on every single shot. One of my squad mates won the match with his Dasher, he was running down at 2860fps with a 110SMK, he had some pressure too but not as bad as me.

Admittedly extreme weather conditions but if your goal is reliability I would back your load down. Interesting tidbit, was hanging afterwards with the match director who is a top nationally ranked PRS shooter and he was saying he runs his load slow... down around 2920fps just for reliability.

Thanks Sheldon. That's exactly where I was going with my question. I think I probably just need to work up some hotter loads, and find out for myself where the edge is. As quick as this little case builds velocity, I suspect it gets into trouble just as quick.

Enlighten a fella as to what the rain does to spike pressure.

I'm assuming water in chamber?

Depends on what theory you subscribe to, it either takes up space in the chamber, or it lubricates the case walls and increases bolt thrust. Or both. Regardless, it can make a normally ok load go to shit in a hurry.

 

[muleystalker]

If you want to see where your at you may want to take a press to the range and do a torture test with that load on a single piece of brass and see how many loadings you get before the primer pocket goes. Better to toast one piece than loose a box.

 

[Ksracer]

If you want to see where your at you may want to take a press to the range and do a torture test with that load on a single piece of brass and see how many loadings you get before the primer pocket goes. Better to toast one piece than loose a box.

Or 4 boxes...... Since that's how many I have in rotation. Excellent idea.
I've got another ladder loaded up, starting at 32gn. I'm going to try to find a slower node, and then make a decision.

 

[WyleWD]

Mosly depends on lot of powder, freebore or barrel. According to velocity you should be ok. I run .155 freebore and can shoot 34 plus in most barrels and run 3100. Matt

+1 I agree with Matt's post.

JME, but since you're using Varget be careful when changing or transitioning from one lot to the next. I've experienced noticeable differences from lot to lot. Again, JME. WD

 

[CaptainMal]

I have about 12 loadings on Lapua brass in one of my Dashers. I shoot 33.5 gr of Varget with 105 Hybrids at 3,030 fps. Pockets are fine.