Maximum safe loads

[montana_native]

Without checking for signs of pressure, is there a good way to estimate maximum loads based on what a reloading guide says?

Ex. I am working with a 270 Win in a 700 Rem. I've never loaded for it before but the book tells me the max load for a 150 gr bullet is 56.5 gr for RL22.

Is there a percentage above that powder charge that one could comfortably use or is it best to stay within the recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[Mudcat]

IMHO, no....let me rephrase that.....NO!! Maximum loads can always be radically different in different rifles, with different components, etc. That is exactly why those of us that experiment and load almost daily are always harping on this. I just developed a 6.5Creedmoor load today and while I was pretty sure what a max charge of Re17 would be, I didnt start ANYWHERE near it! I went at least 10% less, actually a bit more than 10%.

And if you are talking about trying to always run ABOVE the book listed max without working up to it, you are asking for trouble. The only way to find out is load up exactly what you are going to go for max with and work up SLOWLY until you get to a max safe velocity. But, if youre talking a deer cartridge for a 270win in a factory 700 Rem, I am not sure why are you are trying to do that anyhow. keep in mind that max velocity isnt always max accuracy...in my experience, it rarely is. Then toss in a nice hot day and bad things can really happen!

YMMV, but you better be bloody careful when you play with max loads....published or otherwise!

John

 

[montana_native]

Thanks. I'm still a novice at hand loading. The guy who taught me claimed that 110% of the max published load would be fine in ANY rifle. I've never gone that far...maybe it was a good thing too.

Thanks for the info.

 

[canuck]

I have loaded for many 270's. As mentioned every gun is different and if you are a novice at loading then it is better to play it safe until you are comfortable, very comfortable) with reading signs of prerssure. The loads I have used for a 150 in a 270 would be considered very hot by any book and I only use those in cold weather.
In my experience RL 22 doesn't work that great in any 270 I have tried it in but yours may like it. One thing is for sure RL 22 builds pressure slowly in any gun I have tried it in. I have always found IMR 4831 to work very well in any 270 I tried it in.As you are new to reloading I would recommend you stay clear of 4350, even though it is a good powder) as the pressure spikes very quickly this powder.
I have seen guns where the max load was several grains higher than the book and vise versa.
I would VERY VERY strongly advise you disregard this 110% rule quoted to you.That is down right scary.
One thing I forgot to mention....be very careful starting too low as this can even be more dangerous....10% below is plenty...much more can cause excessive pressure with some powders....

 

[montana_native]

Thanks for the advice guys. I ended up doing five loads today in 0.5 gr increments starting at 55.0 and working up to 57.0. I have been researching what to look for in stressed cases so this next weekend will tell for sure.

Glad I found this site. The guy who taught me the basics of handloading was a "good-'ol-boy" who pretty much threw caution to the wind most of the time and did a lot of crazy things...come to think of it I haven't heard from him in a while...

 

[js223]

That statement about using 110% is such a foolish blanket statement, I really hope you don't take it seriously. Since you learned from this person, I'd strongly suggest you read as many manuals as you can to correct any other misinformation he may have given you.
Each rifle is different, and if you want to try for 'max', you need to carefully develop the load in your particular rifle. You may reach max for YOUR rifle before the book's listed max.
There is a reason that they tell you to start lower and work up while checking for pressure signs.
I'd also recommend using a chronograph to check your loads. The manuals will give you an idea of reasonable velocity expectations. If you get alot more than they do without an obvious good reason, such as using a 30" barrel instead of their listed 24" for example, then you know you're pushing the pressure to get that velocity.