Would you do it?

[dragman]

I found the load for my 300 RUM and the one that shoots the best by a MILE is a little high on pressure and I only get 2 loadings out of my Nosler brass. Now I don't have a sticky bolt so I am not worried about "safety" but would you go with the load if it was just that good???? knowing that Nosler brass is $65 per 50

 

[trentalan34]

If it's in a hunting rifle and I weren't firing that many rounds a year anyway, I wouldn't think twice. I've loaded for one of those and currently have a 338 RUM, and they are a little hard on brass, but I don't shoot them that much.

 

[Larryh128]

At 2 loads per case, it really isn't in acceptable pressure levels even without bolt lift, especially if it's a loose primer pocket.

 

[bozo699]

Yes, tell us what is giving up on the cases, primer pockets case head separation, what is it?
Wayne.

 

[dragman]

after the second firing a couple primer pockets were Loose and two rounds swelled enough they wouldn't fit in shell holder. just a couple I don't wanna be dangerous thats why I was paying attention to the bolt lift.

 

[bozo699]

after the second firing a couple primer pockets were Loose and two rounds swelled enough they wouldn't fit in shell holder. just a couple I don't wanna be dangerous thats why I was paying attention to the bolt lift.

Your pressures are way to high, you need to back off a little, when the temps soar you may be in real trouble.
Wayne.

 

[dragman]

after the second firing a couple primer pockets were Loose and two rounds swelled enough they wouldn't fit in shell holder. just a couple I don't wanna be dangerous thats why I was paying attention to the bolt lift.

Your pressures are way to high, you need to back off a little, when the temps soar you may be in real trouble.
Wayne.

nomal temp around here is 65-80 durring shooting season. I did the development during a heat wave it was 94 degrees out. if it gets hotter than that I am NOT shooting anyways lol. do you think when it's 70 out like it's supposed to be at the next match the pressure might not be as bad??

 

[people]

I would say back down. Try something else maybe powder or primers, maybe even bullets. There is a chance you could have issues on a new piece of brass. The chances are small but it could happen.

 

[bheadboy]

not fitting into the shell holder is a sign of major major high presure. forget the load and using good safty judgment look for another that shoots ok for the intended use without that presure.
lots of animals and holes in paper are shot by non mag rounds.

Bob

 

[dansig]

I would use the load but buy Lapua brass and get 10-15 loads before they start to fail...

 

[bozo699]

I would use the load but buy Lapua brass and get 10-15 loads before they start to fail...

Mr. Dansig,

When did Lapua start making brass for a .300 RUM?? and why would they hold pressure any better then the Nosler?
Wayne.

 

[.260 james]

I would start over on load development. I think you are seeing too much pressure. If the cases aren't fitting in a shell holder, i would be real leery on betting my eye sight and general safety on it. Just out of curiosity what powder are you using. Those big cases seem to doreal good with H1000 even though Retumbo and RL-25 tend to give more fps. The H1000 does good even when not run to high pressure.
I looked at a nice old swedish mauser in 6.5x55 today in a local shop that the shooter claimed had a good safe load in it when it blew apart. The split receiver ring and blown out magazine box is just a friendly reminder that caution is not necessarily the same as timid.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

OP:

No!

I would back it down to the next lower node and accept the 100-125 fps lower velocity, lesser recoil, and better barrel life.

 

[dragman]

backed it off 1/2 grain and pressure looks to be fine. no more problems and I only lost 60fps. looks like I am staying there.

 

[MrMajestic]

If it is enough, smart man!

 

[bozo699]

If it is enough, smart man!

I agree, smart move!! I would have thought it would have took more but if 1/2 grain made the difference and your accuracy is there go for it You know I used to have a .300 WBY Mag that liked I believe don't quote or try it but I believe 88 grains of 3100 and I believe about 85 was max, it left ejector marks on the brass and really flattened the primer but it ejected okay, it shot it extremely well with a 180 grain hornaday interlock, I used Remington brass and jacked it out onto the ground, it was my hunting rifle and I figured I could afford the brass, after I learned more I decided that was stupid and unsafe so I aborted that way of thinking but I killed a lot of bear and elk with that old .300 wby mag, I am glad you choose the smart and safe way as well.
Wayne.

 

[M14AMU]

after the second firing a couple primer pockets were Loose and two rounds swelled enough they wouldn't fit in shell holder. just a couple I don't wanna be dangerous thats why I was paying attention to the bolt lift.

You sir...are cruising for a bruising already! : :

 

[watercam]

FWIW, if 1/2 gr. drops velocity 60 fps, you are still dangerously high. There is more than one accuracy node, try dropping at least another 1/2 gr. and play with seating depth a bit - there will be another point where it shoots.