Not to criticizes a Practice that is used by my self and many others, there is a point that is reached that this practice can be detrimental.
I use a 36" drop tube and it helps to load otherwise over charged cases. that can/do expand the case it's self and make it hard to chamber plus as mentioned, damage the bullet from excessive seating pressure.
Sometimes a change to a powder with more density potential will accomplish the same thing, Like going to a ball powder or a short cut type of the same powder. If accuracy is best at highest velocities
you may have a barrel that likes velocity beyond the ability of the case and just have to settle for the best accuracy at safe limits. I have owned more that one of these barrels/rifles and loaded hotter and hotter with accuracy improving as I increased, even to the point of blowing primers and ruining cases. so I backed off and worked at getting the same accuracy at lower velocities.
By increasing the bullet to neck tension and reducing the powder charge a small amount, I find the same velocity can be reached and sometimes accuracy can be improved. If the velocity of the heavily compressed load compared to the slightly compressed load is higher this can also be a sign that the bullet needs more tension or a hotter primer may be in order.
If all of this has already been addressed other changes may need to be made. At least you know how accurate your rifle can be and it's just a matter of finding another way to get there.
I have always believed that 98% to 101% case density was the place to be for accuracy and consistency, so don't give up. try to do different things and you will find a way around over compression of your powder charge. Good Luck.
It's hard to give advice for something that I have been guilty of myself, but taking my own advice I have been able to achieve the same results without pushing the envelope to a dangerous level.
Just an opinion
J E CUSTOM
