Mikecr
Well-Known Member
HighKnob
Some things do vary a bit over time & from gun to gun.
Reloading manuals are only a reference, just as forums are only a reference.
This is why it's important to use the many references available -and still- work up from a conservative point.
I use Quickload software and calibrate it initially to anecdotal loads posted at places like Reloader's Nest: .300 Winchester Magnum @ www.reloadersnest.com
With this I get comfortable about a chosen load workup given QL calculated pressures.
I expect to see specific velocities while working up, based on QL's workup loads, and if there is any departure from expected(across my chrono) I stop & reconsider things.
Maybe my bore cross sectional area is different, or my lot of IMR4350 is slow/fast.
At any rate, I'll be calibrating my software to my components, logging & saving the file.
If you're not so comfortable with buying reloading manuals for reference, and having no method to calibrate(which then allows prediction), then you might consider QuickLoad. It's a **** good investment for those serious about reloading.
And then there is the term 'MAX' for what it means to you or me.
When you look around a little you see that book max means little to nothing for many reloading.
They run into pressure signs, or actual problems, earlier or later than others, regardless of manuals. IMO, this represents their MAX, and it is a basis for MY MAX.
With your gun, your components, there is a MAX that is expressed with PROBLEMS.
Until you have a problem, you don't, and you can go until you do & log it.
The caveat, you do have to be rational about this and stay engaged in what you're doing.
What's a problem? Anything not working well.
Primers piercing or falling out, bad wiping of caseheads, popping extraction, cracked necks or shoulders, awful bolt turn, etc.
Is the 'problem' due to load, case sizing, action, bolt, barrel, chamber?
Stop, think about it, figure it out, fix it.
The important thing is that you're careful about workup & spot problems early & honestly.
Do not deny a problem based on any book, or what other shooters do.
You said you had no issues with your load and you're careful about it. So even though it's hotter than the gates of hell, you have no problem -yet.
I would expect that your brass will present problems shortly though. It's very hard to run hot loads in a large capacity cartridge without prices to pay in the long run.
Some things do vary a bit over time & from gun to gun.
Reloading manuals are only a reference, just as forums are only a reference.
This is why it's important to use the many references available -and still- work up from a conservative point.
I use Quickload software and calibrate it initially to anecdotal loads posted at places like Reloader's Nest: .300 Winchester Magnum @ www.reloadersnest.com
With this I get comfortable about a chosen load workup given QL calculated pressures.
I expect to see specific velocities while working up, based on QL's workup loads, and if there is any departure from expected(across my chrono) I stop & reconsider things.
Maybe my bore cross sectional area is different, or my lot of IMR4350 is slow/fast.
At any rate, I'll be calibrating my software to my components, logging & saving the file.
If you're not so comfortable with buying reloading manuals for reference, and having no method to calibrate(which then allows prediction), then you might consider QuickLoad. It's a **** good investment for those serious about reloading.
And then there is the term 'MAX' for what it means to you or me.
When you look around a little you see that book max means little to nothing for many reloading.
They run into pressure signs, or actual problems, earlier or later than others, regardless of manuals. IMO, this represents their MAX, and it is a basis for MY MAX.
With your gun, your components, there is a MAX that is expressed with PROBLEMS.
Until you have a problem, you don't, and you can go until you do & log it.
The caveat, you do have to be rational about this and stay engaged in what you're doing.
What's a problem? Anything not working well.
Primers piercing or falling out, bad wiping of caseheads, popping extraction, cracked necks or shoulders, awful bolt turn, etc.
Is the 'problem' due to load, case sizing, action, bolt, barrel, chamber?
Stop, think about it, figure it out, fix it.
The important thing is that you're careful about workup & spot problems early & honestly.
Do not deny a problem based on any book, or what other shooters do.
You said you had no issues with your load and you're careful about it. So even though it's hotter than the gates of hell, you have no problem -yet.
I would expect that your brass will present problems shortly though. It's very hard to run hot loads in a large capacity cartridge without prices to pay in the long run.
