Is a slightly 'hot' load OK for the brass and barrel?

[Shane Lindsey]

Attrition is a thing...

 

[VarmintBob]

Powder amount, heat of explosion value of the powder type and size of the bore are the primary factors dictating barrel life. High pressure is the primary killer of brass. More powder, higher heat of explosion and smaller case necks create overbore conditions. This amounts to more torch effect at the case mouth and more throat erosion. "Slightly hot" is not a peak pressure value so it's hard to say how bad your load might be.

 

[baldhunter]

Powder amount, heat of explosion value of the powder type and size of the bore are the primary factors dictating barrel life. High pressure is the primary killer of brass. More powder, higher heat of explosion and smaller case necks create overbore conditions. This amounts to more torch effect at the case mouth and more throat erosion. "Slightly hot" is not a peak pressure value so it's hard to say how bad your load might be.

Perfectly said.One thing to also keep in mind about the WSM's,the leads are long and start right near where the barrel starts.Once you get a few hundred rounds down the barrel and the erosion and carbon build up starts,you could also run into a pressure increase from where you are now.Your groups may also open up a bit.About five throat lapping bullets may take care of this problem.It's just something to watch out for and think about.This is what it will look like.

 

[Panhandlin Pat]

If you run a warm load don't leave the ammo in a hot pickup. Shot my truck gun yesterday (savage 308) and blew the extractor out. Second time this has happened, first was letting an Argentinian borrow the rifle on a July hog hunt. He shot a pig and the primer fell out upon extraction, ejector spring toast. Rifle had been sitting in the pickup in the sun for around an hour while we visited. Near max load of Varget

 

[Culpeper]

As already mentioned back off .5 grains next time.