One more Edge question Too Hard on My Brass?

[montana_native]

I have obtained the following load data for my Edge. All with CCI 250's, 3.920" OAL, 0.010" off the lands, runout <0.003" and 300 SMK's

H-1000

92.0 gr, 2827, 2834, 2836 fps, AVG. 2832.3, 9 FPS spread, 0.354"
92.5 gr, 2850, 2850, 2866 fps, AVG. 2855.3, 16 FPS spread, 0.409"
93.0 gr, 2886, 2889, 2879 fps, AVG. 2884.7, 10 FPS spread, 0.367"

RETUMBO

94.0 gr, 2886, 2867, 2882 fps, AVG. 2878.3, 19 FPS spread, 0.388"
94.5 gr, 2900, 2907, 2894 fps, AVG. 2900.3, 13 FPS spread, 0.410"
95.0 gr, 2895, 2900, 2898 fps, AVG. 2897.7, 5 FPS spread, 0.329"

None of the brass/primers show pressure signs. I find it strange how the Retumbo leveled off. What load would I be best off with? The small difference in group size is probably from me. They all seem to shoot about the same. Would there be a huge gain in brass life by going with the lighter loads? Ballistics calculators I have played with indicate very similar performance between them all.

Thanks.

 

[montana_native]

bump incase anyone has some advice.

Thanks.

 

[Michael Eichele]

Do any of the loads leave you with loose primer pockets?

If only the rest of us had such a delima.

 

[gamedog]

Current avaiability of powders may help make a decision for you. H1000 is still available around here. Not 100% sure on Retumbo.
Both loads look good IMO.
One other thing, is Retumbo heat sensitive compared to H1000?
Most of the Hodgen Extreme powders are pretty safe in various temperatures.
I do run H-1000 in my 338.

 

[montana_native]

No primer pocket loosening as of yet.


Haven't had trouble getting Retumbo or H-1000 yet.

 

[Down Under Hunter]

If you have not already , you need to read an article on the site by Shawn Carlock with alot of his early findings loading for his pet calibre.

I am sure he noticed some temp sensative issues with Retumbo and his data on H1000 looked awsome.

I personally am using H1000 92grns out of my DE 338 and am very happy. I bet the majority of guys shooting the round are shooting slight variations of a similar theme ie- CC1 250, 92-94 grns H1000 and 300 smk at 3.775- 3.9 ish OAL ?

That low ES figure is really important as well, but looks like you have that covered ? Did you chrono any 10 shot groups or are they only what you show ? If you still have single digit ES after 10, pack up and be happy !

DUH

 

[Fiftydriver]

Looks to me that if you put these loads side by side facing a mirror, they would all look the same. There is not a hell of alot of difference between any of them.

To claim one load is better then the others would be silly as its just impossible to say that with loads this close.

If your primer pockets are tight and stay that way for at least 4 firings, your using very comfortable pressure.

I have customers bring in load data all the time very similiar to this, something, often times, much more in depth with many different loads but the theme is the same, basically they are all good loads. I call this "tinkeritis". Its the overwhelming need to test every possible load to the varying 1/2 grain of powder and to every 5 thou in seating depth variation and with every possible primer option available.

Simply put, take your pick, at long range, there is noone on this board that could tell one from the other at long range. Get off the loading bench, get off paper at 100 yards, pick one of these loads and get out and start practicing field practice shots.

Your rifle will last longer, your hair will grey later and you will become much more proficent with your rifle and actually enjoy it much better as well.

You are loading good ammo, that is clear, your load development is done, pick one and get out and start field practicing!!! Good job

 

[montana_native]

I have a severe case of tinkeritis as you describe. It spills over to more than just handloads too. If Kirby Allen says my loads are OK that works for me.

Thanks for the complement.