Soot on cases

chocdog · Apr 9, 2012

Hi all,
I have this past weekend mad it to the range to perform a OCW test to develope a good target/practice load for my 30-06. The loads were using RE-19, SGK 150 SPBT, Federal brass and primers. The test went really well and it appears that for this combination the best node (grouped at less than a dime

) was using 58.6 gr, second was 59.4 (a little over 1.25"). Now for the twist, I had 50 rounds including those for the OCW and put them all down the pipe. Barrel was cleaned twice during the session. Every one of the cases had soot ranging from the case mouth, body and down to the rim, every case was dirty. I have never seen this before, other than some around the case neck. All loads did not show any signs of excessive pressure, bolt worked smoothly etc.
Is this amount of soot normal?
Is this an indication of minimal case expansion resulting in no seal in the chamber?
Is the RE-19 burnrate to slow?
Gun is in excellent shape and I see no signs of nicks or erosion in the chamber (visual with flashlight)
Any comments/pointers would be greatly appreciated as I am new to reloading.

Unforunatly I am out of town for the week and forgot to download photos before I left. I'll post them later this week.

Thanks again!

rcmodel · Apr 9, 2012

Low pressure not expanding the case to get a good seal.

RX-19 is bordering on the slow side for a 150 grain bullet.

I think if you are going to use it, you need to bump up the load to a compressed max or near max load to get enough pressure.

Lyman #49 shows a 64.3 compressed charge MAX developing 49,600 PSI.
The could go higher, but it won't fit in the case.

58.5 grains is only 40,000 PSI, or about like a 30-30.

rc

gamestalker · Apr 9, 2012

I have loaded extensively with RE19 / RL19 for years and have encountered the same senario. And as RC indicated above, as I increased the load to a compressed charge, below the mouth sooting disappeared. And this isn't really an occurance limited to RL19, but I think more so a tuning indicator when working with slow burning powders, as per application.

I would continue a gradual increase until the sooting disappears, while carefully watching for high pressure indicators. But I would doubt you could get enough RL19 in a 30-06 case to cause excessive pressures.

Micha2u · Apr 9, 2012

I would agree with the answers above as they tend to point to similar experiences that I have had with slow powders using 150 gr. bullets in my .30-06.

chocdog · Apr 9, 2012

Thanks all for the comments. I do have a question though about the comments/advice giiven. Forgive me I am new to reloading. This particular load I am developing is really for practice/target shooting and not what I will use for hunting. The OCW shows the 58.6 gr load has the best grouping. Is the general consensus to increase the load regardless to the test results. I am planning to run the test again with various powders. Next OCW will be with Big Game. Any other powder recommendations would be appreciated.

Again thanks for the help.

jim147 · Apr 9, 2012

A recommendation for 30-06 powder?

That would have to be H4895 I also light to try Varget in about everything.

jim

Blue68f100 · Apr 10, 2012

Normally when you work up loads you will find 2 that are good. One at a lower pressure and another toward the top end.

edfardos · Apr 10, 2012

h4350 for 55gr bullets for me

Old Grumpy · Apr 10, 2012

When you're looking for a target load you normally look for the most economical load that gives consistant (accurate) results. Your groups sound good so is the soot on the case that big of an issue? You could increase the charge untill the sooting stops but if the loads are accurate enough at the current level why mess with sucess?

Is your goal an accurate target round or clean cases? If the soot is an issue you can look for another powder where you can find an clean accruate load.

chocdog · Apr 10, 2012

Thanks all for the advice and comments.

LoonWulf · Apr 10, 2012

I dont really like the idea of my cases not sealing properly, i dont honestly know of any harm it would cause, but it bugs me. If your looking at loading down a bit, id suggest a faster powder. Personally i used imr 4895 for most of my 06 shooting, back when i was in high school. Ive moved onto h4350 for most of my 06 loads, but i dont plink with the 06 anymore.

flashhole · Apr 11, 2012

There are a couple of other things you can do. Go to a heavier bullet or try annealing your cases. IMO - If you intend to use your gun for hunting you should be shooting the same practice load you intend to use for hunting so you understand how that load behaves in the field.

Soot on cases

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