Hey gang,
Bolt action Savage Classic 14 with a 22" barrel. I'm using 55gr Hornady Vmax and H4895 in RP brass. A few years ago I settled on a load of 25.0gr H4895 that grouped very nicely and was about the upper limit of published data.
A year or two ago I chronographed a five shot sample and got an average of 3100 or so.
Today I chronographed some rounds with the same powder charge and change of brass. Got a bunch of once fired PMC brass from a friend. Resized the same way, same primers, bullets etc.
I was a bit surprised when they chronographed at an average of 3225. Still grouping well. Some primer flow around the firing pin but no visible ejector marks on the brass or heavy bolt lift.
Also I seat these about .040 off the lands so the OAL is greater than factory ammo so the combustion chamber if you will is a bit larger than factory ammo.
I don't know if the brass is actually that much different or my beam scale is a bit out of wack or if my chrono is out of wack but it was very consistent with the velocities.
So...long story short...you guys think I'm okay breaking 3200ft/sec or do you think I might be pushing the pressure a bit?
Thanks.
Bolt action Savage Classic 14 with a 22" barrel. I'm using 55gr Hornady Vmax and H4895 in RP brass. A few years ago I settled on a load of 25.0gr H4895 that grouped very nicely and was about the upper limit of published data.
A year or two ago I chronographed a five shot sample and got an average of 3100 or so.
Today I chronographed some rounds with the same powder charge and change of brass. Got a bunch of once fired PMC brass from a friend. Resized the same way, same primers, bullets etc.
I was a bit surprised when they chronographed at an average of 3225. Still grouping well. Some primer flow around the firing pin but no visible ejector marks on the brass or heavy bolt lift.
Also I seat these about .040 off the lands so the OAL is greater than factory ammo so the combustion chamber if you will is a bit larger than factory ammo.
I don't know if the brass is actually that much different or my beam scale is a bit out of wack or if my chrono is out of wack but it was very consistent with the velocities.
So...long story short...you guys think I'm okay breaking 3200ft/sec or do you think I might be pushing the pressure a bit?
Thanks.