I agree with Arch on this, you don't need to push it harder than what is necessary. I was referencing debugging those ES numbers actually, as H110/296 performs most consistently when worked up, it needs it's pressure. Of course you want to get velocity up to a level that ensures complete expansion of the projectile, but that doesn't require 1300 or 1400 fps to accomplish that. The deer I've referenced were taken at velocities of 1250's fps with the 125 gr. JHP, and mid 1100's fps with the 158 gr. JHP's, which was plenty for through and through penetration, as well 100% effective on large mule deer. Trust me, I do have a bit of experience with this particular cartridge and component combination on mule deer. At 17.0 grs. you'll gain nothing by taking it up any higher, and I've tried with multiple well built revolvers, only to learn I was basically wasting powder.
Apparently I was some what vague as far as what I was referring to in "work it up". It isn't necessary or productive to exceed published data, but rather that this powder is one that does need to be worked up in order to find the most consistent results. The published data is good, use it, it has been tested and provided by those with pressure testing tools. And although I stated "I like mine warm", I only referred to the above, regarding working the charge up to an optimal performance level within the scope of published data. In fact, with H110/296, and unless your using a rifle, it will only get you so much in terms of velocity before your just burning up powder for nothing more than a good light show, with little to no ballistic advantage.
GS
