Compressed loads

[dullh]

I just loaded a bunch of 7mm-08. Here's the specs:

140gr Sierra MatchKing BT Spitzer
49grs RL19
Winchester brass
Winchester Large Rifle Primer

The reloading manual says this is a compressed load - is it ever! This load filled the case halfway up the neck, and the bullet seated to an OAL of 2.750" definitely compressed the powder. Now, are compressed loads safe for use all the time? Would they be equivalent to a +P load in a pistol? Rifle is a Browning X-Bolt, I figure it's strong enough to handle these loads with regularity. Anyone use compressed rifle loads as a matter of routine?

 

[Walkalong]

Won't hurt a thing. Assuming it is a safe charge to begin with.

If you get a long drop tube for your powder measure it will get the powder down in the neck further though, possibly even below it.

 

[dullh]

Gently tapping the loaded case (and I mean gently) will settle the powder where bullet seating meets little resistance. 49 grains is the max load as specified in the Nosler Reloading Manual for the grain weight bullet. Just a little nervous probably for no reason - my tutor is an exceptionally anal old man who has been doing this 40 years and allows no shortcuts!

 

[Walkalong]

Yes, but it is not as even throughout as it would be using a long drop tube.

 

[dullh]

I need to get one of those tubes.

 

[jim147]

Depending on the load they may push the bullet out a bit if stored for a while.
A compressed load normally slows the powder burn rate down dropping peak pressure slightly. This is not a rule as nothing in firearms seem to follow exact rules.
Using a drop tube as mentioned will help with compressed loads.

jim

 

[SciFiJim]

Just what IS a drop tube and how will it help with compressed loads?

 

[Shoney]

I made a 48" long drop tube out of an old ski pole. The pointed end of the aluminum tube is ideal to cut off and sharpen into cone that fits easily into a case. I have one for 22 and 6mm calibers, one for 6.5 to 7mm calibers, and one for 30 caliber and up

If you have any ski areas near, or if you travel to a ski area, you can easily find broken discarded and lost poles when the snow is gone.

The principle is simple, increasing the velocithy of the powder by gravity, so it packs tighter in the case. It works exceptionally well for larger capacity cases. With many loads the crunching of powder is eliminated.

 

[interlock]

a drop tube is just tube that you drop the powder down into the case. I use an old ball point pen tube that i have flared at both ends funnel sits in one end and the other goes over the mouth of the case. it just helps the powder settle in the case. I load for 7mm08. i tend to use faster powders - but my rifle is a short barrelled model 7 and won't take advantage of slower powder and heavier bullets

 

[moooose102]

i have loaded "compressed loads" several times, with no issues. sometimes, when the book calls it compressed, they are not, sometimes, the book does not call them compressed, and they turn out to be. the later of the 2 concerns me more. like said above, taping the case lighly can sometimes settle the powder in the case so it is not compressed. this would be real trouble if we had to have oxygen inside the case to burn the load! just be ABSOLOUTLY CERTAIN that it is supposed to be compressed, and if it is not, triple check (sometimes, a second set of eyes can save you from making a terrible mistake) to make sure the load is correct!

 

[USSR]

Now, are compressed loads safe for use all the time? Would they be equivalent to a +P load in a pistol?

There is nothing per se about a compressed load that is indicative of high pressure. If you use a compressed load of a relatively slow powder, you will actually be operating at a reduced pressure.

Don

 

[Seedtick]

This is all new info to me. As of yet I've not used a compressed load or a drop tube. But it sounds like an aluminum arrow shaft would make a dandy drop tube if an outside diameter of .390/.406 (like a xx75, 25 or 26/64 dia. shaft) would be large enough. It ought to be fairly easy to find a free bent one at an archery range.

ST

 

[FM-793]

I see compressed loads as a rule on the 7mm-08 when I use H414.

If compressed loads make you nervous, or are more of a PITA than you care to deal with, you can always change powders - my Nosler manual is showing that with 140 gr spitzers, Varget, RL15 or IMR4895 will give you loads in the 80-95% range. Granted, you give up a little velocity, and you need to make sure that those powders work with the other bullets you load, but it's an alternative (assuming you can find Varget, ha!).

 

[dardascastbullets]

Hi Dullh,

Compressed loads can be managed more readily by using a door bell buzzer. I used one for all my compressed loads and learned the trick from my old timer shooting friends. The buzzer can be purchased from any hardware/department stores. Remove the outside cover and mount the buzzer to the side of your loading bench. You only contact the bottom of case to the buzzer. It is amazing to watch the powder suck down into the case when the case comes into contact with the buzzer.

I trust that this will help you.

 

[crshelton]

Here are some drop tubes on the Buffalo Arms site:
http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/2,5.html

For best effect, I have been told and have read that each charge should take about 10 seconds to pour into the top of the tube.

 

[ants]

Welcome to the forum, crshelton.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

IMR 4064 does the same thing with my .308 loads, 44 grains in a Remington case puts the powder halfway up into the neck. Hodgdon list's the max at 45.9 for a 168 gr matchking. Without a drop tube, 45 grains isn't going into the case. I've actually found the best accuracy at 42.5 grains though, which is not compressed.