compressed pistol loads

[mbpautz762]

how much can you compress a load and have it still be safe? I'm a new reloader (i reload 10mm), and I'm wondering about a few rounds I made using IMR's max data (135gr HP with 14.5gr of 800x). I started loading at 12gr of 800x, and even that compressed slightly. by the time I worked up to 14.5, the entire case was completely filled to the rim. I still followed the recommended COL of 1.250 and finished the rounds. am I just being paranoid?? obviously the pressure is safe because it's listed in IMR's data, but I still feel nervous about shooting those rounds for some reason. I guess I'm having a hard time believing that I can stuff a case completely full of gunpowder and not have it blow my gun up. did anyone else have that problem when you started reloading?

 

[joneb]

Are you following the data to the tee? Same case? same primer? SAME BULLET ?? What data are you using? You need to cross reference !! 14.5 gr seems way high. Danger Will Robertson, Danger!!!

 

[Steve Koski]

There is nothing magic about compressed pistol loads. You're just going to pack the flakes in a bit. There is no mysterious threshold that is crossed. Lots/most 9mm loads with Unique are compressed. Who cares?

800X is a really slow and really fluffy pistol powder. You may have to vibrate the case to get a full charge in the case. With a light bullet, you're going to need a hell of a lot of 800X to get up to full pressure.

Like jibjab said, it's a good idea to check a couple load data sources.

 

[mbpautz762]

same bullet (nosler 135gr HP), but I had to use new starline brass (instead of remington) and winchester primers (instead of remington) because they're all I have. I hate being a poor college student.

I have heard that winchester primers tend to run a little hotter than others. is this true? what's interesting is that IMR lists the pressure for this case-filling load at only 33,100 psi - well short of the max 37,500psi for this cartridge.

 

[joneb]

WLP, are large/large magnum primers, this makes a difference, as well as the other variations you mentioned. And what about the bullet ?

 

[Steve Koski]

That's not unexpected for 800X. Your bullet is light, powder is slow and fluffy. Probably not possible to get it up to full pressure!

I don't know about your Win/Rem primer difference, but it doesn't matter much if you work up the load anyway.

 

[[email protected]]

Your gonna blow yourself up.

 

[FieroCDSP]

In your 12+gr test loads, what kind of pressure signs did you get? I've loaded a few rounds with 135gr's in my 40 cal. with 800X. It is really weird to see all of that powder in there and have to compress it, but it'll go. I didn't approach max loads because I was firing plated bullets, but the load I used was uncomfortably near the brim.

I would guage you pressure as best you can from your casings and from a chronometer. If you're anywhere near the max-speeds listed in the max data, stop there.

 

[mbpautz762]

I'll let you know the numbers once I get the range this weekend

one of the byproducts of being poor is having to shoot at a friend's house about 30 miles away

I'll just keep a close eye for any pressure signs when I start shooting those. thanks for the help!

 

[joneb]

It wouldn't hurt to sit on these loads until more info surfaces, just a thought. I have over stressed a gun or two from hot reloads and I regret that, patients is your friend

 

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

I can compress 15.5 gr 800X 200 gr 40S&W 1.171", with a full support chamber.
I can compress 14.2 gr 800X 200 gr 10mm 1.3", with Bar Sto barrel with ok case support.

I get that much powder to fit by putting it in the case and compressing, and then adding more powder and then compressing. The bullet is seated on already compressed powder, so the bullet does not get crushed.

A crushed bullet could get jammed in the throat and cause a pressure spike. As a safety precaution, I always check that the round will fall into the chamber and fall out.

 

[pinkymingeo]

WLPs are hotter. I get 20-30fps more than Federals using the same loads. Gotta admit, I wonder what's the point of a 135gr bullet in 10mm. AA9, Longshot and HS6 are great 10mm powders, and fit in the case. Guys using 800X often are using loads way off the tables, looking for performance the 10mm wasn't designed for. Do yourself a favor and use another powder.