How many of you load near or at max
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JimKirk
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Your question is quite broad, but yes I have and depending on the cartridge I still do ...
BUT ....I always work my way up in small amounts until I know it is safe .... most of my plinking loads are "upper" middle or "lower" upper loads ...
Reloading books have all the information needed to make a wise choice of loads ... be wise and use them ...
BUT ....I always work my way up in small amounts until I know it is safe .... most of my plinking loads are "upper" middle or "lower" upper loads ...
Reloading books have all the information needed to make a wise choice of loads ... be wise and use them ...
270WSMANIC
Member
Loaded my A-bolt 270WSM max. about 3300fps. with 130 gr. , 3200fps with 140gr.
Had to replace the barrel @ about 2500-3000 rounds due to eroded throat.Loading the new Douglas barrel bout 2 grains below max. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer then the 11 years it took to shoot the old on out.
The hot loads grouped sub moa and so does the new barrel with lighter loads.
I know, some say if your not wearing out barrels your not shooting enough. Probley true.
Had to replace the barrel @ about 2500-3000 rounds due to eroded throat.Loading the new Douglas barrel bout 2 grains below max. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer then the 11 years it took to shoot the old on out.
The hot loads grouped sub moa and so does the new barrel with lighter loads.
I know, some say if your not wearing out barrels your not shooting enough. Probley true.
LiveLife
Member
I do load at near max/max load data but with some considerations.
With mixed range brass with unknown reload history and condition of brass, I prefer not to use near max load data and prefer mid-to-high range load data at lower pressures, especially for 40S&W. Since slower than Unique/Universal/BE-86 powders burn more efficiently at high-to-near max load data to produce accuracy, W231/HP-38 and faster burning powders are better suited for lower velocity/pressure target loads that can still produce accuracy.
1999 Winchester load data - http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=159609&stc=1&d=1329800605
If I have to load at max load data, I prefer to use once-fired brass (preferably verified once-fired) or brass with primer still crimped in.
With mixed range brass with unknown reload history and condition of brass, I prefer not to use near max load data and prefer mid-to-high range load data at lower pressures, especially for 40S&W. Since slower than Unique/Universal/BE-86 powders burn more efficiently at high-to-near max load data to produce accuracy, W231/HP-38 and faster burning powders are better suited for lower velocity/pressure target loads that can still produce accuracy.
1999 Winchester load data - http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=159609&stc=1&d=1329800605
Current Hodgdon load data - http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol
One exception is 9mm with 115 gr bullet. Due to lighter weight and shorter bullet base, I need to push the 115 gr FMJ/plated RN bullet at near max load data to reliably cycle the slides of my Glocks, especially subcompact with stiffer recoil spring. While 4.6 gr of W231/HP-38 at 1.135" will start to reliably cycle the slide, accuracy is not optimal and I prefer to use 4.8 gr with 4.8/4.9 gr being max charges for lead RN/FMJ bullets.
In comparison, 40S&W 180 gr plated TCFP can be loaded to below start charge at 4.3 gr of W231/HP-38 and still reliably cycle the slide and produce accuracy below 26,400 PSI (5.1 gr max charge at 33,500 PSI) that won't overly expand the brass.
If I have to load at max load data, I prefer to use once-fired brass (preferably verified once-fired) or brass with primer still crimped in.
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Well, right now I am loading 9mm (other threads) 124 gold dot jhp viht 3n37 min is 5.7 max 6.4. I have worked up to 6.1 getting a pretty constant velocity of about 1085. Book says at max I will be 1179. I have a 4.48 barrel and test barrel was 4. Anyway, at 6.1 I am right around 5% off max load. Just got me wondering if anyone ever really loads at the max. Though it's my first time with 9mm I have loaded plenty rifle and .357 cartridges. I have always tried to keep a deliberate safe distance away from max on everything I load. Just curious how common it may be to load to max whatever cartridge? If that makes any sense
JimKirk
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Rarely do the actual chronographed velocities match exactly with what data says ... Also two guns that are alike will gives differing results ...
Simple answer, Yes. Is it worth it? No. I find that rarely do the max loads = max accuracy. More powder & not as fun to shoot. BTW, There is a non-expressed distance between max load and a need for the morgue. It's a safety not a maxum. All these guys are right in asking for variables. In your case condition of which gun and barrel seem to worth note.
like bds says, yes with some considerations. i use a chronograph when developing loads to indicate when a load is too max. every gun is different so a good max load in one 9mm auto pistol may be way over max in another 9mm auto pistol. you need to keep your eyes wide open for any signs of over-pressure.
i guess what i'm saying is follow your reloading manual directions and stop if something doesn't seem right.
luck,
murf
i guess what i'm saying is follow your reloading manual directions and stop if something doesn't seem right.
luck,
murf
I get my best accuracy over-max. I will not detail the load components or quantities, because I don't want to see someone blow-up their rifle and try to sue me, or THR.
As an example, the best accuracy out of my former M700V, 6mm Rem was a 95 grain Nosler Partition, with a MV of 3,371 FPS. That is way over max, and produced consistent 3/8", three-shot groups at 300 yards (benched and sandbags), with a Redfield 3-18 AccuTrac optic, in low rings.
For the record, I do not suggest anyone try max loads unless they do so by working up 3-shot groups, increasing the powder charge by 1/10th of a grain, and checking for signs of excessive pressure. Never attempt, ever over max loads.
I know; I know: 3,371 FPS?!
Geno
As an example, the best accuracy out of my former M700V, 6mm Rem was a 95 grain Nosler Partition, with a MV of 3,371 FPS. That is way over max, and produced consistent 3/8", three-shot groups at 300 yards (benched and sandbags), with a Redfield 3-18 AccuTrac optic, in low rings.
For the record, I do not suggest anyone try max loads unless they do so by working up 3-shot groups, increasing the powder charge by 1/10th of a grain, and checking for signs of excessive pressure. Never attempt, ever over max loads.
I know; I know: 3,371 FPS?!
Geno
sage5907
Member
Yes, I follow the recommendations of the bullet manufacturer and powder manufacturers and I work up to a load that is usually is 1 grain or a half grain below max. I use good soft cases that give minimum neck tension and I constantly watch for flattened primers and bright rings around the cases in front of the case web. I think that powder manufacturers and bullet manufacturers are conservative on their recommended charges due to liability considerations. I use high quality bolt action rifles and I constantly look for problems.
Blue68f100
Member
For rifle I load what gives me the best accuracy. If it's near max I'm fine with it since I worked up my loads. Brass is kept separate per application. Normally rotate it down to lower loads after a few firings.
For pistol loads I very seldom do. I have a few for hunting that are at or near max.
For pistol loads I very seldom do. I have a few for hunting that are at or near max.
ColoradoShooter77
Member
I've been loading 155 grain Berry's 40 S&W with 7.5 grains CFE-Pistol, max is 7.8.
With Longshot and the same bullet, I've been running 8.2 grains, max is 9.3.
With my AR-15, I'm using AA-2460 and I run the "Nato Spec" data on their website, 26 grains with a 55 grain FMJ. These shoot great and clean.
With my .308, I'm running 44 grains IMR-4895 with a 168 grain HPBT, max is 45.4.
Basically, I'm running upper mid-range loads and they work great.
With Longshot and the same bullet, I've been running 8.2 grains, max is 9.3.
With my AR-15, I'm using AA-2460 and I run the "Nato Spec" data on their website, 26 grains with a 55 grain FMJ. These shoot great and clean.
With my .308, I'm running 44 grains IMR-4895 with a 168 grain HPBT, max is 45.4.
Basically, I'm running upper mid-range loads and they work great.
What am I misreading (misinterpreting?)in the following?
contradicts....
which contradicts:
And this:
contradicts....
which contradicts:
And this:
is a bit the far side of unbelievable. No rifle can shoot all 3-shot groups at 300 yards that are the same size. Something's not mentioned in that remark that's reality. In my opinion.
Bart:
I didn't list the powder, or the powder charge, merely the cartridge, projectile and MV. No, I do not recommend others exceed max pressures. It's one thing for me to run the risk, but I won't recommend it.
As to the accuracy claims, you weren't there; you didn't witness it. Other professional shootists did. Some people who should shoot competitively, don't. I loathe the cut-throat, back-stabbing that I witnessed when I outshot a competitive shootist in front of several other shooting professionals.
The defeated shootist grabbed the witnessed, signed and dated targets, tore them up, and threw then away. His retort as he did this: "It looks like you're bragging!". For the record, he was a DNR officer, in uniform, on duty. This was at the Bald Mountain range, in Lake Orion, MI, witnessed by several of his fellow DNR officers.
Several other skilled shootists also replicated that accuracy, with that rifle and undisclosed load.
Geno
I didn't list the powder, or the powder charge, merely the cartridge, projectile and MV. No, I do not recommend others exceed max pressures. It's one thing for me to run the risk, but I won't recommend it.
As to the accuracy claims, you weren't there; you didn't witness it. Other professional shootists did. Some people who should shoot competitively, don't. I loathe the cut-throat, back-stabbing that I witnessed when I outshot a competitive shootist in front of several other shooting professionals.
The defeated shootist grabbed the witnessed, signed and dated targets, tore them up, and threw then away. His retort as he did this: "It looks like you're bragging!". For the record, he was a DNR officer, in uniform, on duty. This was at the Bald Mountain range, in Lake Orion, MI, witnessed by several of his fellow DNR officers.
Several other skilled shootists also replicated that accuracy, with that rifle and undisclosed load.
Geno
ColoradoShooter77
Member
I forgot to mention that with 9mm, I'm running 147 grain Berry's RN at 100% max charge....4.2 grains CFE-Pistol. Even this only yields about 950 fps from a 4" Walther PPX.
My short answer is yes. A little more specificity is as follows: 1) for 45 ACP yes, 2) For magnum loads in 10MM and 44 Mag not so much. In my 308, no I've tested max loads for my rifles but I generally shoot lower (as in mid-range) loads for typical range use. My general rule is if I need to shoot max loads in a certain caliber, then I typically choose a different (more potent) cartridge. I don't mind maxing out 45 ACP as at +-20,000 psi there is a lot of room for error. My 45 ACP cases last a very long time.
Scooter22
Member
I've been reloading for 40 years or so. I never load max. Always a grain or below. If I need more I go up to a faster round. Never had a problem and don't worry about flattened primers, extruded cases or near blow ups. I reload to enjoy. Not play Russian Roulette.
Some of my loads might be slightly over max in some manuals, but not in others. My 30-06 and 308 loads are all 50-100 fps faster than what is listed as "normal" speeds for most factory loads. But are either right at the max charge weight listed or within 1 grain. Never over.
You don't have to live dangerously to get good bullet speeds if you choose powder and bullets carefully. There are loads that show more pressure than mine even they may be 100 fps or more slower.
I don't worry about squeezing the last .02 MOA out of my loads. I strive to keep 3 shots under 1" with all the speed I can safely get. In a hunting rifle, shot in field positions a 1 MOA rifle is just as accurate as a .5 MOA rifle.
You don't have to live dangerously to get good bullet speeds if you choose powder and bullets carefully. There are loads that show more pressure than mine even they may be 100 fps or more slower.
I don't worry about squeezing the last .02 MOA out of my loads. I strive to keep 3 shots under 1" with all the speed I can safely get. In a hunting rifle, shot in field positions a 1 MOA rifle is just as accurate as a .5 MOA rifle.
Hardtarget
Member
Almost every load is below max. If more horse power is needed, I move to a cartridge that delivers that horse power in a safe pressure range. Nothing I hunt needs massive killing power anyway. Clean kill comes from shot placement. Self defense hand gun loads need to give reasonable recovery/follow up so I try to keep those in the controllable range as well.
I don't want to beat up my gun or myself when target shooting so I look for good accuracy in the mid or upper mid powder charge weights. I'm just here to have fun.
If I'm making hunting loads I want to push them fast enough to make the bullet perform as it is designed. That may require a heavier charge than target loads...but it IS hunting...so.
Mark
I don't want to beat up my gun or myself when target shooting so I look for good accuracy in the mid or upper mid powder charge weights. I'm just here to have fun.
If I'm making hunting loads I want to push them fast enough to make the bullet perform as it is designed. That may require a heavier charge than target loads...but it IS hunting...so.
Mark
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