I think I messed up...

[MacAR]

I was loading up some 30-06 yesterday, using 47.5 grs IMR 4320 and Nosler Accubond 180gr bullets. Normally prime with a Federal LRP. By mistake, I use Federal LR Magnum primers. Most internet sources say that the difference is negligible, but I'm a touch concerned since I'm working up close to the max (48grs per Hodgdon's data; Nosler shows 49grs). Should I pull my bullets and start over? Or am I worrying too much?

Mac

 

[Bush Pilot]

Shoot it thru a friend's 06 first to be sure. I wouldn't worry though.

 

[MacAR]

Shoot it thru a friend's 06 first to be sure. I wouldn't worry though.

Lol, I've considered that. My '06 is a Remington 700, so I'm not as concerned as I might be if it were an automatic, etc. Thanks for your, input. I was really not looking forward to pulling them!

Mac

 

[243winxb]

Rem 700 handles pressure issues well. Shoot & watch for hard bolt lift. There will not be any, imo.

 

[Warpiece]

Why not do a small batch to work up to the load?

 

[MacAR]

Why not do a small batch to work up to the load?

I did, actually. That's how I arrived at the 47.5 gr load in my rifle. It's pretty accurate (0.355" at 50yd), and the recoil isn't as bad as factory loads. Well, to me at least. But in the original load, I used regular LRPs. In these last 20, I mistakenly used Mag LRPs.

Mac

 

[Walkalong]

It is unlikely to be an issue if the charge isn't at or close to max. If you are at or near max you may want to pull them.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Shoot it thru a friend's 06 first to be sure. I wouldn't worry though.

Remind me never to go shooting with you.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I did, actually. That's how I arrived at the 47.5 gr load in my rifle. It's pretty accurate (0.355" at 50yd), and the recoil isn't as bad as factory loads. Well, to me at least. But in the original load, I used regular LRPs. In these last 20, I mistakenly used Mag LRPs.

Mac

Consider this like any other load workup; check primers, pockets, neck rims, shoulder set-back, all the usual pressure indicators and the target, of course. I think you said before you don’t have a chrony?? That’s okay but it would be good to know if there’s any change SD or velocity. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find that load does significantly better with mags?

 

[MacAR]

It is unlikely to be an issue if the charge isn't at or close to max. If you are at or near max you may want to pull them.

I guess it depends on what one considers "close". Max is supposed to be 48 or 49, depending on the manual you look at. I'm thinking half to one grain under max is a decent (though slim) margin. Were I skirting under with a 10th, I would definitely pull them. Thoughts?

Consider this like any other load workup; check primers, pockets, neck rims, shoulder set-back, all the usual pressure indicators and the target, of course. I think you said before you don’t have a chrony?? That’s okay but it would be good to know if there’s any change SD or velocity. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find that load does significantly better with mags?

I'll definitely watch for pressure signs. Will be the weekend before I get to test them. Try a couple and see, I guess. Regarding a chrony: I'm seriously considering one in the near future. Reloading is still a bit new, and I've not accumulated all the gadgets just yet. My curiosity is getting to me though, so it may be sooner than later. Any recommendations on a good chronograph?

Mac

 

[ballman6711]

Maybe load a few at 47.0 grains to shoot first. If they seem too hot, you'll know you have to pull the 47.5 loads. Kind of a mini workup.

chris

 

[Lafitte]

Recent information that I have seen from a commercial ammunition company testing with laboratory equipment shows that there is virtually NO difference in pressures, velocity between rounds using standard and magnum primers.
Lafitte

 

[lordpaxman]

I’m agreeing with everyone. A 700 is extremely well built and you’ll probably not even notice a difference with the mag primer. But if you want to play it safe, load a few with the mag primers at 46.5, 47 and then if you don’t see any pressure signs the 47.5 can be tried.

Any recommendations on a good chronograph?

I upgraded to the LabRadar, with the exception of the app they supply it’s the only thing I use. If it’s out of your price range, the ProChrono DLX was my first chrono and now my son uses it. Good luck.

 

[sparkyv]

I think Warpiece means working up a load using the magnum primers. I agree with this approach, though you likely will have no issues if you just shoot them as-is as pointed out by Lafitte.

Why not do a small batch to work up to the load?

I did, actually. That's how I arrived at the 47.5 gr load in my rifle. It's pretty accurate (0.355" at 50yd), and the recoil isn't as bad as factory loads. Well, to me at least. But in the original load, I used regular LRPs. In these last 20, I mistakenly used Mag LRPs.

Mac