Reloading question?

[scsims]

I have resently loaded some 243 loads. 65gr Vmax over 41gr of varget. It's showing some signs of excess pressure. The brass has shiny spots on the bottom rim of the case. My question is should I not shoot the remaining cartridges I've loaded with that load or is it ok to shoot them?

[aceoky]

It is *my* opinion(at least) that any time you see excessive pressure ......better safe than sorry! Pull the bullets reduce the powder charge! *IF* a rifle explodes in your face(and you live)..at best you're out a rifle(if you don't live...well that's much worse!!!)

Even *if* the rifle didn't explode,too high of pressure wears the rifle much too fast and causes long-term problems; I just don't feel it's worth it for a few FPS increase, so I won't do it......if I have a load just a little too "hot" I'll pull 'em and back 'em down to where there is NO sign of problems(flattened primers etc.) Just imagine for a minute....if that bolt(or whatever) comes flying into your face...with all those HOT gasses.....not a chance I'm willing to take! Be safe, it should be fun!!![:D]

Reloaders Haul Brass!

[scsims]

Thanks, for the advice. I shot 6 and got the mark on all of them. Would you expect any rifle damage from that?

[aceoky]

You are very welcome!

Just a guess; you're probably OK with only six.

Another guess: I think what is causing the "shiny spots" is (I think)(again guessing this is a bolt action rifle)... the bolt face contacting the case a bit too hard; this is NOT good,(had you fired the brass in THIS rifle before going "hot"?)

According to my Hornady reloading manual 5th addition you are right at the UPPER limits with that load( you gotta love the varget though) [:)] I'd try 40 grains and see what that does.....should give you about 3500 FPS and *should* be a little safer/better for the rifle.

*NOTE* : This load is near MAX as always start below that and work up in <b> .5 grain increments</b> until reaching either that setting or signs of excessive pressure. That is as high as *I* would personally go (and I wouldn't go that high if any signs of excessive pressure show up)[:D] Hope I've been of some help.

I'd rather be lucky than good anyday!!

Reloaders Haul Brass!

[scsims]

No I hadn't fired them yet and they did fit a little tight when closing the bolt. I probably need to seat the bullet a little deeper. I had shot this load before with no signs of pressure, I do believe that I did seat the bullet out a little further though. Could that be the problem and not the load?

[aceoky]

It very well could be!! When you seat a bullet too deep usually the pressure is increased. Also by shooting the brass first with a low load(fire forming) this allows the brass to "fit" that rifle...which makes it much harder to "move" and make the marks you are seeing.

However; let me stress once more: by going MAX you usually only gain a few FPS(normally around 75-100 ) which if compared to a "almost max" load.....isn't worth it in terms of safety and gun wear/abuse...IMHO and if you check it with a ballistic calculator(find one at www.huntingnut.com ...in the "downloads section") you'll see almost NO gain in performance!!!
Now what makes reloading fun is: I can't tell you(or vice versa) how to load....it's an individual thing...that's what makes it so "kewl"..however, those that have done it for decades echo what I'm saying here....if the gain is marginal at best why take chances?

On that point.......SEATING DEPTH.....you must always try to check your OAL(overall length) on your reloads...they are not a guideline they are there so you KNOW that your reload will chamber(and shouldn't have excessive pressure).

That said what is too high for gun X may not be for gun Y....but when in doubt err on the "safe side" .....I'd rather "talk" to you for years than hear of a BAD incident/accident the other way around!![:)]

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I'd rather be lucky than good any day!!

Reloaders Haul Brass!