Hello All,

One question, I heve been looking at some differen loads for my .308 since I am still trying to figure out what she likes. Anyways, I think I will be using Varget or IMR 4350 for my powder selections. I have noticed several of the heavier (175 and 180 grn) rounds list compressedloads using the IMR. I am new to this and was wondering how safe is this and does compressed loads have any difference in performance?

Thanks,
B.

Compressed loads are not Dangerous as long as you are w/in manufacturers specs (charge weight, COL, Primer, etc).

The main thing you have to worry about is if the bullet is really hard to seat and you don't crimp, sometimes it will "grow" (COL will lenghten after awhile). Usually if it doesn't "grow" w/in a few days, you'll be fine. I would try to stay away from the loads where the bullet is hard to seat, alittle pressure and crunching isn't bad but, when it gets difficult to seat the bullet, you'd better watch out.

Some rifle/bullet/powder combos absolutely love compressed loads.

Good Luck!

Reloader

Compressing (especially extruded...stick) powders is a common practice and not to be too worried about. It's even possible to dump half a charge in the case and compress it and then dump the remainder in and compress that and then seat the bullet.

As long as you work up to the charge and be watchful for all the possible pressure signs you'll be fine.

If the load is listed in a reliable reloading manual (and many of them are listed as compressed) don't be afraid of compressing the powder.

Crimping the bullet is a good idea under compressed loads.

Thanks for the info gentlemen!

B.

Winnie, Use a drop tube and/or swirl the powder as you slowly trickle the weighed charge into your brass. You will be surprised how much this settles the powder, thus minimizing the crush when using compressed loads.

Some folks also have good results tapping the shell case as the powder is trickled in.

My best results are by pouring the powder slowly down the side of a funnel that has a 6" drop tube. If the powder swrils around the funnel on the way down, all the better.

BTW, I have has exceptional results using Varget with 168g. Sierra Match bullets.

My best load for my .308 Win., Rem. Mdl. 700, is a lightly compressed load of 46.5 grains IMR4064, with a 150 grains Hornady Interlok. I consistently get 1 1/4" five shot groups at 200 yards.

The Mule deer I've killed with that load don't seem to know that the load is slightly compressed.

Good luck. L.W.

Is it my imagination or are compressed loads stiffer to chamber?

EWN, I've tried 'em both ways and can't tell any difference chambering them in my rifles.

L.W.

Up until a few months ago I would agree with almost all the advise you are getting on this thread.

Approaching max. slowly and than starting to compress IMR7383 has proven damaging to rifles and possibly dangerous to the shooters as well.It is however the only extruded powder I know of that exhibits these unsafe characteristics. There is a fairly comprehensive report on this if you are interested.

Compressing ball powders can cause other problems such as case expansion , primer extrusion, and change of OAL after a short time. There also has been made mention of ignition* and burn rate changes*. * Personally I can not verify the latter two. roger