Greetings,

A while back, I posted a couple of loads for the 25-06 using Nosler 85 grain B-Tips with Reloder 19. here is the thread:
www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=004440

I spent a few hours yesterday in the field whacking prairie dogs with this load and noticed some changes. Accuracy was still very good and the rifle exhibited no worries, however, my primers were flowing and cratering. Upon checking the velocity, I discovered a dramatic jump over my initial development data, right around +150 fps!

The changes from my workup included once fired brass instead of new, Federal 210 primers instead of WW-LR, different batch of powder, and a shooting temperature of 90F as opposed to the mid-sixties at the range.

The 59.0 grain charge of Reloder 19 is just a couple of tenths over the max listed in a couple of manuals, however, I am going to back down a bit. No cartridges sat in a hot chamber and I always let my barrel cool between dog shots. I was really amazed at the change. The small bore screamers are rather new to me as I have never had this kind of jump working with big bore rifles.

Just thought you ought to know.

Good shooting and be ever so observant!

Regards,

~Holmes

[ 06-18-2002, 01:50: Message edited by: Holmes ]

This is why I don't use Hercules=Alliant Reloader powders.

Your comment interests me. I have heard of noticeable variations from batch to batch with the Reloder series.

Is this what you are referring to?

Please elaborate.

Thanks.

~Holmes

Don, I don't think any particular powder manufacturer has a monopoly on slight variations between lots. And in my experience some powders simply seem to be more sensitive than others to temperature changes. I had a very similar experience with a near max load in IMR 4895.
As far as Hercules powders are concerned, I've had a life time of excellent service from their products.

At any rate, Holmes, I think you are doing the right thing all around and mighty nice of you to update us on this little issue.

Holmes,

I read of problems with Rel. 22 also.

OK so Pecos 45 had a bad lot of imr 4895 (maybe). But this may not be a variation beween lots but temperature sensitivity. Their old Hi-Vel 2 which was also a nitro glycerine powder had the same bad reputation.

I have used a lot of imr powder for 49 years and never had one single hot load even. But I have had lots of trouble with Ball C, AA 2015 and now I read about Alliant powders. I would add that the most trouble free powder I have used in large quantity is surplus 4831.

I have used Hercules 2400 and Unique without any problems.

However this could be like the thread on problems with new M-70's with everyone piling on.

I would not believe those who sell the stuff though as it's CYA for sure.

[ 06-18-2002, 07:27: Message edited by: Don Martin29 ]

Thank you for the input, gentlemen.

I would guess this is indeed, a temperature sensitivity issue. I am no newcomer to handloading and fully understand and expect the minor variations experienced from one batch of powder to the next.

I have never had a jump of this magnitude before with any load in any calibre/cartridge. Sure is a flat shootin' load though!

While most of my rifle experience is with the IMR family of propellants, I have had very good luck with Reloder 15 & 19 in my 375 H&H work. I am not, however, loading it right to the edge as I have been with this quarter bore.

I talked with Dale Storey today and got a pretty good ass chewin'!! He does not care for hand loaders pushing the envelope for a variety of reasons.

At any rate, I will certainly be cautious in the future in terms of temperature, pressure, and the retention of ten digits....

Thanks again.

~Holmes

Holmes

A mate of mine used Re 22 in his 7mm STW. He took it to Africa, and it satrted to looen primer pockets when fired through a barrel with coldhard fouling.

Another problem these days is the brass is ofter.

Back many year ago Winchester brass would havea light blish colot arond the head. Now the brass looks like the stuff in a door handle.

When brass was harder, accuracy usually fell away well below the point where primer pockest would loosen, so there was a "gap" available but not so these days. I think teh Reimngton Bulk Brass we get from Huntingtons is plastic that has brass coloured paint on it.

Mike