I finally got the reloading dies for my 450 Nitro Express Means I no longer have to rely on the neighbors equipment to reload.
I wanted to do a test and see how far I can push my Ruger no. 1. I started with 98gr of H4831 and did increases of 1gr until I got to 104gr. from there I went up in 1/3gr increments. I stopped at 108gr in the reloading session because I ran out of brass 108gr did start to flatten out primers a bit. based on the pictures below, are they flattened out too much to shoot another load at 108?

The brass, left to right is 94, 104, 108

I am no expert, but for what its worth here goes. I see only flatened primers, they have yet to completely fill the primer pockets. They do not appear bulged. How much is the case head expanding? What bullet are you using? How does it sound when fired? How easy are the cases to extract?

When I used to work max per my gun loads. I would do it in the hottest month of the year. In Texas that usually meant August, and not worry about them the rest of the year. Is this new brass? What velocity are you getting on your chrony? How much room do you have left in the case?

I also, am not an expert, eventhough I've loaded a few tests and have a reasonable chance of knowing when I'm about to get into trouble.
I don't see that trouble in imminent. Using flattened primers as the only signal may not be the best approach, but if the other things-to-watch are not making trouble, I'd raise it a LITTLE more.
You're using a slow-burning powder, and small increments...I think you're good to go. Are you using a chronograph? For even part of the test?
You're not going to exceed factory ballistics, by much, anyway, so stop when you have had enough. (Enough recoil is enough.)
Have fun,
Gene

I think that 108 is going to be my max then. Recoil is very stout, more then I care to subject myself to. The other reason for stopping is case capacity, 108gr is a compression load. Cases were a little sticky, this could be do to the weather, 90 degrees with 95% humidity. I didnt bring the chronograph, but I am fairly certain that I am nearing 2400fps.

An old guy got asked the same question long ago. He responded, "Stoke her up a half grain at a time 'till she blows, then back off a full grain. Or, stick with book max if you like."

quote:

Originally posted by Jim C. <><:
An old guy got asked the same question long ago. He responded, "Stoke her up a half grain at a time 'till she blows, then back off a full grain. Or, stick with book max if you like."

book max for the 450 nitro express are intended for regulated double rifles. Factory ammo and reloading data cater this fact. Both the 450 Nitro and Ruger No. 1 can handle much more pressure. I am not anywhere near blowing up the gun, look at the brass.

The heaviest load shows greater pressure on the primer and the sides of the case.
What we see here is not enough to evaluate the the pressure level.
Is the brass soft or hard? Is the primer construction similar to WLR or CCI #34? What are you trying to achieve as far as velocity and are you satisfied.
With what you are showing here you haven't exceeded safe limits yet. I say that ,however , not knowing the limits of the rifle itself.If you got a POS maybe you are already in trouble. roger

quote:

I am not anywhere near blowing up the gun, look at the brass.

I didn't say you are and you may be totally correct about increasing the charge but you asked and Bart is correct, there is no rational way any of us can surmise the pressure of your load by that photo nor do we know the limits of your rifle. Thus, as the old guy in my gun club was pointing out, this is the USA, it's your gun, your powder and your ass so you get to do as you wish.

You asked what we think. Part of what I think is primers are lousy guides to try to gage pressure by.

To me there is a definite difference between max load and most accurate load. I always worked up to the latter and have never been disappointed. Typically the two came together somewhere right around book max for the cartridge with a given projectile.

quote:

Originally posted by Doubless:
To me there is a definite difference between max load and most accurate load. I always worked up to the latter and have never been disappointed. Typically the two came together somewhere right around book max for the cartridge with a given projectile.

agreed, though I was not looking for the most accurate (which is 102.4gr to date). Just looking to see the limits of the rifle/caliber. The Ruger no.1 is considered a very strong action, probably stronger then a bolt so I am not too worried about failure. Personally, a rifle with some stout recoil is just plane fun to shoot for me. Again, I dont see any need of going past 108gr, nor is it something I am looking to shoot regularly. I just wanted a load to blast 10 gallon buckets of water to impress friends and relatives.