Many say they look for “high” load density when selecting a powder

What do you consider “high”; is 89-90% high enough?

personally, i like 90% in rifle cases .. the closer to full the better, if safe loads .. YMMV

Yep, I agree with Jeff. I like to shoot compressed loads when ever possible.

I have no problem w/ 100% load density. Some of my best loads are slightly compressed.

I too like the Slowest Powder that provides the highest SAFE MAX velocity. And I find they are normally slightly Compressed Loads in my rifles.

That way you tend to get a more even Burn Rate which translates into better Accuracy.

Best of luck to you.

quote:

Originally posted by Abob:
Many say they look for “high” load density when selecting a powder

What do you consider “high”; is 89-90% high enough?

For me it depends. Several times I have found loads which were around the 75% range which shot really well. One such load was 46.5grs of IMR 3031 in a .270. Very low recoil, decent velocity, and one hole accurate.

The same rifle also likes a case full up to the neck of Ramshot hunter, very accurate, right at 3100fps, but there is a big difference in recoil.

For most cases I load which are based off the .308 or similar, I don't mind using the fsater type powders which result in a little shake in the case. For the bigger ones I look for loads which will get me up to at least the shoulder or base of the neck. Not that they have historically been more accurate for me, but I generally have been able to get a higher velocity from them before peaking out on pressure.