So, I have been reloading for about 10 years now. I use a chrony and have gotten somethwat caught up in higher velocities to maximize my bullet trajectory. All of my loads have been worked up to this point and have not exceeded maximum loads per my many manuals but I have been able to slightly exceed standard factory ammo velocities. Well, here is where I screwed up. I just purchased a used Interarms Mark X 30-06(mauser action made in Zastava, Yugoslavia)with a 26 inch barrel. I have been shooting 54.7 grains of IMR 4350 and 53 grains of H414 using speer hot cor 180 grain bullets in my other 30-06s giving me velocities in the low 2700s with decent accuracy. You are all probably guessing where I am going with this. I decided foolishly to try these loads in this rifle I just got setup. I first tried some milder loads and they only shot a little faster (about 15 fps) than in my other 30-06s. This falsely gave me the confidence to try these hotter loads. Well after trying one of each and the bolt being difficult to open and my chrony clocking 2800 for the IMR4350 load and 2756 for the H414 load, I learned my lesson and will never do that again. Caution to all handloaders, every rifle is a bit different. What is perfectly safe in one may be dangerously "hot" in another rifle of the same cartridge. Start at the stated load minimums and work your way up. Don't get lazy about it like I did. By the way, after I had the issue with the bolt being difficult to open I stopped using any more handloads and went and bought some Winchester 180 gr power points. They shot at about 2800 fps with no signs at all of excess pressure.
It is certainly true that not all guns are created equally. Several of us on these forums confirmed that some Savage .22-250s showed pressure signs well below the listed maximum loads. On a gun like that, starting out hot is dangerous.
Red C. Everything I say is fully substantiated by my own opinion.
Posts: 909 | Location: SE Oklahoma | Registered: 18 January 2008
Originally posted by Red C.: It is certainly true that not all guns are created equally. Several of us on these forums confirmed that some Savage .22-250s showed pressure signs well below the listed maximum loads. On a gun like that, starting out hot is dangerous.
Not to mention stupid. Very sage advice as it pays to be prudent.
As and "add on", even the same load in the same rifle but with a different batch/brand of brass also demands a new "work up". For accuracy purposes mostly but pressure as well. Found the brass difference to be really true with the magnum rounds.
Yeah, I am actually glad that having this happen made me realize more than ever that reloading can be dangerous if we don't follow some basic rules. But the great thing is that if we follow those basic rules it is a fairly safe and extremely enjoyable hobby. My purpose for posting for the first time was to help prevent others from making similar mistakes.
I had a similar problem working up loads for a Ruger 25-06. Mid range charges were HOT. After 40 years of handloading, I am no longer much concerned about trying to achieve velocity beyond the norm.
Posts: 2827 | Location: Seattle, in the other Washington | Registered: 26 April 2006
As you didn't elaborate on FLR or Neck sizing , I'll assume you FLR those loads . Chambers are different in just about any Gun even of the same manufacture , unless one checks the dimensions one never knows . Short throat bullet seats into the lands while compressing bullet into the case can be a recipe for disaster .Even a case growing and forgetting to trim it is problematic most times won't chamber but sometimes they do!.
An many many moons back I personally could of shown what that does in a magnum cartridge !. None of us are infallible !!!.
