Hey guys,

I loaded 61.5 grs H4350 in my Nosler brass behind a 120gr projectile, and the powder came almost half way up the neck of the case. I was reading an article by Lane Simpson on loading the .270 and he said that Jack O'Connor use to load 62 grs H4831 behind a 130gr projectile.

I compared some H4350 and H4831sc powder and they both have the same length kernels. I am presuming that the H4831 Jack O'Connor used would have not been short cut so loading density would have been lower.

Since the .270 & .280 cases are practically the same capacity, would he have used a drop tube to get this amount of powder in the case so that it didn't come up the neck so far? I understand that compressed loads with this amount of powder can cause the kernels to break increasing pressures.

BTW, I have switched to N550 as it has a similiar burn rate to H4350, yet 62 grains (which I put in the case out of curiosity) comes about half way up the shoulder.

Regards,

Michael.

I haven't loded for the 280 yet but my 30-06 will hold 61.5 of RL22 with a bit of compression. Your brass has alot to do with it.

On a sidenote, I thought Jack O'Connor was the .270 guy and the 130 grain bullets he used were in that particular round??

First off, the powder that JOC used was a surplus powder at the time that later became H4831. It is not the same exact powder that is on the shelves today. His pet load was 60.0gr under a 130grn Hornady bullet. As for the .280 Rem, H4350 is a little fast for that cartridge's potential, even with the light 120's. The 4831 series, R-19, R-22, and V-N160 and N165 are the top choices for bullets of 160grn and under. Yes, the 280 can be loaded to 270 pressures safely.

Are you starting at 61.5gr? You are crazy if you are! 56-58gr should be about max.

No I am not starting at 61.5grs. I am using 120gr GS Custom projectiles and started at 55.5. However I worked up to 61.5 in half grain increments and even with this load I had no pressure signs at all, but it is way too compressed a load for my liking, hence my original question.

I can just get 62gr of IMR7828 in my son's 06 under a 180gr bullet, but you have to use a drop tube or vibrate & yes the powder will be compressed.

if you dont like a load that is that compresssed, why domt you go with a little faster burn rate like IMR 4350 or even 414.760, i load 57.0 grs of RL-19 in my 280 with 140s and rem cases. with no problem