Wed. I was testing Data Powder 74 in my Stevens 22-250. With tree different bullets, same load, I was getting the sooty primer halo. This was with a 7% reduction in what was a recommended Max. for that powder. At the range my buddy asked me how many times I loaded that brass. I told him 4 but going through my data I found it was 6.

This was compounded by the fact that some of these Remington cases were loaded to the same level once that in Winchester Cases popped primers.

At home I began to mic primer pockets. All my used brass Win. and Rem. measured close to or over .210". All my new brass measures .208 to .2086".

My WLR and WLRM primers are measureing right at .210" my Fed 215 are measureing right at .2112". Story told lesson learned I hope, and I shit canned over 100 cases. For me that is just the cost of pushing the envelope and I hope you can use the information. roger


Fallowing Wed. using new brass and Fed.215 primers there was no sooty Halos.

22-250, Stevens mod. 200, barrel did get hot.Very little wind.

55 gr. Varmint nite mare, Mid South, 35.4 gr. DP74, 215 primer, RP case, oal=2.455", 3491 to 3539fps. 3 shot 1/4" group, 100yds. no pressure signs, no halo.

50gr. Rem. psp, 33.6gr.DP74, RP case, 215 primer, oal=2.425", 3404 to 3458 fps.,
(one cartridge had same everything but a WLRM primer and got 3647fps.???????)3 shot 1" group and a 5 shot 6" group at 300 yds.

50gr. TNT , Same everything, oal=2.455"3216 to 3527fps ??????????? terrible. must have screwed up some how.

55gr. Varmint nite mare, same everthing, oal=2.450", 3392 to 3479fps. 1 1/4" 10 shot group.

.243 Ruger varmint

80 gr. psp., bulk, 34.6 gr. DP 74, RP ni cases, 215 primers, oal=2.800", mild, a little sooty, 2635 to 2689 fps.10 shot accuracy so-so.

68gr. Berger FB. 32.6gr. DP74. RPni case, 215 primer, oal= 2.795", some soot, MILD, 2591 to 2706fps. 3 shot 1/2" group 100yds.

80gr. SP lotC, 34.6gr. DP74, RPni case, oal=2.720", 2643 to 2756 fps.mild , a little soot, very nice at 300 yds.

This powder is on sale rather cheap at powder valley. Its burn rate is suppose to be just a little slower than 2520. will test it further and report.

My buddy testing some Varget loads in his 40x .223, pushing Berger bullets got a measured 4 shot group of .09", the fifth shot opened it up to .3" roger

Since there was some interest:

22-250, 52gr. Berger hp., 36 gr. DP74, FC. cases, FC primer. 0al=2.400" primer a little flat EZ bolt handle lift, great accuracy 100 to 300 yds.

22-250, 55gr.Berger hp., 36gr. DP74, FC casesand primers, oal=2.400", Just great at 100 to 300 yds. roger

[QUOTE]I just bought 4 jugs of it and I just ordered a jug and would love to hear results. I will beloading for .223, 7x57, 7.5 MAS, 25-35, 32 Special, 303 British and anything else that may possibly be appropriate

[QUOTE]will be using it in .223, 6mm Rem., 7x57, 300 Savage, 7.5x54 MAS, 7.5x55 Swiss, 303 British, 8x57, and 35 Whelen. I look forward to your reports. Thank you.

If you want DP74 you better jump quick. As of last night Powder Valley had less than 200 lbs left.