Well just got back from the range. Took the 400PDK out to both form some brass and start testing for load limits and velocities.

I had formed my first brass using 63grs of IMR4895. I had 13 formed cases so elected to shoot 1 per load. I had planned to work up using 4895 until I ran out of case capactiy or saw pressure signs. Both through observation and by checking for head expansion. In my earlier days I used a .0005" cut off. Today I was looking for any expansion as a stopping point. As I got ready to load I reach for what I knew to be a new can of 4895 only to find it empty. What idiot puts an empty can back on the shelf. So I opted for Varget.

The case is Rem cylinder brass with a 35W headstamp. Length is 2.65" and water capacity as I measure a fully formed case is 86grs. I was using Hornady 300gr Flat points set to the cannelure for an OAL of 3.24". Douglas #4 24" barrel.

Powder Charge Velocity (one case per load)
63 2525
64 2550
65 2565
66 2580
67 NR
68 2625
69 2643
70 2662
71 2675
72 2690
73 2719
74 2730
75 2744

I didn't see any pressure signs nor expansion. The last several loads are compressed the early left space using a 4" drop tube. For a first time out I was very happy.

I also formed some additional cases using 4227 and 210gr bullets. Velocity was around 2350. Since I hadn't installed a scope I didn't even put a new target down range.

Amazing, Paul!!
How you get 75 grs in that case AND find room for the bullet is beyond me, but I'll take your word any day!
Can't wait to hear about them 400 gariners!!!

quote:

How you get 75 grs in that case AND find room for the bullet is beyond me

Hey Bent you just hold your mouth right. The following case has 75grs of powder installed with a 4" drop tube. The powder is about 1/3 of the way up the neck. A 300 Hornady Flat nose seats to the base of the neck when set in the cannelure so like I said it is compressed. If I fill the case until I'm at the base of the bullet(as best I can measure) it holds 72grs of powder. So 75/72 =104% compression. Darn that wide mouth fools you. Not exactly sure what the max compression should be but I would assume I'm pretty darn close. So if I figure 1 maybe 2 more grs that is only 30-40FPS so I see no need to push this powder further.