100,000 PSI?

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

I think us reloaders will have a lot to learn when these newer high pressure bullets start hitting our AOO. There is no doubt that if this concept takes off and is successful everyone will follow suit, just like they did with the 60'ish thousand pressure mark way back in the day.

I hope this won't become the new norm. I can't think of a single reason I would want to go beyond standard cartridge pressures for anything except special purposes. If I were to guess I doubt these will replace the current cartridge line up at a very fast rate, they will just add to the options availible. I don't really need more speed. It just seems like a way to use barrels faster and use powder faster. And I guess make bullets go faster but... not many deer can dodge a .308.

 

[West Fork]

The new 100k psi cartridges are advertised as not being reloadable. Of course they wholly underestimate the nature of handloaders…..

Cartridges are not patented—there are one or two notable exceptions. Consequently die manufacturers don’t pay royalties.

 

[Ralt71]

I hope this won't become the new norm. I can't think of a single reason I would want to go beyond standard cartridge pressures for anything except special purposes. If I were to guess I doubt these will replace the current cartridge line up at a very fast rate, they will just add to the options availible. I don't really need more speed. It just seems like a way to use barrels faster and use powder faster. And I guess make bullets go faster but... not many deer can dodge a .308.

I understand where you are coming from, and I agree that it won't take over and change over night. I would just say that there was a time 60k was unheard of, or smokeless powder and everyone thought about their current equipment in it's state and how it would handle the new limits that have pushed well beyond what they were used to. I think that is us today. We see 100k or 120k and think of current technology and equipment and how that can't be possible. The advancements in the materials/make up is what brings it there. We have to see change to evolve. That's the way I think of this all at least. The speeds really aren't what (at least out of the gate) seem to be driving it. It's the push for lightweight, short barrel rifles and potentially running a suppressor. How to get 24' barrel speeds out of a 20' barrel. Obviously a lot is still unknown to us, but barrel erosion isn't supposed to be any more accelerated than what we already see.

 

[Ralt71]

The video doesn’t mention about any effect on suppressors. Maybe wrong, but I think 100k psi in something like the Backcountry will be hard on suppressors.

And if we think that handloading has become expensive in recent times with our current cartridges, can’t wait to see what it’ll cost with this stuff….

Cost of ammo—factory or handloads—will probably limit the general shooter’s adoption of this new ammo.

That is a good point, what is this going to do to suppressors. A box of 7mm Backcountry Federal Fusion Tipped at my LFS is $61 USD. I do think it will be interesting to see if we are ever able to load the case they use. I believe they are steel or a steel make up. What it would take to be able to (if needed) resize those could be much different than bending some brass around haha.

 

[Ralt71]

Higher psi also means heavier parts/thicker materials to sustain the pressure. That defeats some of the benefits of shorter barrels and the trend towards lighter rifles.

Weatherby Alpine CT in 7mm Backcountry is 5.82lbs. Apparently the pressures are reached by changing the traditional brass cartridge to a top secret cartridge and some slight modifications to the rifle themselves.

 

[Ralt71]

I took a picture of the box of ammo we all shot. I don’t recall exactly, but I did a few sets and it shot great.

 

[Joe C.]

We are already at the point where most bullets don’t hold up to presently attainable velocities. Everything changes.

 

[phil]

I for one have no interest in extreme pressure arrangements just to have a sawed-off barrel and .473 bolt face.
What is the advantage here beyond having a “convenient” sized gun?
I’m ready to see the rate of barrel erosion compared to more standard pressure, and other pertinent data, from an independent source as well.
This cat hasn’t been skinned yet, and the blast/noise in a short barrel will be unbearable for the guys that can’t run suppressors in their home state. Suffice it to say I’m comfortable right where I sit with cartridges and the results I get from them.
My 26-28” barrels make sure I don’t end up on the disappointing end of ballistics, at very acceptable pressures.
There is no free path to high performance.

 

[IdahoCTD]

Weatherby Alpine CT in 7mm Backcountry is 5.82lbs. Apparently the pressures are reached by changing the traditional brass cartridge to a top secret cartridge and some slight modifications to the rifle themselves.

Steel cases are tougher and allow for more pressure but they arent nearly as elastic as brass. The front reciever ring and barrel shanks need to be thicker to handle pressure. Similar to why Lapua and 378 Weatherby show pressure sooner with 1 1/16" threaded barrels versus 1 1/8" threaded barrels. They are big enough in diameter and displace enough steel around the case to make a difference. Higher pressure acts much like a larger diameter case. I wouldnt touch a Tikka with 1" threads and 1.1" barrel shanks if they start chambering 100kpsi cartridges.

 

[Ralt71]

Steel cases are tougher and allow for more pressure but they arent nearly as elastic as brass. The front reciever ring and barrel shanks need to be thicker to handle pressure. Similar to why Lapua and 378 Weatherby show pressure sooner with 1 1/16" threaded barrels versus 1 1/8" threaded barrels. They are big enough in diameter and displace enough steel around the case to make a difference. Higher pressure acts much like a larger diameter case. I wouldnt touch a Tikka with 1" threads and 1.1" barrel shanks if they start chambering 100kpsi cartridges.

That's a really good point. The rep from Weatherby was telling us the cartridge is taking on most of the new assignment but there are still slight modifications to the rifles themselves. He did not expand on what those changes were. You bring up a good point on this though and i would venture to say what you're outlining is part or all of those modifications he was mentioning.

 

[Ralt71]

I for one have no interest in extreme pressure arrangements just to have a sawed-off barrel and .473 bolt face.
What is the advantage here beyond having a “convenient” sized gun?
I’m ready to see the rate of barrel erosion compared to more standard pressure, and other pertinent data, from an independent source as well.
This cat hasn’t been skinned yet, and the blast/noise in a short barrel will be unbearable for the guys that can’t run suppressors in their home state. Suffice it to say I’m comfortable right where I sit with cartridges and the results I get from them.
My 26-28” barrels make sure I don’t end up on the disappointing end of ballistics, at very acceptable pressures.
There is no free path to high performance.

All good points for sure. I'm in the camp ready to try one out. I already have a few short barrel rifles and no suppressor on them, I like the lightweight, and the compact set ups are much easier in my application than my 24-26 long barrels in big heavy guns. I still love those for sure and when I'm hunting from a blind or something that the maneuverability isn't as important, I take them out. Walking the mtn's, brush, or all day on my feet.. I'm taking the light weight set ups. Haven't noticed a ballistic shortcoming, but I don't hunt at great ranges.