How often do you guys go above book max in powder?

[ReloadKy]

This is just a question and I am looking for a little feedback, not to be chastised, lol! I had a 243 a few years ago that I could not get to shoot anywhere close to "normal" velocities even at book max on a couple of different powders. It may have been someone on here or someone else that asked the question, do you have any pressure signs at max powder? I did not and started to slowly creep up above max in .2 grain increments. I learned that in that particular 243 I could go a full grain over max and get the velocity that I should have been getting at max. I know all rifles are different and going over max has to be a slow and safe process.

There are a lot of guys on here that have developed a lot more loads for a lot more rifles than I have. How often do you all go above max to get the desired velocity / result you want in your load development?

 

[sako2]

My velocties hardly ever match. A lot of guy's go up till they see pressure sign and back down a grain.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Just me but seldom ever. I do let the rifle dictate what it can handle but if acceptable accuracy is achieved at velocity that is at max or slightly below, I'll take accuracy every time. Your loading process is correct for venturing up above max. Glad it worked out for you.

 

[SJB358]

I typically let my chronograph tell me where I’m going as far as charges. If a manual says a 95 grain bullet with H4831 will attain 2900fps then I keep adding powder till I’m around that speed as long as accuracy is there.

I do note barrel length and lot to lot canisters of powders will change the upper end but I really don’t pay much attention to the max charges since just about every shot I take has a chronograph next to the rifle and since I can’t measure pressure that is about the next best way.

 

[Chuck R]

Honestly I end up over book max probably 95% of the time.

If you use the OCW method of load development, your test loads at least will be 1 increment above the average of 3 max book loads.

Add another 2% or so to the charge level used in cartridge #3 of step 4, and load three rounds with this charge weight. Add .7% to 1% to this charge, and load three more. Add that same graduation again, and load three more. Continue adding the chosen graduation until you have moved ONE increment above your chosen maximum powder charge.

https://archive.retro.co.za/archive/firearms/Dan%20Newberry%20-%20OCW.pdf

 

[Blkram]

I never did...but with QuickLoad now, I can see what the potential maximum will be in a certain load that has been typically downloaded, for a pressure known to be safe in my action e.g., 65,000 psi in my Sako 85 for the 6.5x55 or the Rem 700 for the 280 Rem.
As stated above, in the end, I still am looking for the accuracy over velocity; but if I do get both, I am even happier, whether it be for velocity to achieve a flatter trajectory out of my 280 Rem or 6.5x55, or more retained energy for more initial smack and penetration of heavy muscle and bone on an animal such as a bear, moose, or elk with my 358 Win.

 

[JD338]

Reloading manuals are a reference guide, every rifle is different. There are also variants with powder, primers and cases.
My 257 Roberts shoots 115 gr BT with charge weight of RL22 that's well above book max. This load is safe in my rifle because the Remington long/magnum action allows me to seat the bullet out to a COAL of 2.900".

JD338

 

[Hunter26]

Before I got a chronograph I never went above max and don't that often still, but I do occasionally to get the velocity I'm looking for unless I see pressure signs. Most modern bolt guns seem to be able to handle it just fine. The only rifle that I saw that would not take pressures close to max was a buddy's Remington 788. Anything more than mid range loads would get you a stiff bolt. They weren't known for being strong but it was certainly accurate.

 

[RL338]

A lot of my Wby cartridges don’t have much published load data out there for bullets I shoot. This is where QL is handy , it gets me an idea where to start and work up.