Newbie Question

[slopeshunter]

Hello All,

I know when working up new loads to increase powder slowly and look for "pressure signs".

What should you be looking for for "pressure signs"? How do they look. If anyone has any pics that could help enlighten me on this topic, that would be great.

Thanks everyone!

[260_Rem]

high pressure signs = flattened primers (no round edges anymore), shiny spot on the bolt face on certain rifles, stiff extraction, measuring case heads (I never do it), etc

if you cross reference a bunch of data for the particular cartridge/bullet weight/powder combo, find an average max load, reduce it by 6% or so, and work up in .5 grain increments, you'll probably not encounter any of these signs until you're close to the max. Using a chronograph is a good way to gauge pressure (velocity is a by product of pressure). If you're seeing #s above what the manuals say, you're probably pushing the envelope too much, and should back off a bit.

I load my rifles so they match factory ammo velocity, and have no pressure problems. Use a powder ideal for the application, and you should be fine.

Safety first!

[slopeshunter]

Thanks 260!