Author Topic: Compressed loads (Read 332 times)

lilabner · « **on:** March 17, 2006, 10:22:49 AM »

I have had good luck using compressed loads of slow burning powder in a couple of rifles I'm working with. Accuracy has been very good. Is this characteristic of compressed loads or just dumb luck?

PaulS · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2006, 06:24:59 PM »

compressed loads fall into two catagories. Powders that are just slow enough for the bullet-case capacity of the round to produce the best pressure rise for that powder when slightly compressed and powders that are too slow for the bullet - case configuration to bring pressures into the near maximum loads - the latter loads generally produce slower velocities than other loads with faster powders.
Both types can produce accuracy depending on your rifles "personality". I tend to stay away from compress loads of Powders that don't produce maximum velocities and compressed loads of ball or double base powders.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2006, 01:39:06 AM »

The nice thing about compressed loads is that it's impossible to double charge a case. As far as whether they're more accurate, I would say that it depends. A quite accurate load I've made up for my 222 Rem. consists of a compressed load of Winchester 760 and Speer 60 grain bullets. With the twist in my 222 barrel, it shouldn't be able to stabilize 60 grain bullets so there must be something good about the load.

In the above case, the 222 Remington is a fairly low pressure cartridge of small diameter so even if overcharged, it shouldn't overly stress a strong gun. I wouldn't be above trying compressed loads in higher pressure cartridges but would exercise a lot of caution. I also don't compress the powder until it's realled mashed; just mild compression.

A bad thing about compressed loads is that you can't just shake a case to make sure it got a charge of powder.

lilabner · « **Reply #3 on:** March 18, 2006, 08:29:50 AM »

OK, so it isn't a good idea to generalize. (or, it was probably dumb fool luck) The loads I used were from published data which showed them generating velocities at the top end for the cartridge and pressures considerably lower than faster powders generated. They are full power hunting loads. The powders are not those usually associated with the cartridges I was loading. I was somewhat surprised when they provided excellent accuracy in my rifles using my favorite hunting bullets.

PaulS · « **Reply #4 on:** March 18, 2006, 08:49:08 AM »

Any compressed load listed in the manuals should be safe in a modern firearm that will stand up to SAAMI standard pressures. If you follow the manuals - (I always check at least two) - you will always have loads that are safe - as always start low and work up.