30.06 question

[Possum]

I got back from the range today after shooting the 30.06 15" Encore Barrel.  I was shooting brand new Rem brass with H380 & CCI200 primers.  I was using a Nosler BT 165gr bullet.  Seating depth was .03" from the lands.  The recommended load was from 51gr to 56.5 gr.  When I got to 54.5gr(starting at 51) I started getting a ring around the primer indent where the primer was going into the firing pin hole.  Is this unusual to get high pressure that far away from the max load?  And more importantly, can I switch bullet styles and possibly decrease the pressure?  I have some Rem Core-Lok bullets I could try.  They seat lower in the case and I could probably increase the seating depth out and reduce pressure somewhat.  BEING A NEW RELOADER, I am asking would that have much effect on the pressures?  I am going to check the 54 gr that did not show pressure signs with a chrony soon and see what the velocity is .

[Duffy]

Seating the bullets closer to the lands will generally Increase pressure. Yes it's possable to reach pressure signs before the max load and I've noticed it with the H380 also. There may be many variables, a tight bore, a rough bore, bullet jacket material, temperature, ect. Also check your loading manual for the type of brass and primer they used. If they used WW brass and you used Rem that could be where you got the increase in pressure. Remington brass is generally thicker and holds about a grain+- less powder than WW and that in in itself could bump you up closer to max.  If you are not getting the vel you want try a bit slower powder. I went through a large selection before I found one for my 708. Don't be afraid to ask fellow reloaders if you can borrow or purchace a small amount of one type that you don't have. Usually 3-5 rounds will tell you if it's too fast or too slow. Generally one that fills the case to the bottom of the neck or shoulder without being at maximum works well.

[Possum]

Thanks for the info.  I always helps to have someone verifying what I am experiencing.

[BruceP]

One other thing I might add. If the hole for the firing pin is bigger than the pin itself then this can show a ring at lower than max pressures. Now dont take this to mean that I'm saying to go on up to the top load. I haven't seen your primers or brass, but my Winchester M70 270 Win. will do this. Other signs like the edges of the primer starting to flatten wont show for 2 or 3 more grains of most powders. Other signs still may not show then. There are some powders in this gun that I can not go to the top listed loads with, but all powders in this rifle will show a ring around the firing pin indention at less than top loads. You might want to try one or two different factory loads and check the primer on them. Just my  :money:
BruceP

[Possum]

I did not see any rings with factory Rem loads.  I started at 51gr and worked up to 54.5 before I saw the ring with the reloads.  At 54gr there was no ring, but the next 1/2 gr left a slight ring and then the 55gr left a pronounced ring.  I think I am going to try a different powder and that will be after I check the accuracy and the velocity of the 54gr of H380.  Thanks for all the help!  Any other tips greatly appreciated.

[kciH]

Possum,
I don't shoot the 30-06 in a pistol, but I do fire a pistol with a very similar case capacity in 7mm.  I have had very good luck with IMR or H4350 in my pistol.  This powder may seem a little slow, but it works very well.  When you are working up loads, use your chrono if you have one-it will tell you much about your pressure levels when things seem to be getting hot before maximum.

[Possum]

Thanks, that was the powder I was going to try next.  I am going to try to buy a Chrono soon.  I think I need one.  It was a toss up between the powder dispenser/scale or the chrony.

[BruceP]

Possom, I have a cronograph and the powder dispenser/scale. You are on the right track. Buy the cronograph first.
BruceP

[Questor]

I vote for the chronograph as the most valuable low-usage item a reloader can have.

[kciH]

I don't see the chrono as a low usage item.  If you get a decent one that works and is easy to set up, I use a Oehler 35, you should use it on any new load you develop.  The chronograph can be used to diagnose problems that you wouldn't think of right away also, such as crimp perfromance in magnum and low pressure revolver and pistol loads.  If you don't mess around with new calibers and bullets and powders frequently, I can see where it would be considered a low usage item.   I don't use a Chrony, but I've had my 35 for about 12 years as near as I can figure, and I've never regretted spending the extra money on it over the cheaper unit.  You can buy one for $195 with two sckyscreens and no printer, beyond that you need two camera tripods for ease of use.  I read a lot of posts about other people having trouble with the Chrony, and witness them at the gun range also.  The Oehler is very easy to use and the only thing, other than darkness, that will give errors with it is not having both sunscreens in similar light conditions.  One in the shade of the range cover and one in direct sunlight will sometimes cause a problem.