The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - New handloader article on "guessing pressures"

cheygriz · September 11, 2002, 01:20 PM

I've been reloading since early 1965. The best method that I've found is case life.

If I can load a case only three or four times, my pressure is MAX!!!

If I can reload it more than 5 times my pressure is moderate.

Having said that, I would say that selecting the slowest burning powder practical for a given caliber and bullet weight, and chronographing your loads is the best way to "guesstimate" pressure. If your velocity is very close to the "book" then your pressure is very close as well.

Again, once you think you've found your max load, use the case life method.

September 11, 2002, 01:20 PM	#4
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	I've been reloading since early 1965. The best method that I've found is case life. If I can load a case only three or four times, my pressure is MAX!!! If I can reload it more than 5 times my pressure is moderate. Having said that, I would say that selecting the slowest burning powder practical for a given caliber and bullet weight, and chronographing your loads is the best way to "guesstimate" pressure. If your velocity is very close to the "book" then your pressure is very close as well. Again, once you think you've found your max load, use the case life method. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.