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Sevens · February 12, 2013, 02:30 PM

It -MAY- be safe, but it's not smart handloading.
Typically, when you go down in bullet weight with the same powder, pressure drops also. But proper methods express that you re-develop the load.

In the end, that charge weight may be perfectly good. In fact, Hodgdon's online data source calls 25.0gr the max load for exactly that 63gr Sierra bullet, and your charge weight is under that.

However, you shouldn't start at 24.5. You should start properly -- 10% under max. 22.5gr to start, advancing until you find your sweet spot.

Being at (or *gulp* over) a published max is NOT a problem if you worked your way there properly.

Being there -- and then switching components? That's really asking for trouble & it ignores a cardinal rule of handloading.

This isn't law, these are merely my opinions.

February 12, 2013, 02:30 PM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,755	It -MAY- be safe, but it's not smart handloading. Typically, when you go down in bullet weight with the same powder, pressure drops also. But proper methods express that you re-develop the load. In the end, that charge weight may be perfectly good. In fact, Hodgdon's online data source calls 25.0gr the max load for exactly that 63gr Sierra bullet, and your charge weight is under that. However, you shouldn't start at 24.5. You should start properly -- 10% under max. 22.5gr to start, advancing until you find your sweet spot. Being at (or gulp over) a published max is NOT a problem if you worked your way there properly. Being there -- and then switching components? That's really asking for trouble & it ignores a cardinal rule of handloading. This isn't law, these are merely my opinions. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.