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RGS · June 16, 2009, 11:09 PM

By the time you see excessive pressure signs, you've already gone too far. In good modern bolt action guns, this usually isn't the end of the world. Just cut back on the powder until pressure signs go away.

You can be significantly over max pressures Without any obvious excessive pressure signs

Are you using a good handloading manual or manuals? Use that information and see how long you brass lasts. If you have to trim cases every 2 or 3 loadings, chances are you need to cut back on the powder a little. If you can get 10 loadings in a case before it thins out at the case head, you are probably not terribly over loaded. Keep good records of each batch of brass you use so unusually short case life will get your attention.

If your .308 suddenly recoils and sounds like a .300 win mag, you may want to investigate your load data no matter what the fired case looks like.

June 16, 2009, 11:09 PM	#7
RGS Member Join Date: June 17, 2005 Location: Oregon Posts: 78	Pressure signs By the time you see excessive pressure signs, you've already gone too far. In good modern bolt action guns, this usually isn't the end of the world. Just cut back on the powder until pressure signs go away. You can be significantly over max pressures Without any obvious excessive pressure signs Are you using a good handloading manual or manuals? Use that information and see how long you brass lasts. If you have to trim cases every 2 or 3 loadings, chances are you need to cut back on the powder a little. If you can get 10 loadings in a case before it thins out at the case head, you are probably not terribly over loaded. Keep good records of each batch of brass you use so unusually short case life will get your attention. If your .308 suddenly recoils and sounds like a .300 win mag, you may want to investigate your load data no matter what the fired case looks like.