30-06 and reloader 19

[Harvey Mushman]

Hi all,
Looking for some experience with RL19. I am using Hornady 165gr bullet. I have three references, including Alliant and I am starting with 53gr charge on the low end. What I am concerned about is it seems to fill the case almost to the neck. I know that a fuller case is a good thing. but just how full?? I am still a novice and I don't want to overfill a case.

If anyone can explain how a compressed charge works? Again I'm a novice, and have been super careful with my charges and overloading.

thanks

[Stealff]

I have used RL19 behind a 180 gr Ballistic Tip, at 53 grains they were accurate enough for me in my Rem 760, however I loaded with that powder all the way up to 57 grns of powder which was a compressed load, the compressed loads resulted in a stuck case in my 760.
A compressed load is a load that involved enough powder that when seating the bullet the powder is compressed by the bullet being seated, compressed loads generally creat higher pressures.

[Harvey Mushman]

Thanks Stealff,
I think I will stay away from the compressed loads for awhile as I gain a little more experience.

[7x57]

I have three references, including Alliant and I am starting with 53gr charge on the low end. What I am concerned about is it seems to fill the case almost to the neck. I know that a fuller case is a good thing. but just how full??

If you're within your loading data and there isn't anything unusual going on, then it doesn't matter how full it is per se. The real problem with full cases is you're spending more on powder--but then, I always was a reloading cheapskate.

I'm not aware of any reason a compressed charge will generate more pressure by virtue of being compressed. They're extra trouble, though, which is one reason I've avoided them. Usually there is another powder choice which will give performance as good without having to compress.

If you actually want to do that, and everything else is sane (usually compressed charges mean you're using a maximum load, with all that implies), you can get long drop tubes so it packs a little denser when you charge the case and you have less excess volume to compress.

7x57