Max powder charge question

[rbahri5206]

Is max charge a huge issue when being used in a heavy/bull barrel, for example not trying to go crazy but let's just say max charge is 25 grain and you were to load 26 grain, is is still as dangerous if it's being fired from a bull barrel as from a standard barrel?

[joelogic]

Is this for rifle or pistol?

What does the barrel thickness have to do with chamber pressure?

At the minimum primers will still blow out.

[the86d]

Work up a load, start lower than max, and check of overpressure signs in the primers along the way.

I assume that rbahri5206 is loading for rifle, as 25-26gr in a handgun cartridge would be pretty-zippy... at like 3000FPS?

If you don't know how to check primers, I suggest you read, study the phenomenon and WORK-UP a load, don't start at the top.


Overpressure primers pictures and comparisons:

https://www.google.com/search?q=overpressure+primers&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X

[ducky_0811]

in my experience and in the experience of my friends who reload, max pressures for rifle loads rarely yield accurate results, but to answer your question, as previously stated, the thickness of the barrel isnt going to have much bearing on chamber pressure, it will effect the harmonics of your rifle and thus increasing accuracy potential. Chamber pressure is effected by a few things (And I dont pretend to know them all) chamber dimensions, throat dimensions, bolt design, design of the locking lugs and bolt lock up design, are all things that yield stronger chambers, and able to support stronger loads.

In the end, max pressures given in loading manuals are not always dead on to our specific rifles/handguns. work up slowly, and previously stated, watch for pressure signs. If you dont have pressure signs at a manuals given max load, its up to you what you want to do. But whatever you do, just be safe and take proper precautions, and good luck!

[CGT80]

The load for a 240 grain bullet and h110/win296 in my revolver is 45.0-48.5 grains. It is listed at 2084-2254 fps, but 45.0 gave me 1900 fps over my chrono. The pressure listed is 43,600-52,100 psi. The highest pressure load from hogdon is 57,300 psi.

I have read in the past that firearms are usually tested to run higher pressure than the working loads they use-a safety margin. If you go beyond the load data, you get into unknown territory.

The only time I have overloaded is for my dad's 9mm 1911 open race gun. I talked to various shooters, some with gunsmith experience, and they all said it is normal to go over max charge for a compensated open gun. The comp needs as much gas as possible to counteract muzzle flip.

Some guns are stronger than others. Also, some cartridges can take more pressure than others. My load book has ruger only loads for 45 colt. The old guns were not all that strong, but the ruger is. My Smith 460 xvr will fire any level 45 colt since it is made for 460. The brass or primer would be the first to fail. 460 also uses large rifle primers instead of large pistol for 45 colt.

Why do you want to load so hot?

[Witch Hunter]

The barrel is nor the weak point in a revolver. Use caution when working up loads. Start low and be careful. The max load is listed for safety.