Originally Posted By: joedOriginally Posted By: Doubless
Pressure testing and cartridge pressure determinations have come light years since the time of the second edition (if that is what it is...), and the numbers have been adjusted down accordingly.
Be safe, and have fun! But BE SAFE!
Did you know that SAAMI revolver data is not fired in a vented barrel? Because of that they lowered the pressure.
Powders burn faster? If that were the case they would have to change the name of the powder.
I'm not defending hot loads but I'd bet those older manuals still have good loads in them, as long as you work up to it.
Please show me in this thread where I said powders burn faster. I did not say that...
Secondly, you state that you don't defend hot loads but then say that older manuals that have documented hot loads in them still are good loads... I am confused.
I am not sure what you call an un-vented barrel. Are you talking about magna-port and similar? If so there are VERY few barrels that come from the factory ported. So I don't understand your point there.
What I would offer you is this: reloading handbooks are generated after every possible potential for a mishap is considered, and the intended firearm of use is considered as well. Then SAAMI specs enter the picture, and in the case of some books, a velocity of 100 fps is the determining factor for max load. IOW, if it takes too much powder to reach the next 100 fps, i.e., SAAMI spec is exceeded before the next velocity plateau is met, then the lower charge is considered max.
Finally, reading excessive pressures in revolvers is a fine art. I would venture to say that there won't be much visual difference between a max load and an overload of roughly 10%, but if you wait until you have hard extraction, you have impact welded the cases to the cylinder, and I will tell you for a FACT you have tested the heat treatment of the revolver frame as well.
No less an authority than the late Finn Aagaard stated that a modest charge of 11 grains of Accurate #5 behind a 240-250 grain SWC would shoot completely through anything encountered in Texas. I would venture to say that would hold true for any whitetail in the US and most elk as well.
If you need more than 1300 fps out of a 250, then go to the 454 Casull or shoot 300s out of your .44. But I don't think in most of our hunting lives we will ever come to a situation where we are undergunned with a 44 full of 1200 fps loads, assuming the proper projectile is used.
But maybe I am wrong. I just know that it isn't worth risking losing some fingers due to my own stupidity trying to make a gun do something the books say don't try to make it do.