Pressure Signs starting very early...

[DAOutfitters208]

I am reloading some rounds for my 338 RUM. The starting load recommended for the Swift A Frame 250gr with RL-22 is 86 grains. At 86.5 grains I am getting ejector ring marks on 1 of the 3 rounds fired. I ran two 3 round groups and had the same results. I have never had pressure signs show up before when reloading. I never approach the max load and usually find the sweet spot about half way between starting and max loads. I am wondering if anyone else has seen this and if so, is there something else I need to check out.

 

[SDHNTR]

Extractor or ejector marks?

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Extractor or ejector marks?

Ejector ring. My bad.

 

[SDHNTR]

Are you jammed into the lands?

 

[DAOutfitters208]

No, not even close to max COAL

 

[Newtosavage]

Could just be a tight chamber. I had an older Savage 7mm-08 that would produce pressure signs LONG before my Tikka would.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Could just be a tight chamber. I had an older Savage 7mm-08 that would produce pressure signs LONG before my Tikka would.

The thing is, I have reloaded for this rifle before. Different bullets, but never saw this. Its just a standard Remington 700 BDL

 

[Schism]

Is your scale calibrated?

 

[ckleeves]

I have never loaded for the 338 rum so take this fwiw but Nosler shows 84 gr as max with a 250 AB or Partition with RL22.

But Alliant shows a Speer 250 SP all the way up to 91 gr.

Did you happen to chronograph them?


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[DAOutfitters208]

I have never loaded for the 338 rum so take this fwiw but Nosler shows 84 gr as max with a 250 AB or Partition with RL22.

But Alliant shows a Speer 250 SP all the way up to 91 gr.

Did you happen to chronograph them?


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I noticed this as well. I have the Lyman load info for this bullet, but when comparing it to similar bullets offer by Speer and Nosler, the powder amount seems to vary. Its basically a Partition at the end of the day. I am starting to think that maybe the load data from Lyman is not factory direct from Swift.

 

[fraz01]

I would read and heed the pressure signs you are seeing on your cases. the Swift bullets are pure copper jackets, as well they have a heavier jacket than most bullets. You also have to consider the bearing surface is different for all bullets. You could give swift a call, they may give you a starting load for your bullet and powder combo.

 

[Fire_9]

Any chance you had any solvent/oil in your chamber?

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Any chance you had any solvent/oil in your chamber?

Yes there is. Before moving onto to test loads, I gave the barrel a cleaning. So there is a chance some was in there that I missed.

I am also going to find some different primers. I read that some primers cause higher pressures than others. I am going to find some Remington Primers and see if that helps as well.

 

[SDHNTR]

I'd bet your choice in bullet is having a much greater impact than choice in primer. I remember reading somewhere that when Remington rolled out the ultra mags it was a contest between Partitions and A Frames. They went with Partitions in factory ammo because the A Frames jacket generated more friction and pressure. Or said another way, they couldn't get the velocities they wanted without pressure problems from the Aframe. Sometimes certain bullets or powders just won't work like we want them to.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

I'd bet your choice in bullet is having a much greater impact than choice in primer. I remember reading somewhere that when Remington rolled out the ultra mags it was a contest between Partitions and A Frames. They went with Partitions in factory ammo because the A Frames jacket generated more friction and pressure. Or said another way, they couldn't get the velocities they wanted without pressure problems from the Aframe. Sometimes certain bullets or powders just won't work like we want them to.

Well that is strange, the factory ammo I have is the Remington Premier with the 250 gr A frame. It shoots amazingly well (sub 1 inch groups) and I am trying to replicate it. Maybe this is why they stopped making it? I just took one apart and it had 86.5 grains in it (powder unknown), but a Remington primer. I thought maybe the difference in primers might increase the pressure just a bit to much for the bullets liking. The bullet performs so well on game, its hard to think about switching, but I may have to.

 

[SDHNTR]

Have you chrono’d that factory ammo?

 

[SDHNTR]

Also brass type can make a big diff too. 86g in one case will make for a different pressure curve than another case.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Also brass type can make a big diff too. 86g in one case will make for a different pressure curve than another case.

I have not chrono’d it yet. Working on acquiring one of those. The brass is just the Remington brass on their first reload.

 

[SDHNTR]

A chrono will tell you a lot.

 

[Cahunter805]

Well that is strange, the factory ammo I have is the Remington Premier with the 250 gr A frame. It shoots amazingly well (sub 1 inch groups) and I am trying to replicate it. Maybe this is why they stopped making it? I just took one apart and it had 86.5 grains in it (powder unknown), but a Remington primer. I thought maybe the difference in primers might increase the pressure just a bit to much for the bullets liking. The bullet performs so well on game, its hard to think about switching, but I may have to.

A primer switch would probably not do much in this case. Also not 100% sure but I know Remington uses a lot of Hodgdon powder in their loads. It highly doubt it’s RL22 which is known to be temp sensitive also.
I’d back down your load and start at about 80 or 81gr and work up if you want to continue using RL22.