Can I deviate from the load data?

Our load data (maximum load) contains at least a 10% safety buffer in regards to the maximum allowed pressure for a specific caliber . Hence, our listed maximum loads might be lower than loads proposed by powder or bullet manufacturers who do not include such a safety buffer.

Experienced reloaders can exceed the maximum loads at own risk but should watch out for signs indicating that the ammunition is experiencing over pressure: 

1. Difficult extraction: If the cartridge is difficult to extract from the chamber, it could be an indication of over pressure. This happens because the brass casing expands more than it should due to excessive pressure. 
2.  Case head expansion: The base of the cartridge case will start to expand if the pressure inside the case is too high. 
3.  Primer flattening: The primer on the back of the cartridge will start to flatten if the pressure inside the case is too high. 
4. Bulging or cracking of the case: The cartridge case may bulge or crack if the pressure inside the case is too high. This is a serious issue that can cause the firearm to malfunction or even explode. 
5. Hard recoil: If the recoil of the firearm is significantly harder than usual, it could be an indication of over pressure.

Else the following rules apply:

The charge (weight of the load) is the key driver for the maximum pressure achieved by a reloaded cartridge. However, there more factors and specifically those that influence the free combustion chamber volume. The general rule is: The lower the free combustion chamber volume, the higher the achieved pressure for an identical load, hence cases with a lower volume generate higher pressure.

Hence, cartridges with lower overall length (OAL) in the same caliber and with the same bullet also create higher pressure because the bullet seating depth is higher and the free combustion chamber volume is lower.

We provide for each load the underlying cartridge specifications: Bullet Length, Case Length, Cartridge Length / OAL, Seated Depth, Case Capacity. Reloaders might deviate at on own risk from our load data if their cartridge specifications deviate:

• Bullet Length: with all other specifications being equal, greater bullet length allows for less powder
• Case Length (l3): with all other specifications being equal, greater case length allows for more powder
• Cartridge Length / OAL: with all other specifications being equal, greater OAL allows for more powder
• Seated Depth: with all other specifications being equal, greater seated depth allows for less powder
• Case Capacity: with all other specifications being equal, greater case capacity allows for more powder