I have a 3006 bolt action and had a 3006 Benelli R1 Semi. I had some reloads that worked well in my semi so I thought I would try them in my bolt action but the the powder charge was a bit high - the bolt was a bit stiff removing the case and the primer had pressure signs. I would have thought the semi would have shown pressure signs before a bolt action
pressure signs - bolt action vs semi
- Thread starter Mudduck
- Start date
The throat could be different but likely the chamber dimensions on the semi are larger. You can test by taking a fire-formed case from your semi and trying to put it in the bolt- my guess is it won't fit- but don't jam it in and get it stuck! A larger chamber typically will lower peak pressures.
This is why loads need to be worked up to from low charges- and what works in one rifle isn't always ok in another.
This is why loads need to be worked up to from low charges- and what works in one rifle isn't always ok in another.
Bassmaster
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- WMU 48 - Whitetail country
My $0.02.....I would not have used RELOADS meant for another rifle.
As long as the case has been resized and the powder charge is not at the extreme ends of the load spectrum I can't see why it would be a problem. My bulk loaded ammo is used in all my rifles of the same calibre. It's not as accurate as loads developed specifically for a specific gun but it is at least as accurate as commercial ammo.
You probably shoot it in all of them though as you work up the load.
There is a reason you start at the min and work up.
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
Depends on the actual spec of each rifle.
A bolt with a poorly fitting bolt/receiver and chamber can show pressures signs because the cases are coming out bent and/or the lugs are rubbing badly in the raceways.
A semi with an overly long throat and a larger chamber will show far less chamber pressure on the cases when using the same loaded ammo.
If you set up BOTH rifles identically, the semi will show pressures signs first simply because the movement of the action can't be as well controlled in a semi as it can in a bolt action.
Jerry
Thanks for the insight Jerry - BTW I still have the first set of dies you sold me a number of years ago. You gave me sound advice and sold me the right product for my needs.
Longer throat on the semi is certainly a possibility - had not considered that
My bolt action is a Blaser R93
Gotta love all mysteries we run into when reloading!
Longer throat on the semi is certainly a possibility - had not considered that
My bolt action is a Blaser R93
Gotta love all mysteries we run into when reloading!
One might be amazed that there are these types of ammo sold by Federal, Winchester, etc. that most would consider quite safe in all in-spec rifles
My point is that as long as the loads aren't pushing any extremes they should be safe for any rifle in good condition with a SAAMI spec. chamber. Commercial ammo manufacturers have standard loads that are used safely in the vast majority of rifles, why can't hand loads replicate this?
