25 WSSM Loads

[ltmlt]

Hi,
I will reload for a friend is 25 WSSM, I will use what I have on hand in that case W760 and 117 gr SST. What I find odd is that in every data I have or seen on Internet for the WIN-760 the maximum load is 44.7 grs. and in my Hornady reloading app. their maximum is 49.1 grs. exactly for the same bullets. This is way over others maximum and could be dangerous. I can't make much experience as it is very difficult to get primers and powders. Is anyone had experience with that load. I sent email to Hornady but so far no reply.

 

['Boo]

I suspect Hornady may have had a slow lot of W760.

While their latest manual does show 49.1 W760 as max the same data shows Hodgdon H414 with a max of ~46 grains as max under the 117 SST.

W760 and H414 come from the same manufacturer and is in fact the same powder.

If it was me I would carefully work up to 46 grains while watching velocity. If you are breaking 3000 fps you are getting very near the top pressure-wise.

 

[ltmlt]

I suspect Hornady may have had a slow lot of W760.

While their latest manual does show 49.1 W760 as max the same data shows Hodgdon H414 with a max of ~46 grains as max under the 117 SST.

W760 and H414 come from the same manufacturer and is in fact the same powder.

If it was me I would carefully work up to 46 grains while watching velocity. If you are breaking 3000 fps you are getting very near the top pressure-wise.

Exactly, that was my intention, but I find it risky for Hornady to suggest a maximum load that may be dangerous for beginners without experience.

 

['Boo]

Exactly, that was my intention, but I find it risky for Hornady to suggest a maximum load that may be dangerous for beginners without experience.

If you read the instructions that come in every reloading manual the basics are very clear: "Start with minimum loads and work up" Anyone that starts with any maximum load may well end up missing eyeballs and/or fingers.

 

[ltmlt]

If you read the instructions that come in every reloading manual the basics are very clear: "Start with minimum loads and work up" Anyone that starts with any maximum load may well end up missing eyeballs and/or fingers.

You're right, except for a difference of 3 grains for the max load between several recognized load data and Hornady for the same bullet I have never seen this in my 30 years of reloading. Hornady should have been a little more conservative

 

[thebaron]

You're right, except for a difference of 3 grains for the max load between several recognized load data and Hornady for the same bullet I have never seen this in my 30 years of reloading. Hornady should have been a little more conservative

It happens.

Always compare loads between more than one source if possible, like you did, start at the bottom and work up and CHRONY YOUR LOADS if you see velocities above where the should be stop and evaluate.
That's all you can do.

 

['Boo]

You're right, except for a difference of 3 grains for the max load between several recognized load data and Hornady for the same bullet I have never seen this in my 30 years of reloading. Hornady should have been a little more conservative

With the lot of powder they were using at the time it is very probable that load was safe in their rifle. Canister powders are notorious for having slightly different burn rates from batch to batch.

With ball powders such as W760/H414 it is very probable that even different temperatures during testing can cause noticeable inconsistencies.

A good chronograph is priceless when working up loads.

 

[dan belisle]

With the lot of powder they were using at the time it is very probable that load was safe in their rifle. Canister powders are notorious for having slightly different burn rates from batch to batch.

With ball powders such as W760/H414 it is very probable that even different temperatures during testing can cause noticeable inconsistencies.

A good chronograph is priceless when working up loads.

True, though Hornady testing is done in a heated underground range. 3 grains between manuals doesn't surprise me however, there are simply a lot of variables. - dan