358 Win shooters..is every load compressed

[thepitchedlink]

Hi all, starting to load for my BLR 358, and even the starting loads are almost compressed. The max loads of 52g of Varget about fill the case to the top. Is that normal? Are the 358 Win loads usually compressed? I'm keeping OAL about 2.785, as the max wont allow much more...

 

[Slapshot]

I dont have my data handy, but I dont remember having that trouble with mine. Not using Varget though. IMR 4320 and 4895(?).

 

[Lefty Dick]

Why the scary refrence to compressed loads, if the pressures are maintaing good case life, you have no worries.
BTW 52gr. of Varget works dandy with 200gr. Hornady's in my 358 BLR

 

[thepitchedlink]

Well, no experience with compressed loads, but max loads that involve using the bullet to "stuff" the powder down into the case just seems like something that should be approached slowly. I'll keep building up slowly but just wanted to be sure that 52g of varget really does fit in there!!

 

[River Rat]

Get yourself a funnel with a long drop tube,you will find the powder settles further down in the case and you won't have to compress as much or at all.

 

[todbartell]

Ive never loaded for a 358 but Varget strikes me as a bit on the slower burning side for that cartridge, so it would be common to have compressed loads. 3031 & 4895 should give a less dense powder charge

 

[John Y Cannuck]

The only issue compressed loads ever gave me was the bullet creeping forward in the case over time.
As said above, there are always other powders to choose from.

 

[Camk]

hell I have compressed loads for my 375 H&H
You should be able to use a different powder if your leery of compressed loads

 

[sunray]

Max loads with most IMR powders are compressed. The compressed loads will start below max. In any case, compressed loads are nothing to worry about. Mind you, Hodgdon doesn't list Varget with a 52 grain max load for any bullet. 51 is max for a 180 and 200 grain bullet. A 225 grain max load of 49.0 is supposedly not compressed. In any case, you're loading a full grain over max at 52 grains.

 

[thepitchedlink]

THanks for the replys, my Lyman manual lists a 52g charge of Varget as max for a 220g bullet. I haven't made it there yet, still down at 48. Yes the varget seems a little slow, but searching for 358 loads turns up lots of people who use it in the 358. It is listed on the container as suitable for 308, 30-06 and 375H&H, so the 358 isn't too off base...I started using IMR 4895 and that is working well, but I'm running out and varget was available locally