73 grains of 4350 in a 300 Winchester Magnum?

[H4831]

The handloads the OP is talking about came with the rifle he's using, so it's highly probable they were worked up in that rifle. Plus, he's already fired some of them. If the bolt's not sticking, and the primers aren't excessively flattened, I would say he's good to go.

The only rifles I've seen actually destroyed by over pressure were mistakenly loaded with fast burning pistol powders.

And this. They were made for the rifle the OP has, the OP has shot them and they shoot normal. If a rifle is proven safe with a certain load, you do not have to "build up your load," every time you go to shoot!

 

[RickF]

Without a chronograph you are guessing. Just because they "were loaded up for that rifle" doesn't mean squat. It's easy to get more speed, just takes a couple grains more powder and fewer brain cells.

ANYBODY else offering opinions including me is guessing, but it's your fingers.

Expect 4350 to max out at safe pressures at 3050 or so.

73 very likely is "safe" to shoot in that it won't blow up your rifle. But I wouldn't expect the primer pockets to be tight if you try to load them again. I would throw them in the trash and start over.

 

[Kevan]

I think after posting this same question on three different Forums, the OP must now have a library of responses which is a good thing, it never hurts to ask.
MD, whatever you decide to do please keep us posted, we responders to your question need to know your decision... Ok ?

Thanks

 

[Kryogen]

dude you have too much time
shoot or pull, done.

 

[Why not?]

I have a pre-lawyer Speer manual ( #8) that lists a max load of 75 gr. of 4350 (doesn't specify which, but likely IMR) with a 180 gr. bullet. Quoted velocity of 3202 fps.

I worked up to that load in three different 300 Win Mags, an 8000 Husqvarna, a rebarrled VZ24, and a Vanguard S1. They came close, but none of them reached 3200.

Ted