can you go less than suggested loads?

[westerner]

i was just wondering if you can go less than the suggested load iam goin to be loading 140 gr bullets for my .270wsm using h414 powder. can i go less than the suggested load. let me know your thoughts.

 

[H4831]

Yes.
If you want to make a mild, accurate load, say in the 2500, 2600 class, you likely will not have good luck with H414.
4895 would likely be a good powder for it, but get loading data from a recognized loading book.

 

[Tumbleweed]

I suspect you're getting your data from the side of a powder can, or somewhere....most manuals list both starting loads and maximum loads.

Take both with a grain of salt - I have rifles that will not tolerate anywhere near listed 'maximum' loads, and others that accept somewhat more than listed maximums.

The same goes for starting loads. I have seen issues, first hand, with very light loads; pressures were erratic and sometimes behaved like wildly excessive loads. Some claim it's 'detonation', others claim it's a myth - but I know for damn sure bad things can happen with sub-minimum loads.

I firmly believe that one should NOT venture below listed 'minimum' loads and approach listed maximums with caution, always keeping in mind that no two rifles are the same.

 

[mbogo3]

I know you mentioned H-414 but a word of caution with some ballpowders like Win 760 comes to mind.Reduced loads with that one are not reccomended.DANGEROUS...........Harold

 

[Al-Sway]

The answer is no. You should not go below the listed load data. As suggested by 4831, you could create a lower velocity load, but only by using certain select powders. If you look at the IMR powder site they actually have a list of loads at lower velocity loads.
As suggested by Tumbleweek, certain powders will become erratic in performance if the pressure is too low.

 

[mardig88]

If the manual has listed minimum loafs, it is for some reason. So i wouldnt go under it or above max

 

[.308--win]

H4895 powder can be reduced 60% under max load, Max Load X .60 = Reduced Load. Although none of my books list H4895 for 270WSM.

Perry

 

[notsorichguy]

there was a thread on here a while bacl where some one was using Blue dot to make some really nice, stable light loads for a bunch of different calibres......

I guess I will have to do a search.

I usually stay with-in about 2 grains when going under published min loads. I never want to go to my local g-smith and ask him to remove a "squib"....

Cheers!

 

[notsorichguy]

Here ya go.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105322

Lots of interesting stuff here.

Cheers!