question on reduced loads

[gallen270]

im loading for my 270 using varget and 90gr sierras. ive loaded rounds at 50 grains, biut want to try some reduced loads. how much is too little using varget?

 

[Onagoth]

Lyman 49th specifies starting load at 48.5 grains, so you can go a little lower.

I don't know what the floor is, but you might consider dropping loads by 0.5 grain until you see some signs of a undercharged case.

 

[denydart]

"Reduced loads" usually means trying to get black powder performance and velocities out of full size cases. I don't know if you'll be able to get what you want with Varget efficiently or even safely. What speeds are you looking to get?

 

[Johnny G1]

Why not try using Red Dot for reduced loads, If you google reduced loads there are many loads out there using shotgun powder, Blue Dot and Unique are other powder's to use.

 

[gallen270]

thnaks guys, i might just get another powder than the varget i have on the shelf, i wanted something milder recoiling (and burning less powder than 50 grains) for target shooting and maybe busting the odd crow. i usually just load what the book tells me, so i figured better to ask.

what are signs of too little pressure? besides the obvious lack of report?

 

[saskgunowner101]

I've noticed slightly sooty necks for rifle and sooty cases for pistol (with low pressure loads).

 

[stocker]

See if H4895 provides what you want. It can be reduced to about 60% of a max load. Very useful for jacketed or cast bullets loads when you want to reduce velocity and noise/recoil. Also check for data for 5744 to see if it gives you what you want.
The statement "reduced loads " doesn't really tell us what you are trying to achieve as it might mean anything from 30% of top velocity to whatever on the upwards side. What velocity do you think you want?