Too light a load?

[GMC403]

I picked up some Reloader 7 to try some light pistol rounds in the Whelen. I followed the Lee book and started with 37gr behind a 158gr jacketed bullet, New brass, win WLR primer.

I got heavy sooting on the outside of the brass down past the shoulder and even a soot ring around the base. Primers were fine.

Too light?, I had a couple more loaded with 40gr and same thing. Max is 43 (I think)

 

[bigedp51]

It would appear your load is on the light side.

Speer reloading manual #14 page 641,
35 Whelen 158 grain bullet
42 grains of Reloader 7 DNR---do not reduce 2193 fps
40 grains of AA 2015 DNR---do not reduce 2125 fps
45 grains of IMR 4895 DNR---do not reduce 1979 fps

 

[GMC403]

That's what I was thinking, Thanks. 2400 works awesome, but I figured I'd give the R7 a try.

Amazing how much the manuals vary.

 

[LMWIS]

Lee levels always seem to be overly conservative.

 

[woodlotowner]

Brass can make a difference too. An annealed case will expand better to seal the chamber with a light load such as yours?