Thread: 284 Hammer projectiles in my 7mm-08

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings @LJPRMC,
I have to agree with the Gordons reloading tool that that is a dangerously hot load. Book max for non solid copper projectiles runs between 42 and 43 grains of AR2208 so you are 2 grains north of that. Your velocity at 2,900 fps is 100 fps higher than book max loads in your barrel length another pressure warning. The extra velocity works out to about 2 extra grains of powder which is where you are. Working up looking for pressure signs often results in loads that develop pressure in the 70,000 PSI range so you are in dangerous territory by any measure. If you must have 2,900 fps a larger case is the safe option rather than over loading a 7mm-08.
Regards Grandpamac.

I was already thinking the same, thanks for chiming in, people often look for "pressure signs" sticky bolt, flattened primers, cratered primers, hard extraction etc etc these can be signs of pressure but the most accurate pressure sign in most cases sign is velocity if your velocity is in excess of book max you are in the danger zone
I think a lot of people (myself included at times) get caught up in book max velocity and trying to emulate it or exceed it as a target, remember book max is often based on pressure not velocity.... the older I get the less I am tempted to dance in the danger zone.
If you need more hp go for a cartridge that can deliver it without the risk of exploding next to your face.
Also running over max loads will just trash your brass quicker (loose primer pockets, split necks case head seperating etc etc).
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. ...