Thread: OCW Load Testing

Originally Posted by bully

lower pressure as in a lighter charge in your rounds?
the round with the ejector mark,... im not sure its such a high pressure, it could be more soft brass. reason being the primer is not really flat at all.
is there any other signs?

what was that load, and velocity?

Chronograph is on the shopping list. Any suggestions for a good one?

The load that got the marks was 39 grains. Once fired Norma Brass, MUROM Primer, 2206H Powder, 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. (7mm08 X-Bolt).

The reloaders manual I based the load on said 40 grams - so I was thinking that the load seemed low.

The main concern was that I hadn't seen marks like that before. The primers did look ok, and the bolt didn't stick, nor did the rifle 'feel' any different with that string. I had that main mark, and another in the string with a smaller mark. I say mark, because there isn't a ridge around it. It's just 'polished' at that point. Oh, actually, now that I think about it - yes there was something else - the cartridges themselves seemed to have polished 'streaks' down the side of them as well. No bulging or so on, but noticeable. I will see if I can find the cartridge and take a photo tonight. It was only subtle.

Is the soft brass something that can develop after the first firing?

Dan himself suggested 100 yards for the testing - hence my distance - though I do agree that it's likely my shooting that's going to be the major factor. Still. Learning experience.