question about under loading the powder charge

[pby5cat]

The 140gr amax 6.5 creedmoore powder chard on the box says 41.9 grains on H4350.

What if I load a 120gr amax to the 41.9grains insted of the recommended 44 grains?

Will the bullet just be slower?

 

[ChadTRG42]

Re: question about under loading the powder charge

Correct. Visit Hodgdon's site for the recommended min and max powder charges.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[30SMK]

Re: question about under loading the powder charge

It will be slower and slower loading down to the point where you stick a bullet in the barrel but you will not be anywhere near that point just by bumping it down a couple grains. Just don't load 1/2 of the published charge and expect to be good, if you stick a bullet in the barrel that built up pressure has to go somewhere.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: question about under loading the powder charge

See secondary pressure spike at:
http://www.shootingsoftware.com/pressure.htm

What happens is that if the bullet starts to slow, the supersonic blast wave just behind it can run into the back of the bullet, reflect off, and detonate the still burning gasses in the barrel. This does not lead to "good things happening".

 

[Temp9]

Re: question about under loading the powder charge

As a general rule of thumb, do not go under the published minimum load. Then work up to find your maximum load.

 

[former naval person]

Re: question about under loading the powder charge

Google "deflagration to detonation".

 

[Beef82]

Re: question about under loading the powder charge

I've gone a grain or two below min before found one really accurate but very slow load there for .223. Not really much call for it though. What's your purpose?