I'm up to 7.0gr WSF + 165gr FMJ = still no pressure signs

[Oreo]

I've been working up a load in .40sw based on some data on Steve'sPages.com. I went up to 7.0gr of WSF today behind a 165gr fmj & still no pressure signs. I'd definitely say these higher loads have a more stout kick then my 5.5-6.4gr loads last time which all felt a lot like WWB.

How high do you think I could go? Or am I just dumping powder out the end of the barrel at this point?

[JLarsson]

I think you're working close to, at, or above maximum, at least according to Winchester's 2003 reloading pamphlet. They list 7.3 gr as max with 155 gr jacketed bullet, and 6.5 gr as max with 170 gr. bullet. Both these loads are reported to run over 33,000 psi.

You're shooting these in your G23? And no bulge? I wouldn't go any higher. It would be interesting if you could chronograph them - velocity might tell you something additional.

[BigSlick]

I've seen that data, but don't use it at all.

No pressure listings and no OAL specified, plus some of the data just looks like bull**** to me. It may not be, that's just my opinion.

Hodgdon's published data comes with a load of testing and insurance behind it.

MUCH better than some unspecified source incomplete data from who knows what testing conditions.

[Oreo]

Well, I wanted to see how high my margin of safety might be & I guess I figured that even at 6.5gr I've still got plenty of room @ 1.135"oal & that's good. I think I'll redo my workup at 1.120" & see what I get. By then I figure I'll have a real good idea what the safe ranges are & I'll start testing within that range for group size.

[Glock G20]

I've been working up a load in .40sw based on some data on Steve'sPages.com. I went up to 7.0gr of WSF today behind a 165gr fmj & still no pressure signs. I'd definitely say these higher loads have a more stout kick then my 5.5-6.4gr loads last time which all felt a lot like WWB.

How high do you think I could go? Or am I just dumping powder out the end of the barrel at this point?

Slightly off topic..I'm working up the same bullets but in 10mm
G20, Stock Barrel, 22lb Spring

Currently ready to Chrono
9.8grns of PP, CCI350, New Starline Brass @1.250
11.2 Blue Dot,CCI 350, Same Brass@1.250
11.7 AA7, CCI350, Same Brass@1.250

Most don't use the odd bullet size in 10mm so I figured I'd give em a shot. I posted this since I saw you using the same bullets but in .40 cal
Should be interesting. Good luck to ya :patriot:

[Anvil]

Bear in mind when working up hot loads that Saami specs are there to keep ammunition from being loaded to pressures that exceed the elasticity of the steel in your chamber. Once you push your PSI past the point of elasticity your chamber will begin to widen just a tad and work harden until you get a KB (probably from using factory loads). Don't load up barn burners then complain when factory fodder blows your gun.

[Oreo]

Good point Anvil. I hadn't thought of that. I wonder if the effects you're describing could be measured with a micrometer? One could keep an eye on the condition of their chamber by measuring the outside dimentions & the wall thickness.

[Washington,D.C.]

It looks like the data on stevespages is compiled from several load manuals and list the lowest starting load and the highest load published with a certain bullet weight and powder in each cartridge. The load data from Winchester is reasonable and usually isn't on the hot side at max(except for some old 45 ACP data). I find that the Speer manuals usually have the hottest handgun data.

[Vulcanese]

Bear in mind when working up hot loads that Saami specs are there to keep ammunition from being loaded to pressures that exceed the elasticity of the steel in your chamber. Once you push your PSI past the point of elasticity your chamber will begin to widen just a tad and work harden until you get a KB (probably from using factory loads). Don't load up barn burners then complain when factory fodder blows your gun.

Anvil,

What about when the barrel is proven at the factory? Wouldn't a proof load cause this to happen?

[Oreo]

Work hardening would take time & a certain quantity of rounds to happen. Kinda like, you can bend a paperclip a few times & no big deal. start cycling that paperclip in the same place enough times & it will weaken & eventually fail. But the effect of the first few times is pretty neglegible.

[Tree Rat]

Just as a data point....yesterday I shot 6.4 WSF with a Zero 165JHP @ 1.135, 62 degree's, through my G-23 and got 1045 average for 20 shots.

I bet at 7.0 your going to come close to the typical 1130-1150 fps of most premium factory defense fodder........if you don't blow yourself up before then.:rofl:

What's the serial number prefix of your G-23?


TR

[Oreo]

LTS I think. It was manufactured just this past December, so it's of recent construction. I bought it brand spankin new- had them order me a fresh one.

The recoil is definitely more then the Winchester Rangers I was testing the week before. As best as I could tell, the Rangers felt a lot like my 6.4 loads.

[Tree Rat]

Should have improved case support over earlier series before HXX......

I would'nt go any shorter than 1.135 should you up the charge any further.



TR

[Oreo]

I'm going to redo the entire workup from 5.5gr - 7.0gr with a shorter OAL this weekend. I'm not looking for trouble but I do want to know what my margin of safety is- or rather, that I at least have one for my normal loads.

For normal loads, I'm not looking for extreme power. I just want to duplicate the Win Rangers for practice ammo.