Thread: What are you using for pressure estimation in your handloads.

Originally Posted by JohnDuxbury

I pretty much ignore primers now, except if they're pierced. They can be softer or harder. And different brass is also softer or harder...if a I get a stiffish bolt I will try another brand of brass with the load. PPU beats Federal etc.
And a case head failure is no big deal, I posted a photo of one I had last week. Didn't even notice it, and the bullet still fell in the group, but the case was blown in half.

But I listen to the Chronograph. If I am getting more velocity than the book, then I am getting more pressure. I will go over book loads, but I don't go over book velocities. And I pay attention to how much cases stretch. Not that I wont use a heavy load that pushes brass, but I am aware that the compromise is lessor case life.

Greetings all,
I am glad to see that some are using the chronograph to validate pressures. @JohnDuxbury first three sentences of his final paragraph cover it nicely. Velocity is the best indication of pressure the handloader has at their disposal. More on this later today.
Regards Grandpamac.