I see a lot of loads listed that may say up to 110% of case capacity. Have any of yall ever loaded these and how in the heck do you put a bullet in there and keep the powder from flowing out

It's called a compressed load you seat the bullet down on top of the power nothing can flow out. I've loaded compressed loads before but seating depths can be inconsistent especially if you have lighter neck tension.

The bullet seating depth variance is the biggest issue, especially if you are just off the lands. I guess some folks are concerned that crushing powder when you seat a bullet is dangerous but it's absolutely safe. When I started loading 40+ years ago I loaded 53 gr of IMR4350 under a 139 gr Hornady in my 7x57. This load was actually in the Hornady load guide at that time and it would fill the case almost to the top of the neck. Made nice crunching sounds when seating bullets.

I recommend using a drop tube as it helps get a more consistent powder density with compressed loads.

I was shooting a compressed load in a 308 when I first started longrange shooting it was with 4064 and that's when I figured out compressed loads can be inconsistent but like you said a drop tube will help with consistency. Some of those SRBR shooters use a 12in drop tube!

I tend to seek powder/ bullet combos that are compressed (very crunchy) or at least full capacity(slightly crunchy). Having a full case is much better for consistent ignition and powder burn. you will almost always see better SD/ES and usually more accuracy as well with these type of loads

Make sure to check the barrel length listed for the load
If your barrel is too short youre wasting powder

If you're loading for a rifle, your barrel is plenty long enough to reap the benefits of any compressed load. are you asserting that load data tested in a 26" barrel would be a waste in a 22" barrel??? consistency is consistency, no matter the length of the barrel, I often load compressed loads for 10" barrels in my contender, and even in 6" and 4" revolvers. some of the best full house loads that exist for 44 mag are slightly compressed

Im mainly talking about the loads that are over 100%. Is a 110% case fill not over flowing ?

No.

They determine the percentage of case fill based on the remaining case volume when a bullet is seated to the stated OAL.

So burning powder out of the barrel and no velocity gain isn’t a waste ?

Gotcha

And each brand of case and differing lots of same case manufactured have different capacities just to add another variable into the process to further confuse the issue because...well just because.

I’ve been reloading a long time and never had a situation where more powder didn’t equal more velocity… you might loose efficiency, but you’re still always going to get more speed from more powder. A max load is a max load, no matter the barrel length. Most people want the fastest bullet that provides acceptable accuracy, my experience has shown that you’re likely to find that combination when you use a powder that is at or above 100% case capacity for the given cartridge.

You want to get some compressed loads get you some Peterson brass it's pretty good stuff but the case capacity is on the low side. I can't even get my node in my dasher with it and varget.

I know we're talking rifles but once upon a time I used IMI .45 acp with Hornady 225 grain flat points and Unique and split the mouths on 36 of 50 switched to 231 and split the rest of them. Just some weak case mouths I reckon not anywhere near Max loads no funny crunching feel seating the bullets no primer leakage or crater no premature unlocking just let's split at the case mouth and upset Dave. Switched to Cci brass no issues at all.

I try to avoid compressed loads.i don't like inconsistent bullet seating depth period
I now use a drop tube if needed but Im not crushing much powder at all if I can help it.just not the loads I'm looking for

If I measure any inconsistent load length measuring off ogive I'm out.wont fool with that load anymore


I have always found loads in the 90-95% full to be most accurate.long time knowledge also by many

There's nodes every few grains of powder no need to compromise bullets seating depth adding inconsistencies or other powder bullet combo that work fine.just doesn't make sense to me

My chronos tell me soooooo I don't listen to anything else.maybe I'm over 100% idk but my bullet seating depths are consistent and I'm finding max at initial load development soon there's that maybe just my way it works for me

You want a high case fill not necessarily a compressed load and I can get more velocity out of a longer barrel with less power than a short barrel with a compressed load in several different cartridges. Compressed loads are fine given you aren't showing pressure signs but I'd go to a faster powder with less case capacity and find a node velocity doesn't mean accuracy.

AU338MAG I sent you a pm!

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Drop tubes help with packing powder in a case to get to over 100% capacity.