Change of primers,Powder charge reduction.

[johnalan]

This is my latest problem, due to a lack of primer choice/brands,i have recently purchased a 1000 Fed Gold medal Match MAGNUM primers. Im loading 308 and 243 with Vhit 140 and 160 respectively.I have been using Fed 210s for years but have finally ran out. A couple of friends say that if i reduce the Powder load a little that it will be fine/safe.HOW MUCH IS A LITTLE.???? Any starting points, is there a rule of thumb?. None of my loads are really hot,308 is about 2500fps, 243 is about 3400fps.This is worked of load data as i have no chrony.

[britz]

I don't like giving people advice on what is a "safe load", but I will let you know that it has been my experience that the loading data tells you a fairly higher velosity that what you will actually get. I am shooting in Mn, approximately 1000 feet of elevation, and my results are about 150-200 fps slower than what the load data has been estemating. I have to admit that it is possible that it is my Chrono, (a old cheap prochrono). I have been meaning to test it compared to someone elses sometime.

[Hired Gun]

If your current loads are never showing any pressure I wouldn't expect the primer change to even be measurable. I use magnum primers in everything they will fit in. (22-250 and up) Load 5 for a test and shoot them. If they pass the test you are most likly fine. The temperature change of 30 degrees will affect your pressure a lot more than a primer change.

[wapiti13]

I would guess that your groups might be affecteed more than a dangerious load concept. I use the Vit 500 series powder and see a velocity & SD change when changing from reg to mag primers. Every situation is different. Try a few and test your groups. Good luck. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]