Hi All -
I have compiled some load test data with 303 Savage loads using Leverevolution powder that you might find interesting. The usual disclaimer - I do not certify these loads as being safe, do your own thinking.
First I tried 150 grain Hornady round noses with 36 grains of LVR, and compared them to my usual 33.5 grain load of IMR 4895. I compared these two loads in an 1899A with 26" barrel, 1895 with 24" barrel, 1899A Saddle with 22" barrel, and 1899 SRC with 20" barrel. Here is a velocity comparison. Primer backing was measured, and there was virtually no detectable difference betwen the two loads with the same rifle.
Rifle Barrel V (LVR) V (4895) Difference
1899A 26" 2347 2232 116
1895 24" 2315 2172 144
Saddle 22" 2286 2187 99
SRC 20" 2206 2127 79
I also tried some 180 grain Sierra FN Hunters with 33 gr LVR and 28 gr 3031. I did not like the 3031, my brass was imprinted into the chamber where the LVR was still a shiny case. These were only fired in the 1899A with 26" barrel
V(LVR) V(3031) Difference
2122 1963 159
Last I tried the Barnes 190 grain FN with 32 and 33 gr LVR in the 1899 with 26". Velocities were 2157 and 2169 respectively. I felt both were a little warm, I will try 31 grains with this bullet later.
I have some questions maybe this group can answer regarding primer backing. With the 150 gr RN, each rifle was as follows:
Rifle Primer Back
1899A 0.006
1895 0.005
Saddle 0.008
SRC 0.005
With the 180 gr bullet in the 26" barrel, primer backing was .009, and with the 190 gr bullet it was .009 with 32 gr LVR and .006 with 33 gr LVR.
Can anyone answer these questions:
1. What is an acceptable amount of primer backing?
2. Is there a decent way to repair if any of these are not safe?
3. Why did the 33 gr LVR show less backing thatn the 32 gr in the 26" barrel? I assume the reason the 150 gr bullet backing was less than the 180 and 190 in the 26" barrel is due to the lighter bullet weight.
Thanks for your comments.
