I have one particular rifle that prefers mid-list powders run HARD regardless of bullet weight. Often I am well above published data before a high node appears with a 4350 burn rate powder.
The benefit is almost always good groups, low spreads, great velocity, and higher recoil. I almost always stop before I get a pressure sign but I know the pressure is on the upper end.
When a slower burning powder is selected groups go to hell.
The problem is, it makes me nervous. Has anyone else experienced similar patterns?
Yes, I have several that do this. IMO that's a great rifle, and something that's often hard to obtain, you kind of have to luck into it.
IMO, let velocity and your brass tell you if the loads are too hot with a gun like this. If you're not pushing way past book velocity (adjusted for your barrel length), and are not getting pressure signs and the brass lasts for at least 4-5 loads without loosening primer pockets or other issues, you aren't doing anything too crazy. Nothing wrong with a rifle that shoots best at top loads, that's a gem IMO.
Seems like part of the problem here is the old timer "wisdom" that better accuracy comes with less velocity so you shouldn't use max loads. That works out sometimes, but plenty of times it doesn't, like your rifle.
I've also noticed a tendency to best accuracy at top loads with certain bullet/cartridge combinations with some of the newer powders. Ramshot X-Terminator for example, in several different 223/5.56 rifles for me gave best accuracy with max loads for any bullet 69gr or lighter. That's going back over about 10 years now so not a really new powder, but one of the more modern crop of powders anyway.
