I have been thinking about trying some StaBall in my 03-A4 loads. While cleaning out Dads old reloading spot, I ran onto 200 30 cal 150 gr Core Lokt bullets. I also found 50 brand new WW cases a few weeks back. I like carrying round by sporterized Enfield, so off to the reloading cave I went.
I have done a few posts on the StaBall powder. I am always intrigued by the high velocities that are posted in the data.
Hodgdon data shows starting of 58.5 @ 2,929 fps with Max of 63.0 @ 3,126 fps
I loaded 1 round from 58.5 to 62.5. My velocities are showing 125 fps (ish) slower than the data. My barrel is 24" long. I would say my Win cases may have a little higher capacity or the BD of the powder is a little different. 63 gr is showing as a compressed load, but with 62.5 gr of powder, I still had some room between the bullet and powder. Powder poured through a funnel straight from the pan.
No "signs" of pressure at this point. The velocity looked to climb very consistently. No big jumps or deviations. I thought about going up another gr, but I don't see much benefit in going over the published max load. I will most likely back down to 61.5 grains and start tinkering around in that area to see what accuracy looks like.
I am starting to think that either I have a bad chronograph or reloading manuals are consistently optimistic.
I have done a few posts on the StaBall powder. I am always intrigued by the high velocities that are posted in the data.
Hodgdon data shows starting of 58.5 @ 2,929 fps with Max of 63.0 @ 3,126 fps
I loaded 1 round from 58.5 to 62.5. My velocities are showing 125 fps (ish) slower than the data. My barrel is 24" long. I would say my Win cases may have a little higher capacity or the BD of the powder is a little different. 63 gr is showing as a compressed load, but with 62.5 gr of powder, I still had some room between the bullet and powder. Powder poured through a funnel straight from the pan.
No "signs" of pressure at this point. The velocity looked to climb very consistently. No big jumps or deviations. I thought about going up another gr, but I don't see much benefit in going over the published max load. I will most likely back down to 61.5 grains and start tinkering around in that area to see what accuracy looks like.
I am starting to think that either I have a bad chronograph or reloading manuals are consistently optimistic.

