Compression and Olde Eynsford

[SgtDog0311]

I'm loading some OE 1 1/2 in a 38-50RH and surprised where the level fell at zero compression. Moved up from there of course for testing but curious what others are finding for good accuracy in their compression, how far they are finding success… if there is a upward limit that is commonly found, etc?

[Lumpy Grits]

I'm run'n about .350"-.375" with OE 2, and the target sez to do this.
Gary

[SgtDog0311]

I'm run'n about .350"-.375" with OE 2, and the target sez to do this.
Gary

Should have asked this too... does it matter at all about capacity? In other words will a 38 tolerate less compression than a 45?

[Lumpy Grits]

I'm load'n .45-70 and .45-90.
Don't have any experience with other calibers and OE.
Gary

[Gunlaker]

The smallest cartridge I've used OE 1.5 in is a .40-65. I found very good accuracy at nearly zero compression. In my .45's it seems to work well when you squish it a bit. But then I recently tried it with close to zero in a .45-90 and it looks very promising.

So I guess there might not be any constant rule.

Chris.

[Mike]

Sarge, I'm compressing OE 1 1/2F about 3/8ths" when loading 90 grains into my .44/90 BN. That works very well. I did try 10 loads using 85 grains, with the bullet seated to the same depth therefore giving less compression on the powder. Those 85 grain loadings did not shoot as consistently as the 90 grainers. So, I'm staying with 90 grains. About your shooting in the .38, you'll have to answer those specific questions yourself. Try a few different loadings. One thing I can say is that I use 40 grains of OE 1 1/2F in my .32/40 (a C. Sharps Highwall), with some compression under the typical 165 grain bullet and that works well enough that I haven't tried other loads or variations. Shoot sharp, Mike

[SgtDog0311]

Thanks Gentlemen. Done a range spread over 10 gr in half-grain increments and found accuracy along several points, the best being at 1200fps. Took that out to get 385 meter sight settings and started rethinking my load at that velocity. My barrel is a 16 twist. That's how's come I'm asking. Guess if there are not general rules-of-thumb I'll just keep working up and see where the next couple accuracy loads are. Shouldn't be too hard to add a 100fps based on where I ended up. Appreciate the comments.

[Mike]

Sarge, And in your .38 you might try at least a few loads with OE 2F for just a bit higher pressure in your rifle, a bit more "bounce to the ounce." That should help get those velocities a bit higher. Shoot sharp, Mike

[SgtDog0311]

Thanks Mike. I'll be in Sandpoint in a couple months and pick some up.

[Lumpy Grits]

You will really like the OE 2F.
It's all I use in my .45-70 & .45-90.
Gary