I entered this thread quite late, so please forgive me. If I am not mistaken, even though Mr. Bell may not be a graduate engineer, his partner in the investigation was Tom Armbrust, who I believe IS an engineer (ballistic engineer?). As a graduate engineer myself, I find no problem following documented and properly done experiments by a field experienced non-engineer, especially when assisted by an expert in that field. Following Mr. Bell's admonition, using shells whose PRESSURE IS DESIGNED FOR THE GUN, I find no problem with my 2 3/4 reloads (Federal paper hulls) which I make having approximately 6,000 psi in my older guns with shorter chambers (2 1/2, 2 9/16, & 2 5/8").

If anyone wishes to have a spreadsheet of low pressure loads compiled from various powder manufacturers' reloading handbooks, please send me a PM with your email address. I will send the multipage spreadsheet as an attachment to the return email. Jim Haynes

Jim Haynes