Originally Posted by Shotgunjones
Originally Posted by Argo44
But reading the comments in the above line, Federal hulls produce dramatically lower pressure than Winchester.

Dangerous misconception.

The chart is taken out of context and does not reflect factory loads with the possible exception of #6.

All factory shells must be assumed to be 11,500 PSI until proven otherwise.

There is no, repeat NO, factory Federal shell that is unconditionally safe in a Damascus barrel.

Federal shells 'can' be loaded to lower pressure in handloads than some others due to their large internal volume and inefficiency with small powder charges. Loads are commonly (too commonly) published using Federal and other straight wall hulls with wads designed for tapered hulls. The 'low pressure' is due to the lousy gas seal of those wads in the large capacity hulls.

I concur with the recommendation to assume 11,500 PSI unless proven otherwise is a good rule of thumb.

That said Federal has some good hulls for low pressure reloading and with only a little effort low pressure reloads, even shortened hulls roll crimped, are a simple process to master.

Last edited by old colonel; 03/13/22 08:46 PM.
Michael Dittamo
Topeka, KS