I try to stay below about 8000 psi service pressure. This is slightly below what the gun was originally proofed for as a service pressure.
The former owner of my gun, shot boxes and boxes of modern field loads that were most likely loaded to about 11,000 psi with no ill effect.
If upon firing your handloads, you find that the ends of your cases are getting torn and shredded, then I would say that you might want to stick with 2 1/2" cases.
Just to save on cases! Thin walled hulls like the old style AAs are probably least likely to give you trouble.
I am speaking from ten years of my own experience with nitro proofed guns in good condition. I have read all the books and have made my choice with the particular guns that I use.
It really is up to you to decide.


Last edited by Alder adder; 04/06/07 10:49 AM.