Have never used one but have found some data for one that I might try in my 7mm08 !!!

I've heard re-loaders from time to time make statements as to the safety of using such loads. I've heard others state they'd never use them. When pressed for info no one has ever been able to give me any viable information on the subject.

So let the debate begin....... what do you all have to say on the subject ???

I fooled around with compressed loads with the 30/06 using 61grs H 4350 behind a 150gr Sierra or Nosler bullet and also with 57gr of the same powder and 180gr bullets and found that outside a little extra recoil, accuracy stunk.

With the 150gr bullets it was almost like a small shotgun pattern at 100 yards. Since then, I have reduced the load a little more than 3grs to get the best accuracy with my rifle and have since stuck with that load. With 57.5gr of H 4350 it averages 2850fps on my chrony and will do moa at 200 yards doing my part.

Good subject for debate.

I have shot compressed loads of varget and before that with IMR powders in my .308 for ever I think with no draw backs. I personally think there more consistent loads .

I shot compressed loads in my .308 with 130gr TTSXs with Varget. I also can hear the Varget chrunching on some of my .223 loads. The .308 never shot well so can't comment on its accuracy. The .223 has some of its best groupings there. If pressure is ok, what is the harm in trying to see it if works well in your gun. BTW, I pulled about 15 bullets on my .308 after I sold the rifle. it was interesting to see no powder fall out of the case. I had to break the granules up to empty the case.

I have used compressed loads with Varget in my 45-70 and I was getting unburned powder, (chamber and barrel full of unburned powder) now I use IMR 3031 and no more compressed loads (close though) and no more unburned powder. I could have maybe reduced the load and tried some magnum primers to overcome the unburned powder but I switched powders instead. JMHO. I've worked with compressed loads many times in 35 years of reloading.

slimjim wrote:

If pressure is ok, what is the harm in trying to see it if works well in your gun

I agree Slim.

If you are using a powder that is slightly slow for the case/bullet combination the only way to get the correct volume may be to use a compressed load. These are usually listed in the manuals and offer no problems as listed.
That being said there are usually powders that fit the case/bullet combination well without compressed charges. So be open to trying both to see how your gun responds. Every gun is an individual and needs to use the combination of powder and bullet it likes. In my experience with the 308 bullets in the 150 to 165 grain range are the most accurate and also give the best velocity/range for shooting out to 300 yards. As I said - each gun is an individual and yours may prefer lighter or heavier bullets and faster or slower powder. Experimenting is what makes the best ammo for your gun - so try some different loads and see what happens.

1895ss wrote:

I have used compressed loads with Varget in my 45-70 and I was getting unburned powder,

I used the lightest loads recommended for my 45-70 rolling block and still have unburnt Varget in my barrel.

The load for a 158 grain Sierra pistol bullet in my 358 winchester was a compressed load.... .33" five shot groups at 100 yards with 2700+ fps!
not too bad for a plinking round....

Compressed BP works great in my .45/70.

Seriously, tried compressed loads in my .204 and, like Omni's experience, accuracy was less than desirable.

re: reduced loads in the .45/70. I get lots of unburned powder, too. (AA5744 and H4895). Loaded up some H4198 and will try that. Shooting cast and want to keep the velocity down.

1. One of my best 222 loads uses a compressed charge of H414.

2. There is an optimal powder charge with every bullet/powder combination. If that ends up being a compressed load it's no problem and if it's not compressed that's OK as well.

3. Compression is OK as long as it's not so compressed that the bullet works its way back out of the case.

4. The reason for unburned powder in a barrel has never been compression in my experience but rather a too low powder charge. In guns with less strong actions where you can't safely increase the powder charge, you'll always have some unburned powder with certain powders.

slimjim wrote:

1895ss wrote: I have used compressed loads with Varget in my 45-70 and I was getting unburned powder, I used the lightest loads recommended for my 45-70 rolling block and still have unburnt Varget in my barrel.

try the Lee factory crimp, it might help.

I'm not a big fan of heavily compressed charges, but most of my loads are at least slightly compressed (can just feel it). Most anything I have used H322 in results in compressed loads to some extent (particularly heavy loads in 45/70s which also helps support the bullet), even .223 and .17 Remingtons. It seems that at least mild compression with the powders I use gives a clean burn and good accuracy. If accuracy was an issue I would switch powder immediately.

Aloysius wrote:

try the Lee factory crimp, it might help.

went to a faster burning powder and the issue went away.

I wouldn't hesitate to use a compressed load if that's what the load data called for.