Hi everyone,
Lately I noticed the brass in my S&W 625 would crack a lot. So, I checked my load, just to be sure. I was loading 5.2grains (max.load) of N320 behind a 225 grain copper plated Frontier bullet. OAL was a tad below what the VV guide said (VV says 1.260". I loaded to 1.240"). I got an average of 180 PF with this load.
So, I figured the pressure was too high because the COL was too short. I increase the COL to 1.260".
Now, the trouble part starts:
Recently I was fortunate enough to get a sponsorship from Vihtavuori. I got 12 lbs. of N320 from them. I did not change my press, but I get 5.3grain per throw instead of 5.2grain. Probably small difference between lot numbers.
So, with the new COL and new powder, I thought it was a good time to chrono.
The results did not make me happy.
Avg. Velocity is now 755 fps (169 PF and I need 170)
Lowest is 738 and highest is 777.
What should I do? Should I go back to a 1.240 COL? Should I raise the powdercharge even more (it's already above the max. book load )
Change of components is not an option, as I just received 10,000 bullets and 12lbs. of powder (hooray for sponsorship )
BTW, with the new COL and powder, I DO make major in my other "not-so-worn-out" 625. I intend to use this new revolver next year in matches.