load development question.

[Texas Solo]

I've just begun load development for my new F/TR rifle in .223. Velocities are real close to what the manufacturer says I should get, but it's too slow for my liking. I'm using a 28" Shilen Select Match barrel in .223 Wylde with 80gr Berger VLD's seated to the lands (not jammed).

My question is if the Wylde chamber affects pressures. Lower of higher?

I'm using PP2000MR, meters great and a ES of 44. It grouped .440 on a windy day, I'm sure I can do better. But my avg. FPS is only 2880. Alliant does not offer pressure specs in their load data.
I'd really love to kick up the charge to get to a consistent 3000+ FPS, but I'm always leery of exceeding manufacturer specs. Am I correct is assuming that the factory specs are on the conservative side? I've seen ZERO pressure signs at the 25.0gr max charge listed. Probably not shooting over 500 meters, but would like to try a greater load for the BC advantage and accuracy testing.
Thanks for any advice you can share.

[helotaxi]

The Wylde chamber creates a bit lower pressure than the .223 chamber with like loads. SAAMI pressure limit is 55k psi for the .223. Most agree that 65k is genuinely safe in a modern action but no one except Western Powders (Accurate and Ramshot) publish data over 55k. Western publishes data to 63,250 psi IIRC. The other option is to get ahold of Quickload and model it all up to see what you can do within 63k or so.

[frank1947]

just add .3 gr at a time work your way up till bolt gets sticky or you have reached that 3000fps with no issues.

[r3dn3ck]

Note: As you get to the top end pressures you'll probably see a growth of groups via growing extreme spreads.

[Texas Solo]

Update .... I worked up slowly. At 26.5 I get just over 3000fps consistently with an ES of 24. Best of 3 groups was .216". Absolutely no pressure signs anywhere.
I stepped out to 500 meters with this load and shot sub MOA with 3 of 15 rounds tossed out into the 9 ring. 147/150 7X.
I think I'm done working on a load for this rifle :)

I'd love to post a pic of that 500 meter group, but I'm too old (or stupid) to figure out how.

[acemisser]

lmao