In May of 2015, I undertook very amateur testing of Leverevolution Powder in the 30-40 cartridge as follows. I submitted this amateur-hour info to Hodgdon and asked that they undertake a more rigorous and scientific approach to see if indeed LVR would deliver increased velocity at safe pressures for the Krag-Joergensen rifle. I have never heard back from Hogdon and there is still no data for LVR and the 30-40.
So, I was wondering if anyone with Quickload could run a simulation at two levels above what I tested. Does that work?
Here is the data that I generated testing in May of 2015 @ 65F and 4,800 ft. altitude.
Ok, testing has been done. There is insufficient rigour and volume to establish anything concrete, but there is enough to indicate strong potential.
All testing completed with Ruger No. 3 22" barrel R-P Brass and Winchester Large Rifle Primers
Factory Remington 180 Core-Lokt (control)
20 rounds. Avg Velocity = 2296 fps AVG Case Head Expansion = 0.005" (SD 38 fps)
Leverevolution. 180 grs Speer HCSP
19 x 39 grs LVR: Avg Velocity = 2276 fps Avg Case Head Expansion = 0.0038" (SD 42 fps)
20 x 41grs: Avg Velocity = 2356 fps Avg Case Head Expansion =0.0035" (SD 31 fps)
(Max Load for 308 ME with LVR is 41.4grs. 308 ME holds 6 grs less H20 than Remington 30-40)
20x 43 grs LVR: Avg Velocity = 2368 fps Avg Case Head Expansion = 0.0036" *(High SD 68 fps. Something odd?)
18x 44.1 grs LVR: Avg Velocity = 2421 fps Avg Case Head Expansion = .0045 (SD 29 fps)
The highest velocity published load for 180 grs bullet by Hodgdon is 2445 fps with IMR 4350 (46 grs C) through 24" test barrel at 38,700 CUP.
So, my conclusion is that Leverevolution holds potential for delivering 100 + fps more than highest current published loads in Krag Jorgenson rifles at safe pressures and that Hornady should test LVR for the Krag and see whether my amateur results and methods pan out or not. I will write to Hornady accordingly and we shall see.
As noted above, my letter must have gone into the circular file. No response, no new data from Hodgdon.
So, were someone willing, I would love to see the figures generated for the following:
R-P brass, WLR primer, 180 grs Speer HCSP (for consistency: 65F, 4,800 ft altitude) at:
43 grs Leverevolution
44 grs Leverevolution
45 grs Leverevolution
and 46 grs
The Ruger No. 3 is ever so robust, so I am more confident testing than I would be with a Krag receiver, but case head expansion does not strike me as the most fool proof way to ensure safety and I have no wish to be in the running for the Darwin Awards... So some indication whether progressing beyond 44 grs would be dangerous would be most welcome.