Hi guys and gals.. Long time..no post. I scored an unopened can of Herc 2400, along with a half can, from an elderly gentleman who was selling all of his casting equipment at my local flee market, yesterday. The opened one had no unusual smell, and the guy said his stuff had been stored properly, the same as my stocks of older powder. I also grabbed a half can of Hercules Bullseye from him. My question is : Can I load my 7.62x39's to 16 grains using Hercules 2400 under the Lee 260 TL? I've read where 15 grains of Alliant 2400 is the recommended max, and the ones I loaded shot well but wouldn't cycle the action of my Paratrooper. I suspect the shorter gas tube changes things. I was hoping the slightly slower Hercules might do the trick if I could go to 16 grains... Any real world experience shared will be greatly appreciated. I bought the unopened can of 2400 , the half can of 2400, the half can of B.E. , a set of .223 dies and a bottle of LAA (still in the wrapper) for $30.