In reading past threads on 7.62 x 39 it seems 26.5 to 27.5 gr of 4895 is an acceptable load with a 150-160 gr cast bullet. However. Hodgdon's web site lists 27gr as a starting load and 28gr as a max for a 150gr J-word. I loaded up some at 26gr which was a compressed load. I have to wonder if 28 would have even fit? At any rate, there were no pressure signs, but it grouped like my 19 gr RL-7 loads. Too big. I backed off to 25 gr of H4895 and they got better. I backed off to 24gr and they got even better. This is opposite of the way I would normally work up a load, but I think I would like to back off even more until they either the groups open back up or it fails to cycle the action. But I am concerned about being so much lower than starting loads. Even at 24 grains, the case was what I would consider full. It may not have been compressed, but it dang near was. Anyone have an idea if I am OK to keep backing off or am I looking for trouble?