I have a 12" Hunter Contender barrel that I am working up loads for.

I saw the previous post on the different loads levels in different manuals.

At the start of load testing I had several different manuals listing Max loads from 40 gr. to 44.7 gr. of H4198 with a 300 gr. bullet.

Using Remingtons 300HP and H4198, I started at 36 gr. and worked up to 44.5 gr. From the start to finish, I had a lot of unburnt powder. At 44.5 the excess powder started to look charred. Velocity vareid as much as 100 fps with different shots on the same load levels.

To me it sounds like I have low load density, but I am at max with my listed loads manuals.

I picked up Hodgdons 2004 Annual Manual. Using H4198 and Sierra 300 gr. HP, It lists a starting load of 45 gr. at 16,700 CUP and a max load of 55 gr. at 27,600 CUP.

If the Contender is safe up to 28,000 CUP, I should be able to safly work my way up.

With 44.5 I am only getting just under 1500fps with the 300 gr. bullet. I was hoping to get at least 1700 fps.

Can I safly Work up?

Are my expectations To High?

Why is there so much difference in the load manuals?

Any and all input is welcome.

Jeff