This is a 270 win case with 60gr of H4831. It fills just past the shoulder. What is the limit to how much you can fill the case? Can you have powder up against the bullet after seating?
Yes you can have powder to the bullet. It’s called a compressed load. A tiny soft crunch is usually okay but it shouldn’t be a hard smash of the powder.
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So, is there such a thing as an optimal case fill?
Absolutely yes.
Too little powder and it will slosh around with movement which can lead to unpredictable ignition. Too much powder gives compression. I will say that many handloaders report great results with compressed loads. I myself have found that they interfere with seating depth.
There are tools like Gordon’s and quick load which will estimate case fill. It’s also listed in many reloading manuals.
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