Help identifying high pressure signs please

[drenalinld]

I have never dealt with hand loads in shotguns before this Spring. So far, the only ones I have tried have been from Nitro. I have quite a few of them left and want to be sure they are safe. What are high pressure indicators in a shotgun?? The only one I am aware of is difficulty extracting a fired hull. I am sure there are other things to watch for and would appreciate any help as I will start trying some hand loads on my own as well.

[R AJ]

A swollen barrel or missing choke or spilt barrel are sure signs.

[drenalinld]

I hope I never see that, RAJ.

[muddyhole]

primers appear flattened around the firing pin dimple

[drenalinld]

It's best to go by published data, or if there is no data available, have the shells tested.  If you doubt safe pressures, Precision Reloading will test them for $40.

I think I will send some of the Nitro loads to PR for pressure testing. Is that $40/shell? How many of each load should be tested to feel good about results?

[neal]

A swollen barrel or missing choke or spilt barrel are sure signs.

Yep that would tip me off!!

[drenalinld]

Thanks, Hal.

[surehuntsalot]

Nitro's are famous for over pressure

flatten primers and stuck hulls in barrels are their trademarks