+P loadings and SAAMI max pressure

I have the Speer #13 reloading manual and it only lists +P data for the .38Spl +P. The 9mm Lugar, .45 Auto, .40 S&W, etc lack +P load data. Speer always tells you the maximum SAAMI pressure for each cartridge and that all load data does not exceed that pressure in the introduction section for that cartridge.

Do +P factory loads exceed SAAMI standards? Are they totaly non-standard if they do? Or can I count on the SAAMI pressure standard not being exceeded by some percent?

No factory +P load exceeds SAAMI standards. The data in the reloading manuals are the same standards the factories use. That's one of the things that drive me nuts when people ask about +P loads in whatever gun they have. The +P, and even the +P+ loads do not exceed maximum SAAMI standards. That's why they're called standards.

****************************************** The above rantings are the opinions of the writer, (C.J.), and are not necessarily in agreement with anything that anybody else thinks, or would care to. Any resemblance to political correctness is purely coincidental, entirely unintentional and probably your imagination.

# I have the Speer #13 reloading manual and it only lists +P data for # the .38Spl +P. The 9mm Lugar, .45 Auto, .40 S&W, etc lack +P load # data. Speer always tells you the maximum SAAMI pressure for each # cartridge and that all load data does not exceed that pressure in the # introduction section for that cartridge. # # Do +P factory loads exceed SAAMI standards? Are they totaly # non-standard if they do? Or can I count on the SAAMI pressure # standard not being exceeded by some percent? #

If I incrementally load more powder that the max load per SAAMI standards, I find a safety margin before something goes wrong.

Here is a picture of three 9mm cases I overloaded from right to left with increasing powder, there is an advanced feed ramp case bulge, a hole blown in the case down the feed ramp, and a case head failure: http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=& postid=236652 These are pressure signs of overload showing the limit of safety margin has been reached and that should be taken as waring signs that something is very wrong. If my brass looks like that, I stop shooting immediately.

I found amount of extra powder to reach the limit of safety for stock pistols is typically large for: 9mm I have the Speer #13 reloading manual and it only lists +P data for # the .38Spl +P. The 9mm Lugar, .45 Auto, .40 S&W, etc lack +P load # data. Speer always tells you the maximum SAAMI pressure for each # cartridge and that all load data does not exceed that pressure in the # introduction section for that cartridge. # # Do +P factory loads exceed SAAMI standards? Are they totaly # non-standard if they do? Or can I count on the SAAMI pressure # standard not being exceeded by some percent? #

If I incrementally load more powder that the max load per SAAMI standards, I find a safety margin before something goes wrong.

Here is a picture of three 9mm cases I overloaded from right to left with increasing powder, there is an advanced feed ramp case bulge, a hole blown in the case down the feed ramp, and a case head failure: http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=& postid=236652 These are pressure signs of overload showing the limit of safety margin has been reached and that should be taken as waring signs that something is very wrong. If my brass looks like that, I stop shooting immediately.

I found amount of extra powder to reach the limit of safety for stock pistols is typically large for: 9mm [

# # I have the Speer #13 reloading manual and it only lists +P data for # the .38Spl +P. The 9mm Lugar, .45 Auto, .40 S&W, etc lack +P load # data. Speer always tells you the maximum SAAMI pressure for each # cartridge and that all load data does not exceed that pressure in the # introduction section for that cartridge. # # Do +P factory loads exceed SAAMI standards? Are they totaly # non-standard if they do? Or can I count on the SAAMI pressure # standard not being exceeded by some percent?

Some calibers have +P SAAMI ratings (e.g., .38Spl +P) and by definition don't exceed SAMMI standards. Others don't have SAMMI ratings. Factory ammo for those that don't are either marketing hype or potentially unsafe (since they aren't required to conform to any pressure standards).

# Do +P factory loads exceed SAAMI standards? Are they totaly # non-standard if they do? Or can I count on the SAAMI pressure # standard not being exceeded by some percent?

You are confused...SAAMI determines +P pressures.

SAAMI sets both standard and +P pressure standards.

Just who the heck is this Sammy charactor anyways? It's my understanding that SAAMI does in fact have listings for the pressure limitations of plus P amm but that all the +P+ ammo is a no mans land of no listed standards (anything goes!).