by wildcatter » Wed May 09, 2012 9:03 am
OK, here goes..
Forgive me, if I sound dubious and standoffish.
You have entered an area that if I give an affirmative answer, "You" might be OK, in your work, but someone with way less experience might have a barrel rupture. Even though, we use disclaimers, the fact will be that I/we could be judged as encouraging "Dangerous Loading Practices".
So, here's the partial answer.
Your project is possible, but a barrel rupture is even more probable, and its accompanying injuries to your body. Trying to get to a specific FPS, is in fact a recipe for disaster and in a 16" barrel, making this project even more dubious and dangerous. It is better to load up slowly and let the pressures rule the final FPS, and, you will hit the "Wall" as I describe it, well before you hit your target speed. The Wall being, when the rifle starts to short stroke, because of timing issues associated with your load/gas port location. And you will need a rifle length gas solution to increase the "Wall" Timing. Trident loads, I imagine, are right at that Wall, and could, on a hot day, start short stroking. Though not dangerous, can be problematic, assuming some animal is trying to stomp a Mud-Hole through you. I also assume, his loads have been tested, under Hot conditions and are safe to use. I do this in a temperature-controlled oven, set at 150 degrees, If I don't have pressures problems, from that heat, I'm going to have to look to other areas of concern, for my pressure problems, dirty chamber, case lengths, etc, etc, etc. I'm trying to impress the reader that there are a thousand things that can cause pressure problems and they all seem to Coalesce, at the same time and at the point when things are going to get real dangerous.
Now, again, forgive me for being Negative, for your goals are possible, but even if you do get to them today, you're so close to the edge, that even tomorrows weather could cause you serious troubles.
So then, try if you must, we didn't make it to the moon without killing some fine people, but protect yourself, be ready to absorb the cost of killing your rifle and don't blame anyone, besides yourself, if you get hurt. For I do such things, but I have the scientific equipment to help me along and I have made the statement, that I have blown-up more rifles, then most men will own.
Hoot sometimes thinks I hold my cards too close to my chest and would like me to reveal more than I do and he's right. I fear the Tort and what it's become. Now, in private conversations with someone as experienced as our Hoot, I can talk freely, but then that person already knows their limitations.
In other words, to be "Official", your goals are too high, with the experience you have. So, don't do it..
..t
Safety First..t