trying 3 new loads, are they safe?

[browningautorifle]

Alonzo's absolutely correct! Not just for 1917 rifles but ALL accuracy depends on it. That's a fact I can attest to. Like brass is mandatory, not just same headstamp but same lot number if it's possible!

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[stripper clip]

I agree with farmrich and alonzo. The use of a chronograph will give you so much more information to use in your selection process as far as what the muzzle velocity is running and what the standard deviation of a particular load actually is. Usually the lower the standard deviation, the more uniform the load; sometimes the lowest standard deviation results do not produce the best groups on paper, but most of the time they do. Brass segregation will also improve uniformity, and if you use the same brand of brass it can make a difference. Another thing to keep in mind with brass is that military brass is generally thicker, and pressures will therefore be higher; if you first test loads using military brass and there are no signs of excessive pressure,the same load will be safe in commercial brass too.

Safety, uniformity, accuracy, and fun are what it's all about. Good shooting!