Keylargo,

We need to be aware of the limits that have been established by S.A.A.M.I.. Various manuals have spent a good deal of money on research to give us loads that meet the S.A.A.M.I. specs. Now if we were all going to load for exactly the same barrel that the editors used, then the book load should never be violated. However, if the factory used a 26" test barrel in a universal reciever then we may stray a little. I doubt if my 22" Rem barrelhasanywhere near as tight a chamber or barrel as Sierra did in working up loads for a .308 Winchester. As a result, my test loads were heavier than the book. However, they started in the middle of the book and increased in half grain increments to a point about 2 grains over book. Each load was carefully examined, measured and velocity checked as they were fired. If pressure signs were hit, it was time to stopand back up. That's one of the main reasons I have a bullet puller on my bench. It's also the reason it gets so much use. The .30-06 has always been loaded light by the factories to keep them safe for the old guns that are chambered for the '06. If your loading for a moderm rifle in the '06, IMHO, there is not ane reason the '06 can't be loaded to the same pressure levels as it;s offsprings. The .270 Win, .280 Rem. Using the correct powder, 3000 fps is attainable with the 150 grain bullet and 2900 fps is reachable. Some of the newer cartridges are loaded with powders that we do not have access to and it is difficult to reach the same velocities the factory ammo give. The .308 Win is one of these cartridges.

To answer your question, some loads should not be increased. It is ok to increase the loads of some cartridges, but you have to know which and why.