Baikal says 28,000psi - which is the Hodgdon current maximum for an 1873 Springfield. Is this the same rifle that is chambered for the .30/06? If yes, why not at least Marlin pressures of 43,000psi? I don't know - maybe Baikal does - how about writing them?

Have a look at Rod's penetration tests. His 420gr. cast HP load out penetrated and outexpanded the 300gr. Swift fired from a .375H&H rifle- yet that load can be duplicated when producing about 25,000 or less PSI loads - WELL below what a Springfield model 1873 is capable of handling.

As a matter of fact, no other 'soft' bullet has ever done as well as that cast 420gr. load in his media. What animal would you shoot with that 300gr. Swift - well, the 420gr. .458" load beat it in testing- for panetration and expansion too and at low pressure, suitable for ALL .45/70s'. That should mean a LOT!

Are modern 28,000fps loads hotrodding? - I say no way. It is merely loading the ctg. to it's potential given the limitations of the rifle, nothing more. If you were trying Levergun max. loads in an 1873 rifle, THAT would be hotrodding and not advised.

Would I personally load 43,000psi loads in a Baikal? Probably not as one of those cast bullets or hacketed 405gr. at around 1,800fps would be all I'd ever need - here in NA.

I could and might work very slowly and test for the DR's compliance with somewhat heavier loads, but I've an idea what I'm up to - been in this "grey area" of loading for many years with wildcats. But, then again, I know dang well it will take the softer loads and they are all that's needed on this continent.