1903A3 175 SMK LOAD DATA

[lrgrendel]

Recently purchased the above. I have shot it with HORNADY 150 gr FMJBT and VARGET. Shoots well. Just got a 500 box of 175 SMK.
Would like to keep it towards the lower end of the charge weight.

I have H4350 and VARGET.....

Thanks

 

[Random Guy]

With H-4350, I would try 55.0 to 56.0 grains with the 175 SMK at 3.330" . I'd go up in 0.2 or 0.3 grain increments.
My 1903A1 likes 56.0 grains. Its what I would call a moderate load (not max, but not a starting load either).

 

[lrgrendel]

Ok. Thank you.

 

[Unknown]

I have found it useful to go through the reloading section, and take notes on every loading that has the components I wish to use, and if possible close to the weapon I want to shoot it in (24" bolt action with 1-10 twist, or 20" gas gun with 1-11 twist) then average out what they found to be the best load, and reduce from the average to find my starting point. I frequently end up very close to what my average was for the components...but always starting lower and working up.

IOW if the average of the loads is 45 grains of Varget with the 175 grain SMK and LC brass with CCI-BR2 primers, I would start around 42 grains of Varget.