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1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
- Thread starter gregpo
- Start date
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
I have no objections,but I would save yourself some time and start at 43.5 to make sure you don't have pressure signs(you won't),go to 44.0 and stop there.
I have yet to see a rifle that wouldn't shoot 44.0gr of Varget and a 175gr Matchking well. If you want to be sure do your ladder test and have fun,reloading is as much fun to me as shooting,but I bet you will settle real close to 44.0gr of Varget.
I have no objections,but I would save yourself some time and start at 43.5 to make sure you don't have pressure signs(you won't),go to 44.0 and stop there.
I have yet to see a rifle that wouldn't shoot 44.0gr of Varget and a 175gr Matchking well. If you want to be sure do your ladder test and have fun,reloading is as much fun to me as shooting,but I bet you will settle real close to 44.0gr of Varget.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
I agree with the above. I think you have way too much gap in your powder charges. Look on this reloading section and you find pet loads for Varget for 308's and 175's. Then start around their numbers and change the charges .2 to.5 difference.
I agree with the above. I think you have way too much gap in your powder charges. Look on this reloading section and you find pet loads for Varget for 308's and 175's. Then start around their numbers and change the charges .2 to.5 difference.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Don't stop at 44.0 grains.
45.0 grains of Varget is widely accepted as the optimum charge weight for a vast majority of 308s running 175g SMKs. I've personally tested 3 Remington SPS-Ts and arrived at 44.5g, 45.0g, and 45.2g respectively as the optimum.
I also agree that your charge separation is much too coarse. I use 0.3g for my testing.
Here's an example of how I tested one of my 308s; (don't miss the top of page 2)
http://practicalrifler.6.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=1164
And here is a good website on the testing technique I use and like very much. It called finding the OCW (optimium charge weight)
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/
Lastly, after testing dozens and dozens of rifles, Dan Newberry, the owner of the above website is comfortable publishing the below data as the OCW for the vast majority of 308 rifles. Based on my independent testing, I must agree!
<span style="font-weight: bold">308 Winchester using Varget</span>
155 grain bullet, 47.8 grains
168 grain bullet, 46.0 grains
175 grain bullet, 45.0 grains (an all around favorite)
180 grain bullet, 44.1 grains
200 grain bullet, low node 41.5 grains (10 twist barrel)
200 grain bullet, high node, 43.1 grains (10 twist barrel)
Don't stop at 44.0 grains.
45.0 grains of Varget is widely accepted as the optimum charge weight for a vast majority of 308s running 175g SMKs. I've personally tested 3 Remington SPS-Ts and arrived at 44.5g, 45.0g, and 45.2g respectively as the optimum.
I also agree that your charge separation is much too coarse. I use 0.3g for my testing.
Here's an example of how I tested one of my 308s; (don't miss the top of page 2)
http://practicalrifler.6.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=1164
And here is a good website on the testing technique I use and like very much. It called finding the OCW (optimium charge weight)
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/
Lastly, after testing dozens and dozens of rifles, Dan Newberry, the owner of the above website is comfortable publishing the below data as the OCW for the vast majority of 308 rifles. Based on my independent testing, I must agree!
<span style="font-weight: bold">308 Winchester using Varget</span>
155 grain bullet, 47.8 grains
168 grain bullet, 46.0 grains
175 grain bullet, 45.0 grains (an all around favorite)
180 grain bullet, 44.1 grains
200 grain bullet, low node 41.5 grains (10 twist barrel)
200 grain bullet, high node, 43.1 grains (10 twist barrel)
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would load 45grs , maybe up to 46 just to see </div></div>
From the pressure signs in my rifle I get at 44.5 I am pretty sure 46gr of Varget would give me a chance the experience first hand the gas handling ability of the Remington 700 action.
My load:
44.1gr of Varget
175 SMK
CCI BR2
Win case
My rifle:
GAP built Remington 700
Rock 1:11.25 23" to brake
1000ASL at 59 degrees gets 2660FPS
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MALLARD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i would load 45grs , maybe up to 46 just to see </div></div>
From the pressure signs in my rifle I get at 44.5 I am pretty sure 46gr of Varget would give me a chance the experience first hand the gas handling ability of the Remington 700 action.
My load:
44.1gr of Varget
175 SMK
CCI BR2
Win case
My rifle:
GAP built Remington 700
Rock 1:11.25 23" to brake
1000ASL at 59 degrees gets 2660FPS
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
My favorite load for 1K is with 44.2 in a Lapua case. But that's for my rifle. You do what you feel is right.
My favorite load for 1K is with 44.2 in a Lapua case. But that's for my rifle. You do what you feel is right.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
My favorite load for 1K is with 44.2 in a Lapua case. But that's for my rifle. You do what you feel is right.
My favorite load for 1K is with 44.2 in a Lapua case. But that's for my rifle. You do what you feel is right.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
I went all the way to 45gr with no pressure signs in my Rem 5R. 44.5 was the most accurate though.
I went all the way to 45gr with no pressure signs in my Rem 5R. 44.5 was the most accurate though.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
thanks, so your suggesting to maybe pull some lighter loads, and make small increments maybe from 43 and up? Maybe 43 up to 45 in .2 or .3 grain increments would be good? I saw the loads on reloading depot, but thought its still best to atleast start with what sierra considers max charge of 41.7.
thanks, so your suggesting to maybe pull some lighter loads, and make small increments maybe from 43 and up? Maybe 43 up to 45 in .2 or .3 grain increments would be good? I saw the loads on reloading depot, but thought its still best to atleast start with what sierra considers max charge of 41.7.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Reloading books sometimes understate max charges. I would use the manufacturer's website for max loading data.
IIRC 45 is max for varget with 175BTHP using win brass at 2.8 length according to the hodgdon website.
Reloading books sometimes understate max charges. I would use the manufacturer's website for max loading data.
IIRC 45 is max for varget with 175BTHP using win brass at 2.8 length according to the hodgdon website.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Ok then, maybe this 1st batch will be for pressure tests, being I only loaded 3 of each, I wont bruise my shoulder to bad.
Then Ill go back and do .1-.2 increments down the road, Im not expecting to do this overnight, I guess thats what makes it fun.
Ok then, maybe this 1st batch will be for pressure tests, being I only loaded 3 of each, I wont bruise my shoulder to bad.
Then Ill go back and do .1-.2 increments down the road, Im not expecting to do this overnight, I guess thats what makes it fun.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Good luck and good shooting, reap the rewards of your efforts.
Good luck and good shooting, reap the rewards of your efforts.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Greg I do .5 grain intervals to work out preliminary stuff like looking for signs of high pressure etc etc.
Once I know how high i can go I think tweak loads using smaller differences (.3 grains).
Say for instance you find that at 44 grains you have no pressure signs whilst retaining excellent accuracy... great !
Then start loading at that 44 grains but also experiment with powder charges in and around that 44 grains. 43.8, 44.0. 44.2, 44.3 etc etc
Then it basically comes down to shooting the vest best you can at the range to remove any operator error from your research.
Greg I do .5 grain intervals to work out preliminary stuff like looking for signs of high pressure etc etc.
Once I know how high i can go I think tweak loads using smaller differences (.3 grains).
Say for instance you find that at 44 grains you have no pressure signs whilst retaining excellent accuracy... great !
Then start loading at that 44 grains but also experiment with powder charges in and around that 44 grains. 43.8, 44.0. 44.2, 44.3 etc etc
Then it basically comes down to shooting the vest best you can at the range to remove any operator error from your research.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Thanks vman I think thats what im gonna do. Hey, do you neck size or full length everytime? I have lee collet die ive been using. But when I do full length size or use new brass I gotta start test loads over again?
Thanks vman I think thats what im gonna do. Hey, do you neck size or full length everytime? I have lee collet die ive been using. But when I do full length size or use new brass I gotta start test loads over again?
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
Careful with using Federal Brass and coing much over what the Sierra Manual suggests.....as their data was worked up with Federal Brass.....
45 Gr is tops with WW or Lapua brass.....but I would look closer to 43gr with a 175 and Federal Brass.
Careful with using Federal Brass and coing much over what the Sierra Manual suggests.....as their data was worked up with Federal Brass.....
45 Gr is tops with WW or Lapua brass.....but I would look closer to 43gr with a 175 and Federal Brass.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
plinker, you kinda got me worried now bout the federal brass. IS there something different about federal brass that I should know about? I mean know one else mentioned anything about this, till now, have you had any bad experiences with fed. brass, if so should I be scrapping all my fed brass?
plinker, you kinda got me worried now bout the federal brass. IS there something different about federal brass that I should know about? I mean know one else mentioned anything about this, till now, have you had any bad experiences with fed. brass, if so should I be scrapping all my fed brass?
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
I use 45.0g Varget, BR2, Lapua cases with no pressure signs no matter how hot the ambient temp is. This load seems to be the consensus on the 'hide for 175 smk. I may have to give 44.6g a try based on the group shown above. Gregp fill out your profile.
I use 45.0g Varget, BR2, Lapua cases with no pressure signs no matter how hot the ambient temp is. This load seems to be the consensus on the 'hide for 175 smk. I may have to give 44.6g a try based on the group shown above. Gregp fill out your profile.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gregp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">plinker, you kinda got me worried now bout the federal brass. IS there something different about federal brass that I should know about? I mean know one else mentioned anything about this, till now, have you had any bad experiences with fed. brass, if so should I be scrapping all my fed brass?</div></div>
There is nothing wrong with using federal brass. Just be aware that it is pretty soft compared to most others, so you won't get that much usable mileage out of it compared to something like Lapua. Just keep a close eye on the area forward of the head and look for signs of stretching. Also pay attention to the integrity of the primer pockets, as they may loosen up quicker than other brass. WHen the primers start to seat way too easily, the brass is probably on its final firing. I use Fed brass for my M1a loads, but only load them about 2 or 3 times before I scrap them.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gregp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">plinker, you kinda got me worried now bout the federal brass. IS there something different about federal brass that I should know about? I mean know one else mentioned anything about this, till now, have you had any bad experiences with fed. brass, if so should I be scrapping all my fed brass?</div></div>
There is nothing wrong with using federal brass. Just be aware that it is pretty soft compared to most others, so you won't get that much usable mileage out of it compared to something like Lapua. Just keep a close eye on the area forward of the head and look for signs of stretching. Also pay attention to the integrity of the primer pockets, as they may loosen up quicker than other brass. WHen the primers start to seat way too easily, the brass is probably on its final firing. I use Fed brass for my M1a loads, but only load them about 2 or 3 times before I scrap them.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
I use 43.5 gr. of Varget in a Federal Case with a 175 SMK, and have had no issues with pressure. I have loaded up to 44.0 gr., and still had no pressure signs. There is nothing wrong with Federal brass as stated above. It is just softer so you will have to trim it more often. I load mine four times then toss them. I full length size them each time so they can be used in numerous .308's. If you are only using one rifle I would suggest just neck sizing them and you should get more loads out of them.
Specs on my primary rifle:
GAP .308, Surgeon 591 action, Bartline 1-11.25 5R at 23 inches.
With 43.5 gr. of Varget, CCI BR2, Federal Brass, and a 175 SMK. I get 2660 fps.
I use 43.5 gr. of Varget in a Federal Case with a 175 SMK, and have had no issues with pressure. I have loaded up to 44.0 gr., and still had no pressure signs. There is nothing wrong with Federal brass as stated above. It is just softer so you will have to trim it more often. I load mine four times then toss them. I full length size them each time so they can be used in numerous .308's. If you are only using one rifle I would suggest just neck sizing them and you should get more loads out of them.
Specs on my primary rifle:
GAP .308, Surgeon 591 action, Bartline 1-11.25 5R at 23 inches.
With 43.5 gr. of Varget, CCI BR2, Federal Brass, and a 175 SMK. I get 2660 fps.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
if i dremel the federal brass lengthwise every two reloads or so, and I still have pretty thick case just above the case head the i should be fine right? That is ofcourse he primer pockets hold up too.
if i dremel the federal brass lengthwise every two reloads or so, and I still have pretty thick case just above the case head the i should be fine right? That is ofcourse he primer pockets hold up too.
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
308sako,
how far are you off the lands with the 44.6 load?
308sako,
how far are you off the lands with the 44.6 load?
Re: 1st test loads with 175 smk's, anybody object
running 44 and 45 grains of varget behind a 175 are you guys compressing the powder when you seat your bullets? I am compressing at 44 I dunno if I could even fit 45 grains of varget. I am also still new to reloading....
running 44 and 45 grains of varget behind a 175 are you guys compressing the powder when you seat your bullets? I am compressing at 44 I dunno if I could even fit 45 grains of varget. I am also still new to reloading....
