Lapua 185gr D46's....

[tundramuscle03]

Does anyone have any experience with these? I just came into 2 boxes and intend on using them for my .30-06 (Bolt Action) and really cant seem to find very much load info...

Lapua lists 185gr Mega's & 185gr Scenars in their most recent manual, should i try those loads out first?

Thanks guys!

 

[sickeness]

Re: Lapua 185gr D46's....

In the 2nd edition Lapua manual, the loads for the 185 scenar and the 185 D46 are the same (3.256 OAL with d46). It also recommends a 1/10 twist to shoot these accurately.

Here are a couple of the max/starting loads with Hodgdon powders:
H4895: 41.2 - 47.1
H414: 49.8 - 51.9
H4831: 55.5 - 58.1

 

[tundramuscle03]

Re: Lapua 185gr D46's....

Do you happen to have the manual handy or could be able to take a picture or scan that particular page?


I know someone else has had to have some kinda experience with these

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Lapua 185gr D46's....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EdMP3006</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone have any experience with these? I just came into 2 boxes and intend on using them for my .30-06 (Bolt Action) and really cant seem to find very much load info...

Lapua lists 185gr Mega's & 185gr Scenars in their most recent manual, should i try those loads out first?

Thanks guys! </div></div>

I shot some last week at 300 yds, along with some 185 Scenars in my 308. Just use data for the Scenars, or even 180/190gr bullets and work up. 185 splits the difference between those more common weights.

My 2004 VV manual shows only the 185 Scenar and VV powders for the 30'06:

VV-150 has: Min: 45.8gr, Max: 49.4gr
VV-160 has: Min: 55.4gr, Max: 61.3gr

My gun has a 1:10" and loves the Scenars and the 185gr FMJ/RBT (rebated boat tail) D-46s. Speer used to import these and sell them under their brand. My two boxes are stamped .309", as some European makers think/thought oversizing by .001" creates a more accurate bullet.

The BC for the 185gr is an astounding .547 (according to my 2004 VV pamplet) so you 155 Scenar (508) fanboys can go pound sand, lol. The heavier bullets do kick a bit more and you have to get them going up over 2550 fps for 1k+, to be flattish like the 155s.

The 15/15 that I shot at 300yds were charged with 42.0grs of VV-150 FWIW and one D-46 5 shot group printed at 1.648", which pleasantly surprised me. It actually beat out the HPBT Scenars for me, on that day.

Chris

 

[tundramuscle03]

Re: Lapua 185gr D46's....

Good info, thanks Chris!

Its funny in the new edition from VV, that it actually lists the D46 (185 FMJBT) for the .308 and not for the .30-06

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: Lapua 185gr D46's....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EdMP3006</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good info, thanks Chris!

Its funny in the new edition from VV, that it actually lists the D46 (185 FMJBT) for the .308 and not for the .30-06 </div></div>

Lapua is funny. They have the Scenar HPBTs, they have their LockBase bullets and they have the rebated boat tail FMJs, but not all three types in all weights.

You've got 150 and 170 LB, you have 185 Scenars and D-46s and you have Scenars in 155, 167 and 185. Then you have the Scenars in moly. It's really a nice assortment. I have all of them here.

I even bought some .338 250gr LockBase from a guy here and when I got them, they were a rebated boat tail FMJ 250s, so I'm guessing that they're one of the initial models for the .338LM, because now they just make the Scenars and the LockBase, which has the nipple on the heal/bottom of the bullet.

My 2004 VV pamphlet has an insert for Lapua bullets with BC listed and a little blurb about each type of bullet they make. Their D-166 30cal was an award winning bullet going way back. It's got a rebated boat tail and three driving bands on the bearing surface.

Those crazy Finns.

At the 1k range near Tampa, they have a hardcore shooting club and reloading supplies. The owner, Mr. Pitts, shot for the USMC team for 26 years and is a master VV dealer, but doesn't sell any Lapua bullets. Strictly Bergers, so that told me something, I guess?

Good luck, I wish I had more than 100 D-46s left. If you get them sailing fast enough, they're one of the 'cleanest' bullets out there for 30 cal, save for the 220/240 SMKs and maybe the 208 AMAX.

Chris

 

[tundramuscle03]

Re: Lapua 185gr D46's....

If you want anymore D46's, Grafs has them instock