When I load rifle, I consult 3 manuals to compare recommended charges: Sierra, Hornady and Nosler. Very often, they are considerably out of sync with one another. Sierra tends to understate the loads and velocities. For example, their max charge for varget with a .308 168 hpbt is 43.5 gr, while nosler states a max of 46. I just shot up to 45.5 gr today with no pressure signs, so I have to agree more with nosler on the charges. Which manual would you guys consider to be on point with velocities?
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Loading manual velocities
- Thread starter mdmp5
- Start date
Re: Loading manual velocities
I like the Nosler Guide #6. I don't know my own chronograph, and some times rent the one at the range. Nosler seems to be pretty on point. I would shoot a 5 round group, get the recorded velocities, and then average them. Nosler's guide is always the closest. Hope this helps......
I like the Nosler Guide #6. I don't know my own chronograph, and some times rent the one at the range. Nosler seems to be pretty on point. I would shoot a 5 round group, get the recorded velocities, and then average them. Nosler's guide is always the closest. Hope this helps......
Re: Loading manual velocities
Muzzle velocity and chamber pressures are going to vary from barrel to barrel. Not just barrel make from one to another. Microscopic changes in the bore diameter / rifling can cause differences in both. That's why the best bet for accurate numbers is to shoot the ammo in question through your rifle. From that, you can use various ballistic programs to get in the BALL PARK for actual ballistic tables and drop charts.
Remember, most manual publishers use a universal reciever with a standard barrel blank. While checking the data for a like rifle / barrel will get you in the ball park, it is still PROBABLY going to be different from yours.
Muzzle velocity and chamber pressures are going to vary from barrel to barrel. Not just barrel make from one to another. Microscopic changes in the bore diameter / rifling can cause differences in both. That's why the best bet for accurate numbers is to shoot the ammo in question through your rifle. From that, you can use various ballistic programs to get in the BALL PARK for actual ballistic tables and drop charts.
Remember, most manual publishers use a universal reciever with a standard barrel blank. While checking the data for a like rifle / barrel will get you in the ball park, it is still PROBABLY going to be different from yours.
Re: Loading manual velocities
"Which manual would you guys consider to be on point with velocities?"
I have at least two dozen manuals, likely more. None of them are good at predicting what MY rifles will shoot. Of course if they had used my rifles to develop their data it would likely be quite close to what I actually get.
All a book can be is a starting point, the rest is up to us and they all tell us that, one way or another. ??
"Which manual would you guys consider to be on point with velocities?"
I have at least two dozen manuals, likely more. None of them are good at predicting what MY rifles will shoot. Of course if they had used my rifles to develop their data it would likely be quite close to what I actually get.
All a book can be is a starting point, the rest is up to us and they all tell us that, one way or another. ??
Re: Loading manual velocities
I bought ~ 50 load books, some of them old, off ebay.
Then in 2002 I got Quickload.
Now I used Quickload to find the starting point and work up my own loads.
I bought ~ 50 load books, some of them old, off ebay.
Then in 2002 I got Quickload.
Now I used Quickload to find the starting point and work up my own loads.
Re: Loading manual velocities
I mainly use the bullet makers manual for starting load, and work up usually past their reccommended max, and then consult forums such as this one and find out what everyone else suggests. for example, sierra says 41.7 is max varget for a .308 175 smk. Well, hell that stinks. SO I come on this forum and everyone says around 44 grains seems to be about average. Of course you work up to that amount. hodgdon says 45 is max. So looks like the powder manufacterers numbers are closer. To real world max.
I mainly use the bullet makers manual for starting load, and work up usually past their reccommended max, and then consult forums such as this one and find out what everyone else suggests. for example, sierra says 41.7 is max varget for a .308 175 smk. Well, hell that stinks. SO I come on this forum and everyone says around 44 grains seems to be about average. Of course you work up to that amount. hodgdon says 45 is max. So looks like the powder manufacterers numbers are closer. To real world max.
