This is finally available so I gave it a shot (literally) while working up a load for 2 different DT 375 factory barrels in the past 2 weeks. Here is my report:
1.) WAY more speed than Retumbo. Like 100 fps more is possible before running into pressure. I started with my Retumbo load 132 grains and worked up to 136 grains N570 with a SMK in Bertram brass. Each grain gets you about 30 fps. 132 grains got me about 3025, and 136 got me 3145 fps. 132 Retumbo gets me 3050. I think 3200 fps from a 29" barrel is easily possible with this powder, but I didn't want to beat up the brass.
2.) SDs are very low up to 135 grains - 5-7 fps for SD and ES of 15. Once I hit 136 SD went to 12 so I stopped going higher and backed down to 135 grains as the final load. This load shot multiple 1/2" 5 shot one ragged holes in both barrels.
3.) I got occasional hang fires with ambient temps in the 40s. I don't know if this is a bad batch of primers or what, but it's something to be aware of. I think I had 4-5 hang fires in about 100 rounds fired. I made sure to clean my primer pockets after the first range day where it happened and it has only happened once since. I think this powder at 130+ grains may be near the ignition limits of standard large rifle mag primers (I'm using 215M of course).
4.) The kernels are HUGE, and each weigh approximately 1/10th of a grain. For me it actually made it easier to load since I hand trickle.
If you're shooting the Cheytacs, this powder is worth a shot. Fast, accurate, consistent, but with some accompanying problems (metering, cost, hang fires.) I got the last 10# from PV and the last 10# from PR in SD arrived Monday, but I see PV already has it back in stock. The powder shortage is over boys! (except H4350).
1.) WAY more speed than Retumbo. Like 100 fps more is possible before running into pressure. I started with my Retumbo load 132 grains and worked up to 136 grains N570 with a SMK in Bertram brass. Each grain gets you about 30 fps. 132 grains got me about 3025, and 136 got me 3145 fps. 132 Retumbo gets me 3050. I think 3200 fps from a 29" barrel is easily possible with this powder, but I didn't want to beat up the brass.
2.) SDs are very low up to 135 grains - 5-7 fps for SD and ES of 15. Once I hit 136 SD went to 12 so I stopped going higher and backed down to 135 grains as the final load. This load shot multiple 1/2" 5 shot one ragged holes in both barrels.
3.) I got occasional hang fires with ambient temps in the 40s. I don't know if this is a bad batch of primers or what, but it's something to be aware of. I think I had 4-5 hang fires in about 100 rounds fired. I made sure to clean my primer pockets after the first range day where it happened and it has only happened once since. I think this powder at 130+ grains may be near the ignition limits of standard large rifle mag primers (I'm using 215M of course).
4.) The kernels are HUGE, and each weigh approximately 1/10th of a grain. For me it actually made it easier to load since I hand trickle.
If you're shooting the Cheytacs, this powder is worth a shot. Fast, accurate, consistent, but with some accompanying problems (metering, cost, hang fires.) I got the last 10# from PV and the last 10# from PR in SD arrived Monday, but I see PV already has it back in stock. The powder shortage is over boys! (except H4350).
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