New load development: 168 SMK with IMR 4064

[Cascade Precision]

Just started some new load development using IMR 4064 and 168 SMK. Cases are Federal, Winchester primers, loaded to factory length. I am not really sure I want to delve into different COAL, just want them to fit in my magazines without issue. I am thinking that I want to go back and try 42 grains and 44 grains at a farther distance. All development has been done at 100 yards thus far. As for velocity and ES/SD, I do not have access to a chronograph, I shoot for accuracy, develop my DOPE, test and verify at varying distances. I am not overly concerned with ES/SD as FGMM shoots exceptionally well and has a pretty wide ES/SD.

Thoughts/suggestions?

Started with 42 grains, worked up to 44 grains in half grain increments.
42 grains:

42.5 grains:

43 grains:

43.5 grains:

44 grains (note, the one in the lower portion of the diamond I pulled. I had 5 of each charge just in case I did this. Sent the 5th one back into the other group that formed. Hope this makes sense):

 

[InfScout1/69]

New load development: 168 SMK with IMR 4064

I would work with 44 grains and fine tune it in .1 grain increments. From 43.7-44.4grains

Also the 42 grain fine tuning from 41.7-42.4 grains in .1 grain increments

It might be that 42grains +/- is your lower node and 44grains +/- is your high node.

 

[pmclaine]

Some interesting 4064/.308 info in the "Unlocking FGMM" clone threads.

I think 42.7 was recommended for cloning FGMM 168. Dan Newberry had some good commentary.

 

[Infidel45]

Some interesting 4064/.308 info in the "Unlocking FGMM" clone threads.

I think 42.7 was recommended for cloning FGMM 168. Dan Newberry had some good commentary.

Yep...42.75 rounded to .8 of 4064 is what Dan came up with as the FGMM 168 load.

 

[Cascade Precision]

I will have to go and read that. I did find a chronograph I could use and will get some velocity info.
Mine will be a little slow since I am shooting an 18" barreled rifle!

 

[81sfo]

If you can't find the accuracy you want ..throw away the brass and use other brand. It should last two or maybe three firings if you don't load hot. I'd stick with the 42 grains. It's not like you'll be shooting this at 1000 yds ,the 168 wasn't designed for that .

 

[M40_A1]

I am not overly concerned with ES/SD as FGMM shoots exceptionally well and has a pretty wide ES/SD.

Fine, if you're not going to shoot past 400 or 500 yards. Past that and ES/SD make a big difference.

Decades ago when I was replicating the then current FGMM 168 gr. load, 43.6 gr. of IMR4064 gave me the same velocities (4064 was essentially the powder used at the time). Every lot of 4064 will be different, and the load will need to be adjusted accordingly. I suggest using a chronograph to find the equivalent load, if you want to do that for cross-use or BDC purposes. Otherwise, just find the load your rifle likes.

 

[Cascade Precision]

I have a solid 175 smk load that performs outstanding at 1300 yards. As for this load, max range is going to be 600 yard max.

Guess that was some pertinent info that I left out.

 

[mforsch]

It appears you've found the "sweet spot" with the 44.0 grain load--I would fine tune that until you're happy with it. Coincidently, I have been doing nearly the same thing and am "jockeying between 43.5 grains and 44 (in Lake City brass)----and the rifle (an old beater gun Win feather weight 22") seems positively responsive to the higher load----like you, I don't have a clock either--my best guess is 2650 to 2725 Fps (there again--the brass--internal volume)....(I don't care as long as it cuts a hole)
Good luck

 

[M40_A1]

If you're only shooting to 600 yards, then you might want to explore the 42 grain area. Your brass (primer pockets) will last longer, especially being Federal.

 

[DanSavage]

Go a few 10ths under 42 like m40_a1 said,, accuracy trumps velocity in my book unless you'll be shooting past 600.

 

[wxl]

I have a solid 175 smk load that performs outstanding at 1300 yards. As for this load, max range is going to be 600 yard max.

Guess that was some pertinent info that I left out.

Do not think you ever said what rifle. If gas gun (like a M1A) then I would stay around 2600 fps. Bolt gun you can go higher.

 

[Cascade Precision]

Sorry, been a very long week at work.
Rifle is a custom Remington 700, 18" Shilen SS Select Match.

I think I will drop it down to 42ish grains and see what I get. I found that my rifle REALLY likes 43.8 grains seated to factory length. Netted under 1/2moa group at 200 yards. BUT, I think that in an effort to take it easy on the brass, I will drop it down. The brass showed no signs of hard extraction, extractor or ejector marks. Just a really good load running 2680 fps. Or do I just run that load and be done with it?

 

[pmclaine]

Try the 42.8 for shits and giggles but if you dont have any signs of pressure at the good shooting load and you are happy why reinvent the wheel. If a lower charge works you may gain some slight case life, powder savings at the expense of some velocity. Does your distance shooting need the velocity?

 

[M40_A1]

Federal brass is notoriously soft. 43.8 gr. of 4064 is not high pressure so you shouldn't notice any pressure signs, but don't be surprised if after about five loadings your primers feel loose going into the primer pockets. Unless you want to pit/etch your bolt face, don't shoot with loose primers. Unfortunately, I've found Lapua is also getting the same five loadings before getting loose primer pockets with this same moderate load.

If you want your brass to last, your 42.0 grain load looked really nice too. I'd play with 41.8-42.2 gr., and maybe play with seating depths as well.

 

[Fatelvis]

Have any of you guys tried the 169SMK out of your M1A or bolt gun? If so, did they shoot well?

 

[straightshooter1]

Have any of you guys tried the 169SMK out of your M1A or bolt gun? If so, did they shoot well?

169 SMK's (which are factory tipped) work GREAT out of my RPR .308 with 26" Krieger barrel. They're my go to round as they do well out past 1000 yds.

 

[Im2bent]

Holy fucking necro thread Batman