Question for the more expierenced........

[Chefcbjones]

I have just finished developing a load for my .308 168g SMKBTHP over 43 grains of varget, this load is a tack driver.

Now I am working on a 175 SMKBTHP, here is my question do I need to FL re-size the cases if I have already fired the 168g load out of them?

I pressed ten of the 175s and they were very very tight, like you would need a mallet to close the bolt. Would FL resizing solve this issue?

I have good lapua brass for the loads once they are developed but I am using Hornady Match brass for load development as I don't want to over work the lapua.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Blue Streak]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

Well,..I'm not all that experienced, but if you FL size your brass it should help with the bolt closing issue that your having.

As related to load development, you state that you are using Hornady brass for development, but once developed, you plan to use Lapua. It may not make a huge difference, but I would probably use the same brass all the way around to remain constant.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chef jones</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Now I am working on a 175 SMKBTHP, here is my question do I need to FL re-size the cases if I have already fired the 168g load out of them?

Would FL resizing solve this issue?

I have good lapua brass for the loads once they are developed but I am using Hornady Match brass for load development as I don't want to over work the lapua.

</div></div>

first question no if you only loaded them once , where they virgin fired from your rifle ? second mabye give it a shot

you would have to re-develope the load with the lapua brass , you cant just take the data and move it over.

 

[Chefcbjones]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

Actually I had no problems moving it over, their was no loss of accuracy, or pressure issues... It shot like a dream and maintained all accuracy. The chrono readings were within 10FPS of the original load.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

Try this...insert a fired case from the 168 grain load into your rifle. If it enters and the bolt closes smoothly...you are golden. If not, you need FL resizing a tiny bit at a time, bumping the shoulder until it closes with a tiny bit of feel. If it closes easily, and then not with a 178 grain bullet inserted...you have the wrong OAL for the cartridge. Seat the bullet a little deeper a bit at a time until it closes without being forced into the lands. Measure that and write that length down...maybe seat deeper .005 from that to start your load work-up. JMHO

 

[jlow]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

First, you need to tell us if this is a bolt or gas gun as that affects the need for FLR.

As for doing load development using Hornady Match brass and later using Lapua, you really cannot do this since the two type of brass will have different internal volumes and neck thickness which would translates to different pressures using the same amount of powder. That in turn affects your muzzle velocity and thus the location of the node/sweet spot for your rifle/bullet combination.

 

[Chefcbjones]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First, you need to tell us if this is a bolt or gas gun as that affects the need for FLR.

As for doing load development using Hornady Match brass and later using Lapua, you really cannot do this since the two type of brass will have different internal volumes and neck thickness which would translates to different pressures using the same amount of powder. That in turn affects your muzzle velocity and thus the location of the node/sweet spot for your rifle/bullet combination.
</div></div>

This is a bolt gun.

 

[vonbalkenbush]

Re: Question for the more expierenced........

You really shouldn't be transfering data over like that with Lapua brass. You kinda lucked out this time cause 43 grains of Varget ain't that much. But Lapua brass in general has less case capacity and will bump up your chamber pressure in comparison to most other brass makes. Just FYI in the future.

-SBS