Starting reloading had questions

[Bigzams]

Weapon system used: Remington 700 1:11.25 twist 26 inch barrel
Powders I have: Varget and Reloader 15
Projectiles: 168SMK and 175SMKS
Primers: Federal 210 the blue box ones
Brass: Once fired from my rifle only neck sized
C.O.A.L. 2.800

Few data books on hand: Sierra and load data pulled from Varget website.

Sierra load data book says 42 grs of RE-15 with the 168s is the accuracy anyone have any input on this?


With the 175 max load is 41.3 with the RE-15 in the Sierra book now after doing some reading the M118LR is 43gr of RE-15.Am I at risk of blowing my rifle up or just a case of getting it past the lawyers?
I am seeing lots of data where one book says stop at X number of grains and yet next book I pick up says + 4-5 grs above that is fine.

Anyone have any loads using the components above that would be a good starting point?

-Z

 

[rdinak]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

For the 175's, 42.2-43.3 RL15., federal primers you mention. My rifles like 42.5 so I quit right there. Shot this load out to 700 yards and it works.

 

[jkonzal]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

Each rifle is different. Start low and go up a 1/2 grain at a time. Watch for the normal pressure signs. Other than pressure signs, once your groups start to open up, you have gone too far. It's not uncommon to go a couple grains over what books say is max.

 

[culater]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

Be sure when you settle on a powder that your going to use that you buy in bulk a 8lb or1lb with the same lot numbers.Ever time you get a new bottle of powder you will have to work up a new load.A chronograph is a big help to find your speed that your rifle likes to shoot and group. If you find a place that has loading bench to use at the range, this will save you a lot of time and money. you can work up a load right their instead of running back a forth from home to the range. Besure to bring evrything needed from dies,prep brass,bullets and ect,ect. you will have more fun shooting when thing are set up and running.I would advise that you buy in bulk 8lb powder instead on 1 lb because of lot numbers changes. Out of a 8lb of powder you should get well over a 1000rd out of it before your next load develement.

 

[BIRDHUNTER]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

Use the powder manufacture data numbers and work up. I.e Hodgdon's web site. Next question you have to ask yourself how far am I going to shoot? If your are going to shoot beyond 600 yards go with the 175SMK. If not, work with both and find the one that your gun likes the most. With Varget powder and the 175SMK you will probably find two nodes, one somewhere between 42 and 43grs and 44 to 45. If you have access to a 300-500 yard range do latter testing. If 100 is all you have access to use the OCW method. As always work up and look for pressure signs. Once you find the node your are happy with, fine tune your seating depth. Generally this will even tighten up your groups a little more. As far as the powders go, both are good, the decision becomes, what is the realistic temperature band I'm going to shoot in? If wide swings in temperature are the norm, then Varget would be my clear choice. If not, work with both and find the one that works best for you. Have fun and good luck!

 

[30SMK]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

The sierra manual is conservative on the max side. I would say to just work up in your rifle until you see some pressure signs and cut it off.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

IMHO if you are new to reloading, follow the book.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[Bigzams]

Re: Starting reloading had questions

Thanks for the info guys. I am going to start middle of the road and follow the book
-Z