Varget Question?

[Witch_Doctor]

Look at the reloading manuals, Sierra and Hodgdon's. There is a huge descrepency between them. For the 175 SMK, Sierra suggests starting at 36.3gr with a max of 41.7; while the Hodgdon starts at 42gr maxing at 45C. Whats the deal here, I have heard Sierra is conservative, but wow. I also noticed that approximately 43.4gr fills up a case just below the neck, so what gives here.

 

[kombayotch]

Re: Varget Question?

Go with Hodgdon, Sierra IS extremely conservative.

The 'C' after the 45 means that its a compressed load. You are crunching down the powder a bit when you go above 43.3 gr. That's perfectly fine, even desirable. Trickle it slowly into the case or use a drop tube, that will help the powder settle tighter into the case.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Varget Question?

cases are all different...the LC stuff is way thicker and got less volume....so tell us perzackley what YOU are using

 

[Witch_Doctor]

Re: Varget Question?

Well I have a ton of once fired Federal, CCI BR2's, and 175 SMK's. I started out with 40.8gr and have worked up to 43.4gr by 0.03 increments. I am planning on doing an OCW test, so I have loaded three (3) of each. With the bullet seated at 2.800 in the Fed Brass, it would appear to be right close to compression.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: Varget Question?

44.5 and 45.0 of Varget in Win. brass is pretty much a hammer in just about all rifles. Try those. Watch for pressure.

 

[Domestique]

Re: Varget Question?

Does 43.6 grains of varget behind 175 SMK sound too conservative? So far in my load development this is shooting the best. I went as far as 44.5 but the groups begain to open up. The gun is a 20" SPS Tactical BTW.

 

[Pete E]

Re: Varget Question?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EdZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does 43.6 grains of varget behind 175 SMK sound too conservative? So far in my load development this is shooting the best. I went as far as 44.5 but the groups begain to open up. The gun is a 20" SPS Tactical BTW. </div></div>

What velocities are you getting compared to what you'd like?

 

[Rob01]

Re: Varget Question?

Use Hodgdon's numbers. Sierra is very conservative. With 178 AMAX I use 44.2grns in Lapua cases and 45grns in Winchester cases. Work up to a load that gives you good velocity and accuracy in your rifle.

 

[minnesotadan]

Re: Varget Question?

I fiddled around with this topic for quite some time and went thru similar thought process as I suspect you are going thru. I have found that 44 of Varget will do extremely well behind the 175SMKs if you want to fiddle around play with the neck tension and OAL or Ogive lenght and call it a day . Go and get some trigger time.

Dam

 

[DHDeal]

Re: Varget Question?

No, I would say 43.6 grains is not too conservative. I did use 45 grains, BR2's, FGGM case, and 175 SMK. Warm to be sure, but I did not flatten primers smooth and bolt lift was no different than FGGM 168's. I do not know about case life with the FGGM case, but as long as I get 5 loads I am ahead as I have a large supply.

I backed off to 44 grains as it shoots as accurately, in my rifle, and with no observable pressure signs to my eye.

I have stayed with 45 grains in Hornady cases. My Hornady cases weigh 155+- and my FGGM cases weigh 175+- BTW.

FWIW, $.02, and all that stuff....

 

[Slickrick0999]

Re: Varget Question?

45gr in Win Brass with 175 SMK or 178 Amax, CCi BR2's. Shoots like a hammer in my KMW.

 

[LA_Lawman]

Re: Varget Question?

45.0gr win brass, 18" remy 700 pss, .210in at 1 hundy....