Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

[DP425]

Looking for some advise on a good powder for a 20" barreled gas gun pushing 175gr SMK... I'll be loading into lapua brass with CCI bench rest primers.

Seems RE15 and Vergent (sp?) are the most popular. I'm gettin ready to order within the next few minutes... Hopefully someone can give me a little advise!

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

Varget

 

[DP425]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

damn! Midway is out of stock on 8lb containers... any other ideas?

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

I don't screw with Midway any more.
You may have a bad time finding an 8 lb bottle of Varget any place. It has been extremely scarce for the last 4 months or so.
I have been using Ramshot Big Game in my DPMS AP4 in 308 with good results. It meters well (ball type) and accuracy has been around 3/4 MOA from my 16" tube.
You can find it at Midsouth's web site. They are also a lot easier to deal with than Midway and the "I know more than anyone" grinnin' Larry.

 

[DP425]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

Found some!! Sinclair International had it in stock; $154/8lbs... ordered 3 containers!

Should work well for 77gr SMK in .223 as well!

Down side is, I have to still order my primers through midway; only place I can find that has them in stock... so hazmat fee x2...

 

[308sako]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

deleted in protest!

 

[Rotortuner]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

RL-15

 

[shoot4fun]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

RL15 is no more available than Varget and is a little more temp sensitive.
I saw an 8 pounder of Varget at the Birmingham gun show yesterday. It could be had for $145 plus tax.

 

[saryan]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

16" with H 4895 I'll tell you the range, then call me a liar... but it is what it is. 1,100 yards, yes that's right transonic and all. 175 SMK's, R-P brass and I'm not sure what primers he was using... charge was just above 42 grains and the elevation was just under 15 mils... It was a long wait for the splash(s). </div></div>
Are you able to charge the gun with the CTR cheek riser on there? Great shooting BTW.

 

[DP425]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

16" with H 4895 I'll tell you the range, then call me a liar... but it is what it is. 1,100 yards, yes that's right transonic and all. 175 SMK's, R-P brass and I'm not sure what primers he was using... charge was just above 42 grains and the elevation was just under 15 mils... It was a long wait for the splash(s). </div></div>


I'm not going to call you a liar! I've seen regular, consistent hits on steel at 1000m with M118LR, and even hits out to 1100 and 1200m, although much less consistent. How do you like that OBR? I won't be back stateside until May... I'm just itching to get trigger time on mine when it shows up and I get home!

 

[308sako]

Re: Which powder for SMK 175's in 20" OBR?

deleted in protest!