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TRG 42 Load Development

garrettjusmc

garrettjusmc

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 26, 2011
871
0
Marines, VA
Fellas,

I am hoping to create a thread where we can share ideas specifically on different loads for the TRG-42. There is a mess of different threads and I was thinking it would be nice if there was a central thread.

I currently am working with a new bullet the Hornaday 250 gr. AMAX with Lapua brass, and H1000. I have been experimenting between 92-94 grains of the H1000. I know many use the H1000 my question is where have you been getting pressure signs??? So far at 94 grains things are looking good. I will take any thoughts and hope to see a thread with a plethora of info. on loads for the TRG-42.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

I have had great success with h4831sc. I'm using scenars. I didn't know they made the amax in 338 but I'm about to own some of them. 88-91gr. Has been money for me particularly 90.5-91.5gr mag length thats 250gr scenars
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

Mine was lights out with 85.5gr RE22 and 250 Scenars loaded just short enough to reliably fit in the magazine.

I switched to the 300smk and Retumbo (1:12 twist) and though it shot very well with all charges from 87-92gr, it shoots BEYOND lights out with 90.5 Retumbo. Again, the cartridge is loaded as long as possible, but still fits in the magazine.

I might point out that my TRG always leaves a faint, faint circular mark on the casehead, from the ejector. At first I was very concerned I was too hot, but it does this with any bullet, any charge, even when 10% below starting loads. Youve gotta be in just the right light, and you can't catch an edge on it - and I've validated my load by loading/firing/reloading a couple cases 10 times each...and all is well.

The 300smk/90.5 Retumbo does 2666fps, ES of 3, SD of 1 for 5 shots. However, using Sierra's claimed BC of .768, and then calculating velocity based on drop, punching in 2775fps into Strelok gives me dead nuts dope to a mile.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

I load with 300gr SMKs and H1000. I found 92.5gr of H1000 to shoot well in mine. David Tubbs uses 93gr in his or that is what he told a friend of mine he uses. All I did was find the load that shot the best and stoped. I didn't push it, no need to.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I load with 300gr SMKs and H1000. I found 92.5gr of H1000 to shoot well in mine. David Tubbs uses 93gr in his or that is what he told a friend of mine he uses. All I did was find the load that shot the best and stoped. I didn't push it, no need to. </div></div>

I hear ya about not pushing it. Although, This is the gun I am interested in pushing a little. I don't mind entertaining the idea of a burning up this barrel and upgrading to a heavier barrel. With the current load I am using H1000 (93-95 grains), 250 gr. AMAX, Lapua brass, COL of 3.675, I have no issues. But the software I have access to through a friend says anything beyond 96 gr. of H1000 can bring pressure safety issues.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garrettjusmc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I load with 300gr SMKs and H1000. I found 92.5gr of H1000 to shoot well in mine. David Tubbs uses 93gr in his or that is what he told a friend of mine he uses. All I did was find the load that shot the best and stoped. I didn't push it, no need to. </div></div>

I hear ya about not pushing it. Although, This is the gun I am interested in pushing a little. I don't mind entertaining the idea of a burning up this barrel and upgrading to a heavier barrel. With the current load I am using H1000 (93-95 grains), 250 gr. AMAX, Lapua brass, COL of 3.675, I have no issues. But the software I have access to through a friend says anything beyond 96 gr. of H1000 can bring pressure safety issues. </div></div>

Understand your perspective - I shared it, until I logged some good solid trigger time with mine...

1. The factory barrel is light, and keeps the rifle very manageable.
2. The factory barrel shoots sooo well, I hate the thought of a new one not shooting as well.
3. The modest 300smk at a modest 2666fps really reaches out JUST fine! Hits at 1760 are consistent and solid.

I love velocity - especially with high BC bullets, but my experience with this cartridge is there is almost no need to abuse your $2.50+/each brass or barrel for 99% of the shooting I/we do. I guess if you're into ELR out past 1700 or so, you could legitimately make use of some more fps though.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

91 gr retumbo behind a 300gr smk in lapua brass loaded to mag length. It freaking hammers out of my rifle.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: garrettjusmc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I load with 300gr SMKs and H1000. I found 92.5gr of H1000 to shoot well in mine. David Tubbs uses 93gr in his or that is what he told a friend of mine he uses. All I did was find the load that shot the best and stoped. I didn't push it, no need to. </div></div>

I hear ya about not pushing it. Although, This is the gun I am interested in pushing a little. I don't mind entertaining the idea of a burning up this barrel and upgrading to a heavier barrel. With the current load I am using H1000 (93-95 grains), 250 gr. AMAX, Lapua brass, COL of 3.675, I have no issues. But the software I have access to through a friend says anything beyond 96 gr. of H1000 can bring pressure safety issues. </div></div>

Understand your perspective - I shared it, until I logged some good solid trigger time with mine...

1. The factory barrel is light, and keeps the rifle very manageable.
2. The factory barrel shoots sooo well, I hate the thought of a new one not shooting as well.
3. The modest 300smk at a modest 2666fps really reaches out JUST fine! Hits at 1760 are consistent and solid.

I love velocity - especially with high BC bullets, but my experience with this cartridge is there is almost no need to abuse your $2.50+/each brass or barrel for 99% of the shooting I/we do. I guess if you're into ELR out past 1700 or so, you could legitimately make use of some more fps though.</div></div>

Ya I am into ELR... Hence pushing it. I also got hurt while in Iraq, since then being an amputee I don't walk any rifle very far, so I don't mind making it a little heavier. That just means less recoil with a heavier contoured barrel. But I agree, the factory barrel is great, I haven't had a group out of my factory barrel that has shot larger than 3/4 moa groups.

Okay wanna keep the focus on reloads
smile.gif
Good stuff
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

If you spend a little time with Ramshot "Magnum" you will be rewarded. It goes through a powder meter like sugar. If you do decide to play with it, start with a clean barrel.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

1:12" TRG-42

250gr Scenars, SMKs, Berger Hybrid OTMs.

Lapua/Norma brass.

215Ms.

87-89grs of H-4831sc for about 2875-2950 fps, 0' asl, 85-90*.

85-87grs of VV-165 for about the same.

93-95grs of VV-170 works well too.

92-95grs of H-1000 under the 250s showed good results for the 20 I loaded up with it.

My go-to powder, to the tune of about 12# vs 2#, 2# and 1# for the others above and in order, is H-4831SC.

Chris
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

NDS, ALL those who 'were smart enough to Buy The Sako TFG-42 RIFLE. I love mine but I am looking for/SOMEONE That is reloading or has in the past with the T-50 230gr. bullet made by (HSM) Hunting Shack Munitions previously Lost River Technologies. I would also like to get someones Data or starting load for an accursccy Please!!!!!
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

TheBroke1 I have that load and bullet, when I go to the range I can sling some down range. What data exactly are you looking for besides velocity?
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

Today at 1:30 PM, 63 degrees, light rain, no wind, approx 350 ft elev.
with 1:10 twist


All loads were tested at 100 yards with 5 shots.
HSM factory ammo T-50 230 Gr. 5 shot average 2991 FPS (.73 MOA)

All the powder is measured via RCBS electronic measurer/dispenser. Brass is cleaned via Stainless Media, brass cut by three way cutter, and flash hole drilled out for precise burn.

I am not a bench shooter. All firing is conducted from the prone. So groups most likely can tighten up a little.

Lapua Brass (2.710), 250 gr AMAX (COL 3.675) , w/ 92 gr. H1000 (2732 FPS) , .97 MOA

Lapua Brass (2.710), 250 gr AMAX (COL 3.675) , w/ 93 gr. H1000 (2767.4 FPS) , .5570 MOA

Lapua Brass (2.710), 250 gr AMAX (COL 3.675) , w/ 94 gr. H1000 (2851 FPS) , .98 MOA,

Lapua Brass (2.710), 250 gr AMAX (COL 3.675) , w/ 95 gr. H1000 (2875 FPS) , .97 MOA,

Overall I found that not only was the 93gr. of H1000 the most accurate load (.55 moa at 100 yards), the FPS had almost no deviation. Of the 5 rounds fired there was not more than 8 FPS difference in the 5 shot string.

I am going to follow this info, with the 93 grains vs the 95 grains at 1000m to see if the 95 gr tightens up at longer distances.

 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

garrettjusmc, Sorry its been so long since I've been on board. I am looking for some reloading data for an accuracy load for my Sako TRG 42 1 in 10 with the 230gr. T-50 338 bullet. I have a load using the 250gr scenars that is tailored in for my gun. I want to do the same for the 230's but have had no luck as of yet finding a place to even start. So if you or anyone else out there has any reload data using the .338 230gr. T-50 (HSM) Previously Lost Rivers Technology turned solid I am all ears. As before Sako TRG-42 1 in 10. Please Anyone!!!
TheBroke1
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

Garrett,

Where exactly are you getting the 250 AMAX? Hornady doesn't even list it as a new or existing product.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

Hello
I am about to start loading for a 1:12 twist TRG 338.
Where I live we dont have so many choices of powder to choose from.
Norma and Vithavouri is what is easy to get.
I have seen many are happy with the Vithavouri and because of that I plan to give them a try.

Because of my twist I suppose I am restricted to 250gr bullets and I am going to test Lapua Lock base and Scenar.

Does anyone know if the Hornady 285 gr Match will work in a 1:12 barrel at sea leavel?

What Vithavouri powder would you suggest to start with, vv 165, 170 or 570?
Is any of these powders easier to load with than the others?

I am looking for maximum accuracy, not speed.
At the moment I will not be able to stretch the legs to the full potential of this gun but I hope it will be possible in the future.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

Snakeman N560 or 570 should work well for the 250's. IIRC N560 more for the 250's and N570 more for the heavier 300gr bullets.

There are mixed reviews on heavier than 250gr working well out of the 1:12 barrels.
 
Re: TRG 42 Load Development

In response to my writing AMAX bullets by Hornaday. They don't exist
smile.gif
I meant BTHP! I was loading AMAX .308 and wasn't paying attention. Sorry for any confusion!
 
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