Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

[Garvey]

I have loaded for the .260 with 140 VLD Hybrids and H-4350

42.0gr. up to 43.8gr. in .3 increments

Hogdon is showing a max charge for:

140 Nosler Partition 42.0 gr.

142 SMK 44.5 gr.

My instinct tells me to go with the higher charge for the 142 SMK given the outside structure and demensions of the 140 VLD.

Me thinks I'll be OK up to 43.8 gr and still conserving barrel life.
What do you you all think?

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

Load to a charge/seating depth that gives the smallest group and lowest SD/ES, start low and work up.

 

[Garvey]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

Yessir.I'm aware of that.

Just didn't want to NOT load higher charges that may have shot very well for others shooting this same combination of cartridge, powder and bullet.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

Using other shooters charges in your rifle gives you zip. Work it up in your rifle. Start at a conservative load and ladder it up. Takes time and money. Hey...you really DON'T need to do this, do you? Do what ever it takes to get you the best out of your rifle. JMHO

 

[Garvey]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

Ok. Glad I asked for some help. Not my first load development. I only based my minimum charge from my experience developing a 130 VLD load. But my max charge I have loaded for the 140 is way out of range based on Hogdon's data for one of the 140 bullets.

Just not a bunch of data out there for the bullet I'm using.

Nevermind.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

I just played with the 140 hybrids today.

In RP brass, 43.6gr H4350 and a Hornady 140hpbt @ 2.825" shot great with no pressure.

In Lapua brass, I had to back down to 43.0gr to regain accuracy.

Then tried 43gr with 142smk in Lapua brass @ 2.840" Shot OK, but not amazing.

Then tried 43gr with 140 Hybrid, again at 2.840". Shot OK, and 3/5 cases had SLIGHT, but definite ejector marks...meaning it was overpressure.

I suspect this was because the bullet is very long, and seating it to fit an AI mag had it deep in the case.

 

[hewlett260]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

I haven't been able to try them yet, but definitely will. BTW what kind of FPS are you getting out of them, and how far off the lands are you going to get it to shoot?

 

[Garvey]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

Big help turbo54, thank you!

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

Did you try emailing Berger for load data? I use their data and can usually extrapolate a good reasonable max from what they provide. Sometimes the max I come up with is higher than theirs, other times it's lower. Most of what they send out is generated by Quickload, so you have some sorting out of your own to do. Still I find their data works better than using SMK or similar bullet data put out by powder manufacturers most of the time.

 

[Garvey]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

No, I did not contact them for the 140 Hybrids. I contacted them previously when I did development for the 130's. I don't have the return e-mail but their max charge was significantly lower than data I had received from friends that had good results with the same combination.

I completely agree that it is good practice to contact them if possible. But it's a weekend and yesterday was my day to load my test loads. Due to turbo's response I moved my minimum charge to 41.4 and up and I will keep a close eye on my max charge when it gets up around 43.0. I predict I will be pulling some bullets next week.

I'll look for a node at 500 yards then hone in on it in .1 gr increments. I'm trying to get an accurate load that has moderately high but conservative speed.

My 130 load started life making 2850 fps. 250 rounds later it is making 2950 fps. It shoots like a champ, but I don't want t smoke my barrel before the barrel is a year old.

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Garvey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I completely agree that it is good practice to contact them if possible. But it's a weekend and yesterday was my day to load my test loads. Due to turbo's response I moved my minimum charge to 41.4 and up and I will keep a close eye on my max charge when it gets up around 43.0. I predict I will be pulling some bullets next week.
</div></div>

Been there. The emailing for data sucks altogether. I don't know why the data was never published on their website. Can't wait for the manual to come out next month. I'm interested in hearing about the 140 hybrid when you get it tuned up. I'm currently shooting the 130 VLD.

 

[Garvey]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

I'm with ya on that. Seems that Berger could provide some data on their site for all of their bullets. As well as advise the most productive powder for each bullet. As much as their bullets cost I don't think that's unreasonable.

I plugged in some numbers into "Shooter" and IF I can get the 140's to make 2800 fps I'll have a very good wind cheating round. It stacks up well against the 130 VLD

130 VLD @ 500 yd 2.4 Mil @ 1000 yd 7.5 Mil
140 Hybrid @ 500 yd 2.6 Mil @ 1000 yd 8.0 Mil

But the calculated wind hold is identical throughout. Don't know if it'll make 2800, but I'm hopeful.

 

[BoilerUP]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

I'd think 2800fps should be easily obtainable from a 26" barrel...

 

[Garvey]

Re: Can't decide on max charge .260, 140 VLD Hybrid.

How bout a 24" 1:8.4" twist? And not shipwrecking brass or the barrel?

If I get it shooting tight and making 2800 I'll be satisfied.