I sort my bullets by the length of the bearing surface, using a pair of comparators. The last batch of 175gr SMKs I sorted were mostly around .278-.280 in bearing surface length. I just opened a new box and they are all measuring around .298-.303. Is that in line with the batch variation you guys are seeing from Sierra?
- Thread starter Conqueror
- Start date
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
At .020" one would think change in bullet design, not batch variation.
Make sure to watch for change in pressure.
At .020" one would think change in bullet design, not batch variation.
Make sure to watch for change in pressure.
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
Had same question. Load to the ogive from your previous lot. You'll get the same results as before.
Had same question. Load to the ogive from your previous lot. You'll get the same results as before.
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
Try shooting Bergers!
Try shooting Bergers!
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
I don't think Sierra would have changed the bullet design, milo-2. It's tried and true and they sell bajillions of them, they wouldn't mess with success.
I don't plan on changing my load data. I use 43.9 of varget which is fairly warm (occasional shiny ejector marks but no other pressure signs) and seat to 2.146" at the ogive. I'll just pay close attention to pressure signs for the first little while when I start loading with this batch. I still have some left from the earlier batch to finish off.
I may try Bergers some day, but as-is the TRG with SMKs shoots 1/3 to 1/2moa groups at 315yds so I don't really have much motivation to change!
I don't think Sierra would have changed the bullet design, milo-2. It's tried and true and they sell bajillions of them, they wouldn't mess with success.
I don't plan on changing my load data. I use 43.9 of varget which is fairly warm (occasional shiny ejector marks but no other pressure signs) and seat to 2.146" at the ogive. I'll just pay close attention to pressure signs for the first little while when I start loading with this batch. I still have some left from the earlier batch to finish off.
I may try Bergers some day, but as-is the TRG with SMKs shoots 1/3 to 1/2moa groups at 315yds so I don't really have much motivation to change!
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
Conqueror,
Berger changed their .284 175gr bullet, .020", still causes pressure problems for me. And now they're discontinuing them!!
A freind shoots Berger .30cal 230gr, has up to .040" diff on base to ogive with diff lots of bullets.
Sorting bullets by this just plain sucks.
Conqueror,
Berger changed their .284 175gr bullet, .020", still causes pressure problems for me. And now they're discontinuing them!!
A freind shoots Berger .30cal 230gr, has up to .040" diff on base to ogive with diff lots of bullets.
Sorting bullets by this just plain sucks.
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: excaliber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try shooting Bergers!</div></div>
I do. Meant smk's specifically. Your right about bergers.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: excaliber</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try shooting Bergers!</div></div>
I do. Meant smk's specifically. Your right about bergers.
Re: Big variability between batches of SMKs?
I quit doing base to ogive when I got my second comparator, I don't really remember which method gave more uniform results, if any. It's the bearing surface that really matters so I haven't gone back to measuring from the base.
In a given box of bullets there is usually a fairly normal distribution; this new box is more bimodal which is also unusual.
I quit doing base to ogive when I got my second comparator, I don't really remember which method gave more uniform results, if any. It's the bearing surface that really matters so I haven't gone back to measuring from the base.
In a given box of bullets there is usually a fairly normal distribution; this new box is more bimodal which is also unusual.
