Any further info you could provide would be greatly appreciated.Just curious. What loads, velocities and rifles (and barrel lengths), if you have that info?
My M96 has shot well with a few different bullets (139-142gr range) using both Varget and H4895. So, I know they CAN shoot well with faster powders. However, my most consistent velocities are with slower burning powders, when filling the case up further. When you start getting beyond 500 yards or so, the difference starts to show. Reloader 17 and 22 were great for me, with almost any charge I chose to load them with in my Tikka. The Rel 22 doesn't give quite the velocity, but the accuracy is always there. I think I ended up going as high as 48.0 grains of Rel 22, but other powders gave me accuracy that was just as good, but with higher velocities, to boot. Nothing wrong with Rel 22, though. It seems to be one of, if not THE most recommended powder for this caliber and I can see why. But, yes, Varget can and will produce some great groups, as well. I'm just not sure how far I would want to push it for velocity vs. volume. I have a feeling that getting anywhere near a full case of it could cause some major pressure issues.
Bump!
I wanted to thank Layton and everyone else who has contributed on this subject. It's been a great help to me.
I finally settled on a load for my T3 Sporter. I got a chance to do some testing with the Lapua 139 Scenar. At first, I was running regular H4831 and I worked up to 49.0 grains for a very accurate load that was averaging 2851 fps out of my 24" barrel. Then, I went to buy powder and they were out of H4831, but had H4831SC. No problem, though. I did find that, due to the slightly shorter cut, I had to add half a grain to the load to get the identical performance, as this case likes to be full. So, using 49.5gr. H4831sc under the 139 Scenar, I'm getting 2850 and accuracy is .25-.35 MOA out to 500 and I'm still holding .5-.6 MOA at 850 yards. I just came back in from shooting some more of this load at 440 yards. Even in a 32mph wind that was shifting from my 6-7 o'clock, I had no trouble hitting 4" clay pigeons with every shot, then shooting the pieces after that. It was a much longer load development than what I'm used to, but I'm pretty happy at this point.
John
I got mine locally, but the shop happens to sell on Gunbroker, as well. Also, check out Euro Optic. I know they carry the T3 Sporters, also. But, just so you know, the name "Sporter" is kind of misleading, as most of us in the U.S. think of a Sporter as a lightweight, light barreled hunting rifle. These are actually heavy barrel target guns (I guess that's the European definition?).
Owned and competed with sevseral Swede`s..in rem. actions and win.70`s.I believe you will find it will not knock over rams (500M) consistantly..... with 142 smk`s.
MOST RELOADING MANUALS... give warnings about using modern loads in mil-surplus guns.....
Bill,
