For years I have been using 168 grain Sierra matchkings with 42 grains of reloader 15. In a DPMS LR 308 24 inch bull barrel. I wanted a lighter smaller more maneuverable 308 so I moved to a DPMS G2. And them now changing bullet heads to the eld-m 168. I've been searching for reloader 15 data for the Hornady 168 head and I have come up totally empty. Hornady's new edition book only lists reloader 17. Does anyone have any experience using Hornady eld-m 168 grain heads and reloader 15? From Reading I understand that Varget is the go to powder but I have tons of reloader 15.
168 eldm vs 168smk rl15
- Thread starter qqqq33
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Since every gun and/or barrel is different, one can really only find a good load by testing your own loads to she just what might work best for you're particular set up. I've tried 6 different powders and have been able to find a load for each that works very well. However, I found that of those 6 powders, I found 3 of those that would give me consistently good results and Varget was one and the other two are H4895 and AR-Comp. They've worked well in my 20" barrel and my 26" barrel.
I assume your DPMS G2 has a 16" barrel??? Given a short barrel like that, I would tend to suggest looking at powders that have the faster burn rates . . . like H4895. It's actually quite a bit faster burning than R17, AND. . . H4895 is way more temperature stable than R15. R15 really pretty temp sensitive. R17 has an even slower burn rate than R15 and works fine in a long barrel and did OK for me in a 20" barrel, but not as well as those 3 powders. Also, R17 is also pretty temp sensitive, though not quite as sensitive as R15. Interestingly, Alliant's AR-Comp is verily temp stable, just not quite as much as H4895 or Varget.
So . . . IMHO, I feel for your best results, you should forget R15 (I know, tough when you have so much R15 on hand) or R17 and take a close look at H4895 at around 42 - 43 gr for good performance and/or AR-Comp. But, for this particular gun, I would probably lean more towards the AR-Comp as the powder runs cleaner than these other Hodgdon products.
Well, anyway. . . these are simply MY thought and hope you find them somewhat helpful. Good luck!
I assume your DPMS G2 has a 16" barrel??? Given a short barrel like that, I would tend to suggest looking at powders that have the faster burn rates . . . like H4895. It's actually quite a bit faster burning than R17, AND. . . H4895 is way more temperature stable than R15. R15 really pretty temp sensitive. R17 has an even slower burn rate than R15 and works fine in a long barrel and did OK for me in a 20" barrel, but not as well as those 3 powders. Also, R17 is also pretty temp sensitive, though not quite as sensitive as R15. Interestingly, Alliant's AR-Comp is verily temp stable, just not quite as much as H4895 or Varget.
So . . . IMHO, I feel for your best results, you should forget R15 (I know, tough when you have so much R15 on hand) or R17 and take a close look at H4895 at around 42 - 43 gr for good performance and/or AR-Comp. But, for this particular gun, I would probably lean more towards the AR-Comp as the powder runs cleaner than these other Hodgdon products.
Well, anyway. . . these are simply MY thought and hope you find them somewhat helpful. Good luck!
D
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This site has years of useful information.
Just use the same data as the 168 SMK and start a little lower and work up.
Ty very much sir!!! I do have some varget I use for 556. I'll just use that. The good thing about hawaii is we don't have temp changes like the continental United States. Thank you for your very intelligent and thoughtful response!Since every gun and/or barrel is different, one can really only find a good load by testing your own loads to she just what might work best for you're particular set up. I've tried 6 different powders and have been able to find a load for each that works very well. However, I found that of those 6 powders, I found 3 of those that would give me consistently good results and Varget was one and the other two are H4895 and AR-Comp. They've worked well in my 20" barrel and my 26" barrel.
I assume your DPMS G2 has a 16" barrel??? Given a short barrel like that, I would tend to suggest looking at powders that have the faster burn rates . . . like H4895. It's actually quite a bit faster burning than R17, AND. . . H4895 is way more temperature stable than R15. R15 really pretty temp sensitive. R17 has an even slower burn rate than R15 and works fine in a long barrel and did OK for me in a 20" barrel, but not as well as those 3 powders. Also, R17 is also pretty temp sensitive, though not quite as sensitive as R15. Interestingly, Alliant's AR-Comp is verily temp stable, just not quite as much as H4895 or Varget.
So . . . IMHO, I feel for your best results, you should forget R15 (I know, tough when you have so much R15 on hand) or R17 and take a close look at H4895 at around 42 - 43 gr for good performance and/or AR-Comp. But, for this particular gun, I would probably lean more towards the AR-Comp as the powder runs cleaner than these other Hodgdon products.
Well, anyway. . . these are simply MY thought and hope you find them somewhat helpful. Good luck!
I thought that at first. But when I searched for Data and didn't find anything, I got a little nervous.
No need to get nervous as it's a common thing to do as sometimes you can't find a bullet powder combo. Have done it many times.
Also if you need data Hodgdon has a very good site that gives you data for Hodgdon, Winchester and IMR powders.
Take Aim at Rifle Reloading Data | Hodgdon Reloading
Find what you need in four easy steps. Select your cartridge type from the drop-down list. Then select your bullet weight, powder manufacturer and powder type. If you're unsure, or just want options, check as many boxes as you'd like. Click "Get Data" to view results.
Hell yea!!!! Ty!! I'm also going to try with the other gentleman said. I'm going to load up some reloader 15 and start at 41 grains. Work my way up until I see pressure signs or find an awesome accuracy node?No need to get nervous as it's a common thing to do as sometimes you can't find a bullet powder combo. Have done it many times.
Also if you need data Hodgdon has a very good site that gives you data for Hodgdon, Winchester and IMR powders.
Take Aim at Rifle Reloading Data | Hodgdon Reloading
Find what you need in four easy steps. Select your cartridge type from the drop-down list. Then select your bullet weight, powder manufacturer and powder type. If you're unsure, or just want options, check as many boxes as you'd like. Click "Get Data" to view results.www.hodgdonreloading.com
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