178 Grain Superperformance test

[Tazman]

I went out yesterday with my new Ohler chrono and did some testing on the 175FGMM vs 178 Hornady Superperformance. The results were better than I had anticipated. I used my GAP built rifle, 24 inch barrel including the brake.

Results were; Temp 84F- 1565 Corrected Elevation-No wind

175FGMM- AVG 2638FPS with a ES of 27 -5 shot group

178Hornamdy Super-Ave 2801 with a ES of 8 - 5 shot group

Shot a 20 string group at 300 yards using the FGMM 100 yard 0 and alternated rounds.

FGMM grouped just over 1.5 inches at the left of the X and the 178 grouped just under 1.2 inches 1.75 inches above the X.

3rd test-I layed 10 rounds in the sun while performing the other tests them grabbed them and shot at 100 yards.(5 FGMM and 5 Hornady) I saw no pressure signs with the Hornady or the FGMM but both grouped very well. I did not Chrono this string but the 5th shot of the 178 Hornady was sent to 300 yards and went right were the others had gone.

Overall I would say I am very pleased with the results and I will be continuing to get longer range data to see how the 178's perform at longer distance.

Just though this may be useful info?

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Maybe Rob01, or NOMAD, can chime in here, but I wouldn't be surprised if Hornady is using Alliant's RL-17, or RL-17 type powder in this Superperformance ammo.

Leave it to the freakin' Swiss to discover a way to incorporate burn rate coatings into the actual powder and not just spray them on.

I bought two pounds of RL-17 a fortnight back and plan on loading some 185gr Scenars (RL-17 seems to like heavier bullets for a caliber) and do my own measurements. 208gr AMAX are vaporware for another couple/few months, but I do have some 190 SMKs as well.

I would love to see a picture of your primers from those fired rounds. The last fellow to post a pic of Superperformance ammo, showed us a bunch of cases with massive gas leakage around the primer, so that didn't bode too well on the 'safety front'.

Remember, 'there are no free lunches'--unless you're on welfare, of course.

Chris

 

[Rob01]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

It's not RL17. It's a similar in function Hodgdon powder which they will be offering to reloaders in 2011.

The Superformance is under SAAMI spec for pressure.

 

[Tazman]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Maybe I should send the brass to Rob just in case there is something I'm not seeing? There was no brass transfer and the primers aren't flattened but the firing pin mark is a little deeper than with the FGMM. Some rifles may have tighter chambers but mine seems to be ok with it. I do a lot of reloading but not for my 308.

I'm in no way saying these are for everyone, I'm just relaying my experience with them. I was very happy with how they performed in my rifle but I keep the FGMM around just in case!!

 

[bcrich]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Midway has them on sale for something like $23 for a box of 20 and was tempted to try it out. Pretty tempting but I have plenty of 178g amaxes to load and no money!

 

[Tazman]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

I loked at the brass again this morning and I just don't see anything that shows me the pressure is to high. The primers show just a little bit deeper area than the FGMM but it's not what I would consider a issue. I will send Rob a PM and maybe send him some pictures or the 10 peices of brass.

 

[alpha6164]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Wow, 2800ft/sec is smoking. At sea level that load should get you to 1200yards consistently.

 

[Tazman]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Just for reference, the chronograph was 8 feet from the muzzle. The reading from the first set of sensors to the second were within 1FPS but most were the same.

2800 IS smoking that's why I tested it back to back with the FGMM. There is still a lot to learn about the Hornady but I think it will be a good load for my rifle. I will attempt to post some picture of the brass for everyone to see. I will have to get a photobucket account I guess.

 

[Dagsta]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Makes pretty good sense, I'm getting 2735 out of a 22" w the Hornady, and no problems whatsoever!

 

[Rob01]

Re: 178 Grain Superperformance test

Nomad is getting around 2820fps from his 26" barrel.