250SMK vs other 250grn HPBT's Why Such big difference

[.50 Cal Cow]

Currently have a 250 SMK load using 96.4gr of H1000 for a TRG42 in 338LM and shoots at ~2975fps by drop and chrono. I have some 250gr Berger Elite Hunter's that I will be working up.

I have noticed that Hornady lists ~92 grns max for their 250 HPBT and Berger list their 250 similarly low at 90.0grns max with velocities a little over 2800fps where as Sierra lists max at 100.4 grns and 3000fps.

Understand bullets will have difference (bearing surface, jacket material/thickness, etc.) and loads are based off where mfr hit pressure, I am wondering if anyone knows a specific reason why SMK's can be pushed that much harder than the other 250 gr bullets?

 

[Sonic Crack]

I dont think that its because the SMK can be pushed harder. I like to think of all of the reloading manuals as starting points. Most of them are different as you have seen. It all comes down to the barrel your loading for. It will be tell all factor that will control your reloads and just like the reloading manuals, every barrel will tell you something different

 

[.50 Cal Cow]

Thanks Sonic.

I understand for the most part that barrel plays into it which figured explains the the usual +/- 1-2 grns around max. I guess I'm just trying to get a jist for why the Berger's are a full 10grns under the SMK. For instance is it say for example the difference in construction like the max load of a lead core vs. a solid like Nosler E-tip? As I remember when the first batch of Bergers came out there was a reported "nose slump" issue because the 300 grainer jackets weren't strong enough so Berger therefore now recommends slower velocity i.e. ~2900fps max where as I'm at almost 3000 by a middle of the range Sierra load.

Guess bottom line was looking for some anecdotal evidence that suggests the Berger could load similar to a SMK or a that I'd be an idiot and guaranteed to blow my face off by trying to start closer to where Sierra starts. If I have to start in the mid 80 grain range to work it up that's fine but would just be a shame to waste a lot of components slowly working up just to get up to where I already am. Although I'd also say it be a shame blowing my face off taking shortcuts but some people I know would probably disagree...