49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

[turbo54]

I just got some 155 scenars to try. Ran a quickie test to find max pressure for this bullet seated on the lands. Started at 44.5, and went to 49.5 in 1/2 gr increments. In the LC Match brass I have, 49.5gr was to the brim, and I thought for sure id find pressure before I got there. Wrong. Didn't have the chrony set up, just wanted to learn the limits for this bullet in this rifle.

This charge seems high to me - any thoughts? Rifle is a 308 FN SPR

 

[CSS]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

In my HS rifle with a tight match chamber I start getting flat primers and ejector marks at 45gr of Varget under the 155 lapua's .005 off the lands, Fed Match brass.

The FN PBR I had(getting rebarreled) maxed out at I believe 46.2
for same/same.

 

[exhogflyer]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

That's a pretty stiff charge! If you have no pressure signs launch it, but I'm wondering what you get for MV and how long your brass lasts.In my Savage I'm using 46gr and getting 2900...

 

[MLC]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

That sounds like an awful lot of Varget in mil brass.
Even in Winchester brass, that is a stout load.
How did it shoot?
I found accuracy suffered with max charges in my 308 and 6.5RM AI.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

Even with a drop tube and Lapua brass, 48 grains is coming to the bottom of the neck. I get a really nice crunch when seating and I seat long, about 2.92" COAL.

Josh

 

[bm11]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

That charge is way high. I went to 47.8 in load testing (Lapua brass) and definitely it was too much. Powder was significantly compressed too.

Are you sure you are getting NO pressure signs? Be careful when switching powder lots, this one may be a slow one, and the next could turn this load into a grenade!

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

I have shot over 1000 round of 155s with 47.8 gr Varget seated to 2.943 (or 0.015 from the lands) in my (long throated) Remmy. I have not lost case to a loose primer pocket, and one one set of brass has 30 reload cycles. Stiff--yes; over the edge--no; near the edge--most definately.

 

[shoepop]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchAlsup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have shot over 1000 round of 155s with 47.8 gr Varget seated to 2.943 (or 0.015 from the lands) in my (long throated) Remmy. I have not lost case to a loose primer pocket, and one one set of brass has 30 reload cycles. Stiff--yes; over the edge--no; near the edge--most definately. </div></div>

Who's case and primer Mitch?

 

[turbo54]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

What you guys are reporting is basically what I thought. The primers at 49.5gr still have a fair radius in the corners, and don't look FLAT. The bolt lift was just fine. This rifle craters primers a bit with any charge. The difference is in how easily you can catch a fingernail on the ridge of primer material that has flown into the clearance zone between the firing pin and hole.

When I ran a ladders of 168, 175 and 180smk - all loaded to 2.800", I ran up to 47.5 for the 168 with no pressure, 46.5 for the 175 with no pressure, but found a SLIGHTLY sticky bolt at 45 with the 180. The primer ridge on that load was greater than the one for 49.5 with the 155 Scenar.

For comparison, 43gr under a 180smk is a MAX load in my Savage. The primer looks pretty darn flat and the bolt becomes slightly sticky... all with the same batch of Varget. For sure, ill go easy with the new batch of varget at first.

By the way, the Lapua 155 Scenar is loaded to 2.896 when it is jammed .001" in this rifle... how does that compare to y'all?

Also, I've found my FLS LC brass to hold 49.5gr Varget (tamped), and my FF Lapua brass to hold 52gr tamped. These figures are to the brim... I was wondering what was going to happen seating a bullet in an already full case - but it just went right in, nothing dramatic.

 

[MinorDamage]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

Obviously you have an aftermarket barrel and chamber if you are 2.896 and jammed. Your charges seem really high, and I can't imagine getting 1.5 more grains into my brass and be able to seat the 155s deeper. My 155s in Lapua brass with 48 grains begin to exhibit inconsistencies in seating depth at 2.92" COAL because of the powder pushing back on it. Not to mention, accuracy went to the crapper after 47.5.

Josh

 

[RG in Idaho]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This rifle craters primers a bit with any charge. </div></div>

I had the same issue with my SPR A3G. I did a little research and wound up replacing the striker spring with a 32lb spring and it went away. It also improves the lock time by a few m/s.

 

[psinclair]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

In my experience, Varget can vary a bit from lot to lot, so be careful when you start out with a new lot. My newest 8 pounder produced the same velocity with 45.5 as the old one did with 46.2(155's).

 

[turbo54]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

Thanks for all the input. All I can think to do is run another finer ladder from 47.75 to 49.25, as 47.5 and 48 grouped, and 48.5 and 49 grouped. I'll do the next ladder with 1/4gr increments. I always bring my chrony, but springtime in Michigan is really hit or miss for good chrony lighting. Its hard to have the time and facility to test, and the ammo burning a hole in your pocket - and pass on shooting because its overcast!

I also loaded 4 groups of 5 charged with 47.75gr, with seating depths of .001 jammed, .010 off, .020 off and. 030 off. My previous ladder showed 47.5 and 48 to group really well vertically.

Recoil with 49.5/155 felt like less than 42.5/180smk.

Interesting note on primer cratering. Most of my rifle reloading experience comes from my Savage, which has never cratered a primer. It shows pressure by primer flatness and bolt lift. My recent Rem 700 338LM and this SPR both show cratering with any charge. Ill look into a new firing pin spring. A decrease in locktime would be nice as this rifle's seems long. With a good cheekweld and hold, I can distinctly hear/feel the sear release, then the shot. Never could with my Savage.

Oh: I really don't think this rifle has a replacement barrel or has been set back and rechambered. Measures a full 24" long, and has the heavy fluting, chrome lining and 4-groove rifling of OEM.

 

[turbo54]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PGS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In my experience, Varget can vary a bit from lot to lot, so be careful when you start out with a new lot. My newest 8 pounder produced the same velocity with 45.5 as the old one did with 46.2(155's). </div></div>

Great point...I've noticed the same, and will do!

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark S</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchAlsup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have shot over 1000 round of 155s with 47.8 gr Varget seated to 2.943 (or 0.015 from the lands) in my (long throated) Remmy. I have not lost case to a loose primer pocket, and one one set of brass has 30 reload cycles. Stiff--yes; over the edge--no; near the edge--most definately. </div></div>

Who's case and primer Mitch? </div></div>

Win cases
CCI primers

 

[Jedi]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

47.8 is good load
know a few folks that use it

Thou i tired of trying to hot rod the ole war horse
6.5x47 easy n accurate

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

I've gone to 47.8 in Federal brass with the 155's, and wasn't getting pressure signs. I could go higher, I'm sure, but since most of my shooting is 600 yards, I don't see the point. The one time I got pressure signs was when shooting in the pissing rain, and I am guessing water in the chamber gave the brass less room to expand or kept the brass from sealing???

I'm interested to hear what your velocity is if you ever get the chance to chrono them.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LRS_Ranger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The one time I got pressure signs was when shooting in the pissing rain, and I am guessing water in the chamber gave the brass less room to expand or kept the brass from sealing??? </div></div>

The water lubricates the chamber wall and allows the case to slap back into the bolt, causing several pressure signs (on the primer mainly). Thus, the case does not end up gripping the chamber wall.

 

[LRS_Ranger]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchAlsup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The water lubricates the chamber wall and allows the case to slap back into the bolt, causing several pressure signs (on the primer mainly). Thus, the case does not end up gripping the chamber wall. </div></div>
That would explain the flat primers and ejector swipes... Thanks!

 

[desertHK]

Re: 49.5gr Varget - 155 Lapua Scenar - on the lands???

I load 48 grains of Varget behind the 155 Scenars in Lapua brass. That gives me about 3000 fps. I don't think I can even get 49 gains in my Lapua brass. That's got to be a severely stiff load. Watch for the pressure. Be safe.