- Thread starter Nessal
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Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
That sounds like a really hot load. I'm running 44.4.
That sounds like a really hot load. I'm running 44.4.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
45.3 was all I wanted to go. What was a high accuracy node with Win brass for me. Got flat primers. What are you getting at 46g?
45.3 was all I wanted to go. What was a high accuracy node with Win brass for me. Got flat primers. What are you getting at 46g?
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
Well I haven't shot the 46grn yet. I have no problem pulling them though.
I have shot up to 45.5grn in my other rifle without any issues or even pressure signs. Pretty surprising actually. So that was why I decided to go a OCW test from 42-46grn.
I'm using commercial new WIN brass and I was under the impression that they are thinner thus allowing more powder. Come to think of it, when I shake the 46grn cartridges that I loaded, I can still hear powder moving slightly...so it's not a total compressed charge yet.
I can obviously just work bottom up and if it starts to show pressure signs, I'll just pull them.
Well I haven't shot the 46grn yet. I have no problem pulling them though.
I have shot up to 45.5grn in my other rifle without any issues or even pressure signs. Pretty surprising actually. So that was why I decided to go a OCW test from 42-46grn.
I'm using commercial new WIN brass and I was under the impression that they are thinner thus allowing more powder. Come to think of it, when I shake the 46grn cartridges that I loaded, I can still hear powder moving slightly...so it's not a total compressed charge yet.
I can obviously just work bottom up and if it starts to show pressure signs, I'll just pull them.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
I went up to 46gr Varget, TRG-22, CCI 200 primers, 2.920 COAL and RP brass. No pressure signs at all, either on the brass, primers or the bolt operation. I was just losing accuracy, so I didn't go any higher. I got .25 MOA from 42.8-43.5. So, I've loaded another ladder test going in smaller increments to further refine the data.
I went up to 46gr Varget, TRG-22, CCI 200 primers, 2.920 COAL and RP brass. No pressure signs at all, either on the brass, primers or the bolt operation. I was just losing accuracy, so I didn't go any higher. I got .25 MOA from 42.8-43.5. So, I've loaded another ladder test going in smaller increments to further refine the data.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
At 2.82 inches, my primers, cases and QuickLOAD all agreed that 46.0 Varget was just a bit over max pressure.
With 155-gr bullets.
Maybe if you load long, but that load makes me worry. It's not like interchanging 168s and 175s. MUCH bigger difference at play.
At 2.82 inches, my primers, cases and QuickLOAD all agreed that 46.0 Varget was just a bit over max pressure.
With 155-gr bullets.
Maybe if you load long, but that load makes me worry. It's not like interchanging 168s and 175s. MUCH bigger difference at play.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
45.1 is as high as I have gone. Done so in Lapua brass, BR2 primers, and an AR30 26" barrel. Getting about 2780fps. Accuracy is poor compared to my normal 44.6 gr
45.1 is as high as I have gone. Done so in Lapua brass, BR2 primers, and an AR30 26" barrel. Getting about 2780fps. Accuracy is poor compared to my normal 44.6 gr
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
shot a bunch of 175 smk with 45gr varget, 2.810 COAL and cci primers in my TRG22 today at 450 yds with excellent accuracy and no pressure signs at all.
shot a bunch of 175 smk with 45gr varget, 2.810 COAL and cci primers in my TRG22 today at 450 yds with excellent accuracy and no pressure signs at all.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
I've gone as high as 45.5 in lapua brass, no major drama on the brass. Primers were getting pretty flat though, although I've seen worse out of factory ammo. Groups were opening up so I stopped there.
I've gone as high as 45.5 in lapua brass, no major drama on the brass. Primers were getting pretty flat though, although I've seen worse out of factory ammo. Groups were opening up so I stopped there.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
Accuracy trumps velocity every time. 43.0 grains of Varget gets me 2607 fps and great accuracy.
Danny
Accuracy trumps velocity every time. 43.0 grains of Varget gets me 2607 fps and great accuracy.
Danny
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
dangerous territory IMO. I never exceed book max. Call me nieve, but I can always find a node within the listed "safe range".
dangerous territory IMO. I never exceed book max. Call me nieve, but I can always find a node within the listed "safe range".
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
sounds like a lot. like the others above, I'm using 44gr, but 46gr is a good load under a 168smk
sounds like a lot. like the others above, I'm using 44gr, but 46gr is a good load under a 168smk
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
45 was too much for my rifle.
edit: I guess I should add this was 2.795 COAL, win brass @ 1.995, CCI LR primer, in 90 degree heat. I may try it again at 2.82 COAL but I need some way to crimp them as I was getting fliers.
45 was too much for my rifle.
edit: I guess I should add this was 2.795 COAL, win brass @ 1.995, CCI LR primer, in 90 degree heat. I may try it again at 2.82 COAL but I need some way to crimp them as I was getting fliers.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm using commercial new WIN brass and I was under the impression that they are thinner thus allowing more powder. Come to think of it, when I shake the 46grn cartridges that I loaded, I can still hear powder moving slightly...so it's not a total compressed charge yet.
</div></div>
Yes, WIN brass has more case capacity, so it will take more powder to get to the same MV as other brass like Lapua, FC, etc. For instance, I have a super accurate load in WIN brass at 44.8 Varget with 175SMKs but its slow-ish at 2560. I also have a 44.6 Varget/175SMK load in Lapua brass that gets me 2615. Having said that, 46.0 seems pretty hot even in WIN brass. But you never know, every gun is different. If you shoot up to it, be VERY careful and stop the moment you get any pressure signs. I'm betting that 45.5 or so will be where you top out.
NOTE TO ALL LOADERS: This thread illustrates why loads are completely different depending on the brass make and to a lesser degree the seating depth of the bullet. If you're going to post a load, PLEASE inlcude the brass make and the COAL. I've seen a trend lately that many people are just posting powder and bullet as their "pet load". Yes, it goes without saying that we should always work up to any load because every rifle is different. But there are some obvious new re-loaders here and I think sometimes that warning is not heeded as much as it should be. So by including brass make and COAL, it might clue them into understanding that they can't just copy it verbatim. (off my soap box now).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nessal</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm using commercial new WIN brass and I was under the impression that they are thinner thus allowing more powder. Come to think of it, when I shake the 46grn cartridges that I loaded, I can still hear powder moving slightly...so it's not a total compressed charge yet.
</div></div>
Yes, WIN brass has more case capacity, so it will take more powder to get to the same MV as other brass like Lapua, FC, etc. For instance, I have a super accurate load in WIN brass at 44.8 Varget with 175SMKs but its slow-ish at 2560. I also have a 44.6 Varget/175SMK load in Lapua brass that gets me 2615. Having said that, 46.0 seems pretty hot even in WIN brass. But you never know, every gun is different. If you shoot up to it, be VERY careful and stop the moment you get any pressure signs. I'm betting that 45.5 or so will be where you top out.
NOTE TO ALL LOADERS: This thread illustrates why loads are completely different depending on the brass make and to a lesser degree the seating depth of the bullet. If you're going to post a load, PLEASE inlcude the brass make and the COAL. I've seen a trend lately that many people are just posting powder and bullet as their "pet load". Yes, it goes without saying that we should always work up to any load because every rifle is different. But there are some obvious new re-loaders here and I think sometimes that warning is not heeded as much as it should be. So by including brass make and COAL, it might clue them into understanding that they can't just copy it verbatim. (off my soap box now).
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
MAY work till a round "cooks" in a hot chamber a bit, or till next summer with 100+* temps.
Never work-up a max load in the Fall/Winter time..........
Also that load is for THAT lot of powder.
It's YOUR weapon, brass, bbl. I try to make my junk last along time, just saying is all.
Respectfully,
LG
MAY work till a round "cooks" in a hot chamber a bit, or till next summer with 100+* temps.
Never work-up a max load in the Fall/Winter time..........
Also that load is for THAT lot of powder.
It's YOUR weapon, brass, bbl. I try to make my junk last along time, just saying is all.
Respectfully,
LG
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MAY work till a round "cooks" in a hot chamber a bit, or till next summer with 100+* temps.
Never work-up a max load in the Fall/Winter time..........
Also that load is for THAT lot of powder.
It's YOUR weapon, brass, bbl. I try to make my junk last along time, just saying is all.
Respectfully,
LG </div></div>
Totally agree.....
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MAY work till a round "cooks" in a hot chamber a bit, or till next summer with 100+* temps.
Never work-up a max load in the Fall/Winter time..........
Also that load is for THAT lot of powder.
It's YOUR weapon, brass, bbl. I try to make my junk last along time, just saying is all.
Respectfully,
LG </div></div>
Totally agree.....
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
If ya want a 30-06 or 300 Win Mag, buy one. Overloading can only mean one thing.
If ya want a 30-06 or 300 Win Mag, buy one. Overloading can only mean one thing.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MAY work till a round "cooks" in a hot chamber a bit, or till next summer with 100+* temps.
Never work-up a max load in the Fall/Winter time..........
Also that load is for THAT lot of powder.
It's YOUR weapon, brass, bbl. I try to make my junk last along time, just saying is all.
Respectfully,
LG </div></div>
I live in the bay and our temperatures are pretty consistent given that you don't live near the coast. Today was about 75F which is I would say about average around here. Also, from my understanding, Varget is a really temp tolerant powder. I wouldn't work up a load with my IMR4895 in 50F then use that same load on a 100F day LOL.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lumpy grits</div><div class="ubbcode-body">MAY work till a round "cooks" in a hot chamber a bit, or till next summer with 100+* temps.
Never work-up a max load in the Fall/Winter time..........
Also that load is for THAT lot of powder.
It's YOUR weapon, brass, bbl. I try to make my junk last along time, just saying is all.
Respectfully,
LG </div></div>
I live in the bay and our temperatures are pretty consistent given that you don't live near the coast. Today was about 75F which is I would say about average around here. Also, from my understanding, Varget is a really temp tolerant powder. I wouldn't work up a load with my IMR4895 in 50F then use that same load on a 100F day LOL.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
Well today I shot the 46grn and there was no excessive pressure signs. Quite to my surprise! The primer looked pretty consistent throughout the loads with MAYBE a little bit more flattening with the 46grn. Also bolt lift was as easy as my 42grn load. What I did notice was that at 46grn, my necks were not as sooted up compared to the lower charges but still has a decent amount on it. Average muzzle velocity was 2773 FPS with one that spiked at 2807. Not exactly sure why that one spiked compared to the rest. Also 46grn shot like complete crap.
I found the node for the 175smk in this rifle to be at 43.5-44.5 grn. I will have to work up some more loads in that specific area to tune it. Then play with seating depth. I was shooting .563" 10 shot groupings at 44grs. The groups don't seem to want to squeeze anymore which was a bit disappointing as I can hold 1/3" MOA with 155 AMAX.
Well today I shot the 46grn and there was no excessive pressure signs. Quite to my surprise! The primer looked pretty consistent throughout the loads with MAYBE a little bit more flattening with the 46grn. Also bolt lift was as easy as my 42grn load. What I did notice was that at 46grn, my necks were not as sooted up compared to the lower charges but still has a decent amount on it. Average muzzle velocity was 2773 FPS with one that spiked at 2807. Not exactly sure why that one spiked compared to the rest. Also 46grn shot like complete crap.
I found the node for the 175smk in this rifle to be at 43.5-44.5 grn. I will have to work up some more loads in that specific area to tune it. Then play with seating depth. I was shooting .563" 10 shot groupings at 44grs. The groups don't seem to want to squeeze anymore which was a bit disappointing as I can hold 1/3" MOA with 155 AMAX.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
I would stop at 45.0g's.
Try 40.0g's to 45.0. Shoot until you start to see pressure signs.. I asked this same question about a month ago and I got some guys saying they shot up to 47g's.
Every rifle is different so just keep that 46 load but dyou might see signs short of it. No one can tell you. Just go out and shoot em and see what you get. If you dont see any signes of pressure make some moe loads and see what you get.
I would stop at 45.0g's.
Try 40.0g's to 45.0. Shoot until you start to see pressure signs.. I asked this same question about a month ago and I got some guys saying they shot up to 47g's.
Every rifle is different so just keep that 46 load but dyou might see signs short of it. No one can tell you. Just go out and shoot em and see what you get. If you dont see any signes of pressure make some moe loads and see what you get.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
Like I said it's your junk, do as you wish.
Just can't see WHY an extra 50-75 fps into a target is such a big deal. You leave little/no margin for error/change.
When I want extra powder and reach that is when the McM .50 BMG comes out.I don't run my .308 or any other caliber to the "high" edge.
Each has it's place....
Cheers,
LG
Like I said it's your junk, do as you wish.
Just can't see WHY an extra 50-75 fps into a target is such a big deal. You leave little/no margin for error/change.
When I want extra powder and reach that is when the McM .50 BMG comes out.I don't run my .308 or any other caliber to the "high" edge.
Each has it's place....
Cheers,
LG
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
Yes. 20" Rem 700P. Superb accuracy for me. Not at home so I can't check, doesn't the Varget bottle have 46.0 gr as a suggested load for .308's printed on the label? I think it was for the 168 gr HPBT-M round.
Yes. 20" Rem 700P. Superb accuracy for me. Not at home so I can't check, doesn't the Varget bottle have 46.0 gr as a suggested load for .308's printed on the label? I think it was for the 168 gr HPBT-M round.
Re: Anyone try 175 SMK over 46gr Varget?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clay_James</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That sounds like a really hot load. I'm running 44.4. </div></div>
+1 I also ran 44.4gr Varget behind 175 SMK in Lapual brass and BR2 primers. Just noticing faint ejector marks on the case head with this load. Some primer pockets have really loosened up too, but those were after a rapid extended string of fire and had a sticky bolt lift and deep ejector marks.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clay_James</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That sounds like a really hot load. I'm running 44.4. </div></div>
+1 I also ran 44.4gr Varget behind 175 SMK in Lapual brass and BR2 primers. Just noticing faint ejector marks on the case head with this load. Some primer pockets have really loosened up too, but those were after a rapid extended string of fire and had a sticky bolt lift and deep ejector marks.
