Berger 185/IMR4064, compressed load, "ring on the bullets"

mark5pt56

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Nov 20, 2005
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I tested some 185 Bergers yesterday but didn't chrono. I used IMR4064, 41.5, 42 & 42.5. Using the Wilson seater, I was getting a ring on the bullet on any charge over 42.5(compressed loads) The charges I used are actually compressed, but no ring. I believe the ring would effect it on long range, so I pulled those. No pressure signs at all on the ones tested. Is anyone using this powder/bullet combo? Was curious of charge weights/velocity and if I use a standard RCBS or Lee seater, would that allow me to avoid the ring I get from the Wilson seater? I mainly wanted to try this bullet combo to see if there's an advantage over the 175 SMK at 1000, those are going 2650 in my rifle(AEIII, 24")(43 gr IMR4064) Oh- using the same die, I went to 45 grains of 4064 175SMK with no ring on the bullet.

I played around on JBM and I would have to have the Berger's going an average of 2435 to meet/equal actual data with the FGMM/reload equal.

Thank you

Mark

5 shot groups at 100, prone bipod on sand/gravel, rear bag. The 42/42.5 impact where the same area relative to aim, will try those and charge weight in between later.
41.5=.385
42=.480
42.5-.620
 
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Make a custom formed seater tip for your Wilson. Seat a bullet to your normal length in a non-charged case. Lube the bullet and the inside of the Wilson die. Degrease the seater mandrel tip and cavity. place a small amount of epoxy bedding type material in the cavity and with the cartridge and bullet in the body of the die, gently slide the seater mandrel into contact with the bullet. Let it set, remove the pieces/parts and trim the excess epoxy and clean the die. Won't ring the bullet anymore.
 
Make a custom formed seater tip for your Wilson. Seat a bullet to your normal length in a non-charged case. Lube the bullet and the inside of the Wilson die. Degrease the seater mandrel tip and cavity. place a small amount of epoxy bedding type material in the cavity and with the cartridge and bullet in the body of the die, gently slide the seater mandrel into contact with the bullet. Let it set, remove the pieces/parts and trim the excess epoxy and clean the die. Won't ring the bullet anymore.

Ok, so I would be more or less "bedding" the seater/bullet combo. I measured the Berger's and they are more consistent than the SMK's, length wise anyhow.