how to get out to 1k

[the agent]

Hello all,
Well I will be placing an order for a press and all items the end of this week. As so I have been shooting fggm 168 and have done decent out to 600 yds and I understand you need to go the heavier rounds to get out past that. I have looked at the 155 scenars and they sound very interesting but they have to be on the higher side of velocity to make things happen. I also like what others are saying about the amax. Here is my question. I have a 21 inch LW barrel with a 700rem action. Jet suppressor. Aics. Will the short tube get enough velocity to punch that far? I live in an arid desert where temps range summer 110's winters 30's. I understand that different atmospheric conditions may pose there own conditions so say at standard pressure and temp can the 21" get the velocities up with out causing dangerous pressures to reach 1k? I will get a reloading manual but would also like some of your recipies for inspiration. Thanks all.

Cheers,
Agent

 

[427Cobra]

Re: how to get out to 1k

If you can load a 175-178 to 2650 it will make 1k no problem, Varget or RL15 are the powders of choice IMHO, I perfer CCI primers. The 155 Scenars have a better BC than 175/178 and are a superior target pill IMHO, and the 178 amax flat out kills whatever it hits.

 

[desertHK]

Re: how to get out to 1k

Don't forget IMR4064. A pinch of that can push my 175 SMK to about 2750 fps.

 

[the agent]

Re: how to get out to 1k

Thanks guys,
Appreciate the info. My press will be on backorder and should arrive at the dealer hopefully next week.

Cheers,
Agent

 

[Sig685]

Re: how to get out to 1k

It sounds like you are very new to handloading. If this is the case, let me caution you a little bit and also set your expectations.

LR (1000 yard) ammo is usually loaded to maximum pressures, especially if you are going to use it in a 21 inch barrel.

Mordern factory ammo is difficult to match in accuracy and cosistency and FGMM is definitely going to be hard to beat with your handloads.

Again I qualify this statement, if you are new to handloading, you should learn to load excellent ammo for the short line before jumping straight to 1000 yard match ammo. You need to learn to load safely and to recognize the signs of excessive pressure; there are many and some of them mean you are already over-pressure.

In order to match, let alone exceed the performance of factory ammo and premium match ammo, you need to tailor the ammo to your rifle and your goals. This will take some time to learn and tools to measure. One of these tools is a chronograph, so you had better factor one in your purchases, if you do not already have one.

Glen Zediker has a great book, Handloading for Competition. I highly recommend it BUT it should not be your first handloading manual; this one is more like a post graduate course on handloading. The reason I mention it this early in the game is that you might consult it for the equipment and tools that you will need to buy. In other words, get quality stuff up front and learn to use it.

Good luck in your endeavor, you are embarking in fun ride. Developing, making and shooting quality match ammo at 1000 yard is quite a rush; especially when you win the match.

 

[the agent]

Re: how to get out to 1k

Hey Sig685
Thanks for the info. You are right about handloading. It all appears to be a try and try again until you get it right. Press still is out of stock so I cont the wait. Good thing is I am doing a lot of reading and talking to people who reload and they have been very honest and helpful regarding this addiction.

Cheers.

 

[fast freddy]

Re: how to get out to 1k

hey agent if you find a load that works for you let me know, its sounds like our guns might be twins. they are in the process of extending the local range from 500 to 800, still not 1k but closer. good luck

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: how to get out to 1k

With your short tube, you can reach 1K yards only with a (near)max pressure load. Thus, you have a lot of load development in front of you before heading towards the 1K line.

The 168 is not going to make 1K, so you need to move up to 175 SMK or pick from one of the 155 high BC bullets designed for long range shooting. You are still going to have to load up (near)max pressure. A 175 is going to need 2650 fps in your colder conditions and 2600 in hotter conditions. The 155s will be needing 2875+ fps and you should strive for 2900 fps. With luck you might get 2925 within sane pressure limits. Thus, you need to watch pressure signs like a hawk.

Get at least 3 reloading manuals
debug and develop your loads at short and moderate ranges before venturing long
a chronograph will indicate if your loads are consistent enough for long range with low SD numbers
Buy case measuring tools and concentricity gauge
Micrometer bullet seaters enable precision when dialing a load

 

[Wil]

Re: how to get out to 1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MitchAlsup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...The 155s will be needing 2875+ fps and you should strive for 2900 fps... </div></div>

Hmmm,... my 155 Scenars did quite well at 2840fps to 1K. This was out of a 20" barrel as well.

 

[KHOOKS]

Re: how to get out to 1k

Agent,

What twist rate is your barrel?

I shoot a Rem. LTR 20" tube with a 1/12 twist. I am pushing the 178GR amax with 44.5GR of RL15 in Hornady match brass. It works out to 1000k I have not chrono'ed it yet but my guess is around 2650 or so.

If you have a faster twist than a 1/12 then the 178 amax will work as both good target and good hunting ammo.

The 1/12 twist is pushing the edge of stabilizing the 175/178gr bullets. The 1/10 twist would be much better for these.

 

[BeerAlchemist]

Re: how to get out to 1k

Agent, I'm a few months ahead of you in the reloading game. What I have found is that even with doing plenty of reading, when you get all the equipment you will take baby steps. I'm using my lock n load as a single stage as I dial in the dies (and learn the hard way what a stuck case is and a harder way of how you can bend your die's decapping rod if you unstick the case the wrong way) and learn the process one step at a time. In the long run, it is learning the feel for things such as the feel of the brass on the die to know it has the right amount of lube. As well, it takes time to become familiar with all the tools involved, how to take measurements and use those numbers appropriately.

Like you, I thought I could jump on in and punch out long range super accurate ammo...and like you a month from now, have learned its not that easy. After I get through a few thousand rounds though, I will be looking at getting the match set of redding .308 dies and a few other measuring tools and start refining my skill. Anyway, just some thoughts from the newb perspective...take baby steps on the basics until you are comfortable with them then move on to the more advanced skills necessary for long range accuracy.