So many 168s and so many differant powder ranges

[Placebo]

I am new to reloading (just the last couple months)and I guess since after reading many differant books and internet reference I see a lot of differant ranges for 168s. My lee book states 42 to 46 grains of varget for 168 gn bullets whereas the Hornady book states 168 Amax at 32.6 to 44. Thats a huge margarine. I have laddered and found a sweet spot at 42.4. Also have not seen any excess pressure signs at 46. Is the Hornady book just very conservative? Also just had 200 168 SMK BTHP come thru the mail. I need to get their book to see what their range will be unless someone can chime in so I can ladder test them. Thanks in advance everyone.

John

 

[vman]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

32.6gr of varget sounds dangerous if you ask me... underpressure.

Varget is a pretty forgiving powder and you will find it is often easy to go over book max without seeing any pressure signs.

 

[Placebo]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

Thats what i thought but they state that 32.6 of varget should get 2100 fps

 

[hyoslvr]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

I agree with vman. 32.6 sounds underpressured. varget is a dam good powder for my 168 grain sierra match rounds I load 43 grains of varget and that is with military brass. Maximum charge for that grain according to the book is 46 grains.

 

[Jasmck]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

According to the 5th Edition Sierra Reloading Manual, the starting load for a 168SMK is 38.7 gr of Varget. Tha Max is 43.5.

The Sierra Manual is very conservative, but as always, start at the beginning load, and work you way up.

James

 

[gopherslayer]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

I run 46.5 with horn 168bthp in remmy cases. No smear on the case. When I load a 165 Hot-Cor for hunting I get a slight smear on the case head. I'm about maxed out right there.

 

[Headgear]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Sierra Manual is very conservative, but as always, start at the beginning load, and work you way up.</div></div>

He's right, Sierra is conservative. But remember, all chambers have not been created equal. some are tighter and you will get higher pressures sooner than in a loose chamber and there can be significant differences in case volume as well. So like James said, Do start low and work up.

Another good source for load information with Varget is Hogdon.

Check out their online load data center, they even show the 168 load using SMK's. They too show the min/max at 42/46.

Personally I feel better about load data coming from the powder manufacture than the bullet manufacturer. But that's just me and ultimately, the guy working up the load has to take total responsibility because of the number of variables involved. Not to mention it's his face on the line.

Be safe and keep'm in the same hole!

 

[Placebo]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

thanks everyone for the input. I pretty much downloaded the Hogdon charts and have them tacked to the boards with book info since the get go. Lots of good info there. I

 

[hyoslvr]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Headgear</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Sierra Manual is very conservative, but as always, start at the beginning load, and work you way up.</div></div>

Personally I feel better about load data coming from the powder manufacture than the bullet manufacturer.


</div></div>Me too. Not that the bullet man. doesn't know it's just i always feel safer loading a new round off the powder man. min/max specs.

 

[1Sg (ret)]

Re: So many 168s and so many ranges

Win brass has a greater internal capacity.Some people load win to increase velocity.Always check for pressure in your paticular rifle with any load.