Shooting a factory R700 SPS 308 win varmint cut to 18” with a suppressor. Launching some 178 amax that I have on my bench. Hornady book shows 2.800” OAL and I loaded to 2.810” as I don’t have a hornady modified case right now (thought I did).
Hodgdon showed 40.0 min and 42.7 max on H4895. I started at 41.0 and did 3 shots of the following:
- 41.0gr
- 41.3gr
- 41.6gr
- 41.9gr
- 42.2gr
By the 42.2 the bolt got stiff and got some swipes so definitely not going back that high. Here are the results:
Bottom group is my min (41.0gr), top group is my max (42.gr).
Top left is 41.3, bottom left is 41.6, bottom right is 41.9.
What I am worried about is how great the variance is in accuracy between the 41.0 and 41.3gr. If I get any pressure or velocity spike because of a hot day, I would assume my accuracy goes to shit.
Do I load a little lighter at 40.7 and try it out, switch to a slower powder, switch seating depth, or get a different weight bullet? Looking for some input on what you think is best.
Hodgdon showed 40.0 min and 42.7 max on H4895. I started at 41.0 and did 3 shots of the following:
- 41.0gr
- 41.3gr
- 41.6gr
- 41.9gr
- 42.2gr
By the 42.2 the bolt got stiff and got some swipes so definitely not going back that high. Here are the results:
Bottom group is my min (41.0gr), top group is my max (42.gr).
Top left is 41.3, bottom left is 41.6, bottom right is 41.9.
What I am worried about is how great the variance is in accuracy between the 41.0 and 41.3gr. If I get any pressure or velocity spike because of a hot day, I would assume my accuracy goes to shit.
Do I load a little lighter at 40.7 and try it out, switch to a slower powder, switch seating depth, or get a different weight bullet? Looking for some input on what you think is best.