Just got some varget for the first time in over 5 years. Also just got some 178 eld x bullets. Started working up from the bottom like normal for a OCW test. At 42 grains I'm getting compression. The 178 elds are longer than the 178 amax I used to load. Coal is 2.815. Brass is R-P. Fired 4 times in this rifle. Shoulder bumped .002. Is the compression normal? Should I keep going to 44 grains? I got my hornaday manual right before the ELD came out and decided to use amax data with caution.
- Thread starter moosemeat
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Holy crap that's low. Ok. Thanks. I'll work up from 42 very carefully.
Give hornady or Hodgdons a call also try a drop tube get get more room.
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Reason for 2.815 COAL is a) read that the ELD likes to jump like the burgers b) fn mag only takes tell about 2.875 before it runs out of room c) rifle has always shot good at 2.815 to 2.855 so I figured I'd find a good speed then start moving out .010 at a time.
That's what I said except I started with what the rifle usually like and will work out in .010 steps. I can't start at 2.875 and work out cause they won't fit in the mag after that. I could start a 2.875 and work in. But good news, it didn't explode and I have no signs of pressure at the max a velocity range I find sufficient. That load also happens to be above book max. Developed a real nice cluster at 2625fps range with 3 charge weights. Going to shoot the middle one with .010 COAL increase tomorrow at 300 yards. 5 shot groups. Round Robin.
I always try to listen to Ghengis and the guys who know more than me. I just am not using AI mags and have a shorter maximum COAL.
I'm. 075 from the lands at 2.815 with this bullet. I will step it out and find where it groups best. Thanks for the help.
I always try to listen to Ghengis and the guys who know more than me. I just am not using AI mags and have a shorter maximum COAL.
I'm. 075 from the lands at 2.815 with this bullet. I will step it out and find where it groups best. Thanks for the help.
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Ok, update because I had to rework loads because I got brand new winchester brass. First during a OCW I found a node at way over max but no pressure signs. Easy bolt lift, primers still have a nice radius, case heads Mike out right. Had a node from 42.5, 42.9, 43.3 and 43.7 where I stopped. All loads jammed .010". I'm talking all 4 rounds in a .5 MOA cluster at 200 (longest range available) and maybe less vertical. I'm wondering what velocity most are getting around these charges. Yes I shot them over a chronograph but my velocities seem off. Coming out of a 24" factory FN SPR A1. I plan to load 5 more at 43.1, 43.3, and 43.5 to check groups and velocity.
42.5 was 2490
42.9 was 2515
43.3 was 2542
43.7 was 2615
I'm doubting the chronic. Just a cheap we bought about 10 years ago for bows and paintball. These velocities seem really low. 43.7 also seemed to pick up speed a little faster vs charge weight.
42.5 was 2490
42.9 was 2515
43.3 was 2542
43.7 was 2615
I'm doubting the chronic. Just a cheap we bought about 10 years ago for bows and paintball. These velocities seem really low. 43.7 also seemed to pick up speed a little faster vs charge weight.
As a side note for you about Varget, my goto load when I still had a 308 was 45.1gr Varget with a 175gr SMK. Hornady's published loads are quite conservative which is why I usually go off of what Hodgdon's load data says. So you problem have quite a ways to go before you hit pressure signs.
Also, at 45.1gr I was getting 2650 fps out of a 20" 1:10 barrel so I'm not entirely sure that your chronograph data is wrong.
Also, at 45.1gr I was getting 2650 fps out of a 20" 1:10 barrel so I'm not entirely sure that your chronograph data is wrong.
Moose,
I just tried 43.5gr Varget in Lapua brass out of a 20" barrel. Got 2630, with a magnetospeed, out of it shooting 1/2 MOA at 100.
I just tried 43.5gr Varget in Lapua brass out of a 20" barrel. Got 2630, with a magnetospeed, out of it shooting 1/2 MOA at 100.
On the left (green) 43.5g of varget, middle (purple) 45 grains and right is 41.5 grains.
178 eld match, kissing the lands 2.830oal winchester brass, cci 200
I shot last week 41.5 up to 45 grains in 0.5 gr steps.
Today i wenr 43.5 to 45 in 0.3gr steps 3 shots each.
Only one group was over 1moa, but i pulled the first shot of that group badly
With a mausingfield i have to rely on primers, bolt lift and i mic the case heads-they all mic the same
I had similar group centers from 43.5 to 44.1, 44.7 and 45 shared another poi
No pressure issues. I am going to revisit 44.8 and 43.8 with 10 shots each next time
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moosemeat, just to add another point of reference... your velocities seem a bit slow.
Rem 700 5R with a 24 barrel and 43.3gr Varget pushing Hornady 178gr BTHPs are averaging 2660 fps for me at about 750' elevation and 50* F.
Rem 700 5R with a 24 barrel and 43.3gr Varget pushing Hornady 178gr BTHPs are averaging 2660 fps for me at about 750' elevation and 50* F.
I am at 43.9 with 2640 out of a 22" Savage 10. I think there is probably a higher node but not interested in running it that hard.
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