Fatelvis
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Im interested in trying 175 SMKs in my M1A, instead of 168s. Does anyone have a load they like, and could share? Thanks-
Good load for 175 SMK in an M1a?
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EchoSixMike
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41.5 IMR 4895 or 42.0 AA2520. OAL 2.800 S/F...Ken M
What's the twist rate on your rifle? I think the SA' s are all 1-11 til you get to their Super Match and higher grades, and those are 1-10. Dunno about FA; don't recall anything published on their website.
The 168's will do fine out to ~600yd, and may actually be more accurate than the 175's at those distances. In any case, the 175's are near the high end of recommended bullet weight for the M1A, and generally offer more accuracy (only) beyond 600yd.
A well-known and accepted load for accuracy is:
175 SMK
210M
42.5gr IMR 4064
2.815" OAL
Some folks like to use Varget also, but it's a split camp that has concerns about Varget's burn rate; depending on the OEM burn charts, some show that Varget is "too slow", and can theoretically raise port pressures beyond acceptable limits. Other charts claim it's safe, and in any case, there is a devoted M1A following that uses Varget--around 43 or 44gr as I recall, but you'll have to look that up. Those numbers are strictly from my memory reading internet gossip. I have no experience with Varget in an M1A and don't recommend it. (There's no reason to with so many other choices within the burn chart.)
I'd also recommend caution when driving the 175's at higher velocities; the M1A can tolerate the round of course, but general opinion is more approving of the 168. Pushing the heavier bullets (175s and 178s) at higher velocities can bring on op rod damage if the load isn't monitored scrupulously. I drive 178AMAX's at 2700fps through my M1A, but only after I installed a vented gas plug to bleed off the excess port gasses (but that makes me illegal for service rifle).
The 168's will do fine out to ~600yd, and may actually be more accurate than the 175's at those distances. In any case, the 175's are near the high end of recommended bullet weight for the M1A, and generally offer more accuracy (only) beyond 600yd.
A well-known and accepted load for accuracy is:
175 SMK
210M
42.5gr IMR 4064
2.815" OAL
Some folks like to use Varget also, but it's a split camp that has concerns about Varget's burn rate; depending on the OEM burn charts, some show that Varget is "too slow", and can theoretically raise port pressures beyond acceptable limits. Other charts claim it's safe, and in any case, there is a devoted M1A following that uses Varget--around 43 or 44gr as I recall, but you'll have to look that up. Those numbers are strictly from my memory reading internet gossip. I have no experience with Varget in an M1A and don't recommend it. (There's no reason to with so many other choices within the burn chart.)
I'd also recommend caution when driving the 175's at higher velocities; the M1A can tolerate the round of course, but general opinion is more approving of the 168. Pushing the heavier bullets (175s and 178s) at higher velocities can bring on op rod damage if the load isn't monitored scrupulously. I drive 178AMAX's at 2700fps through my M1A, but only after I installed a vented gas plug to bleed off the excess port gasses (but that makes me illegal for service rifle).
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Fatelvis
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I`m using a Douglas Heavy barrel with 1:10 twist. I guess that`s better yet, for stabilizing a heavier projectile. Im going to heed everyone`s warnings about pushing the 175s too fast, as I dont want to beat (or break) my rifle! Thanks guys-
30Cal
Member
I use Varget, LC brass and a WLR primer. I push them at 2550-2600fps. The 175 offers a slightly better wind drift over the 168, but not by much.
39.5grs Varget behind a 175 is a soft, sweet load.
Ty
39.5grs Varget behind a 175 is a soft, sweet load.
Ty
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