Caution, do not "jump in" to the loads discussed below, start low and work up.
Ok, i started low and worked up.
varget
178ELDM
win brass
CCI BR2 and FED 210M
most frequent load:
44g. varget, 178ELD M .005 off the lands (just barely not touching basically)
2660fpsavg, ES 11fps, with 25 shots on the record
"hot" load 45g of varget **Hodgdon Max** for a 175/180g bullet
2720fps, es 10fps with 10 shots on the record
I am using a mausifingfied action so there is no ejector plunger. primers look the same between the two loads, not flat or cratered,
bolt lift is the same, just like it always is.
I see hodgdon's load data says around 2700fps is max for a 175 SMK, Hornady data says that 2500fps is a max load for a 178g bullet (regrettably i have not really used hornady data since my first reloads, they are very conservative typically)
I don't want to keep pushing varget any higher, it is at or above max load for several book sources but I am considering an experiment with pp200mr where i have seen folks getting 28000fps out of 185 berger juggernauts. supposedly, that speed can be achieved without exceeding book maximum velocities
my question, in the absence of the classic pressure signs, if you are looking for a higher level of performance, when do you stop? I am happy with my 44g of varget load right now, no need to bump it up higher for my shooting needs, but a new powder combo.........
Ok, i started low and worked up.
varget
178ELDM
win brass
CCI BR2 and FED 210M
most frequent load:
44g. varget, 178ELD M .005 off the lands (just barely not touching basically)
2660fpsavg, ES 11fps, with 25 shots on the record
"hot" load 45g of varget **Hodgdon Max** for a 175/180g bullet
2720fps, es 10fps with 10 shots on the record
I am using a mausifingfied action so there is no ejector plunger. primers look the same between the two loads, not flat or cratered,
bolt lift is the same, just like it always is.
I see hodgdon's load data says around 2700fps is max for a 175 SMK, Hornady data says that 2500fps is a max load for a 178g bullet (regrettably i have not really used hornady data since my first reloads, they are very conservative typically)
I don't want to keep pushing varget any higher, it is at or above max load for several book sources but I am considering an experiment with pp200mr where i have seen folks getting 28000fps out of 185 berger juggernauts. supposedly, that speed can be achieved without exceeding book maximum velocities
my question, in the absence of the classic pressure signs, if you are looking for a higher level of performance, when do you stop? I am happy with my 44g of varget load right now, no need to bump it up higher for my shooting needs, but a new powder combo.........