Favorite Loads

[Trent]

Updated spreadsheets.

Excel http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2580584 ... -29-pm-19k

PDF http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2581701 ... -18-am-12k

[glenn asher]

Just a gentle reminder to all.

Always start low and work into loads.

Never use a maximum load if a milder load will do the job as well.

Keep in mind the temperatures you'll be using the load in, and plan for that. It can get awfully warm in a PD patch, and if you're using a stout load, developed in cooler weather, you can almost count on problems cropping up.


Some of the loads on the spreadsheets will work great in individual circumstances, but maybe not in others. Mostly, just be safe and careful, and make sure to check your loads against the suggestions of the powder peddlers and bulletmakers and live within their suggestions. The last thing any of us want is for someone to assemble a load that might sideline their rifle or themselves



Thus concludes my safety admonishment.

[mcseal2]

What powder would you all recommend starting with to get the best speed from a 23" barrel? I have a 1 in 10 twist 23" Pac-Nor barrel on the new 204 I just got back. I plan to try the 39gr Sierra bullet and see if I can get an accurate load. I bought a couple boxes of factory Winchester 34gr HP's to break the barrel in. They seem to shoot pretty well and have already taken a coyote DRT.

Thanks!

[ryutzy]

The fastest powders for my gun are H4895 and XBR 8208. Both yielded about equal speeds with accuracy. I shoot them as fast as I safely and accurately can. I'm shooting an AR so I lose a lota speed. I'm at 3700 with H4895 with the 39 SBK. In a bolt gun I believe people have topped 3900 fps with either of these powders and the 39 SBK.

[GaCop]

The fastest powders for my gun are H4895 and XBR 8208. Both yielded about equal speeds with accuracy. I shoot them as fast as I safely and accurately can. I'm shooting an AR so I lose a lota speed. I'm at 3700 with H4895 with the 39 SBK. In a bolt gun I believe people have topped 3900 fps with either of these powders and the 39 SBK.

I'm just starting out in 204R chambered in a 24", 1/12 twist AR. What charges with 4895 (IMR-H?) are working best for you. I'm currently developing loads with the Nosler 40gr BT and the Berger 30gr FBHP. I've had dismal results with the Nosler's pushed by IMR 3031/22.5 to 23.1 grains and seated to 2.266" which fits my C-Products mag with about .002" to spare. My next set of test loads are the Berger's seated to 2.259" with 25.5 to 26.1 grains of H4895 in weighed and prepped RP brass. 2.259 seemed to shoot the tightest with the 40 gr Nosler's (.713") compared to my loads seated to 2.266" which opened up considerably (1.2 to 1.5") at 100 meters.

Tom

[DoubleUp]

GaCop, I'm not familiar with the 204 in an AR, but your listed loads seem underpowered at least for a boltgun. I don't shoot 3031, but Hodgdon's website calls for min 24 and max 25.6C with the 40 vmax at a col of 2.250.

I also haven't shot the 30 Berger's but I have shot 32 vmax, 34 midsouth, 39 bk, and 40 vmax with H4895 and I believe you are also underpowered with your intended load. With 32 vmax, I've been shooting 28.6 for about 3,970 fps. With the 34 hp midsouth, I've been shooting 28g at about 3,800 fps. With 39 bk, I've been shooting 27.5g at about 3,760 fps. With the 40 vmax, I've been shooting 27.5g at 3,750 fps.

All of them shoot about .5-.7 moa, but I've shot several other powders which shoot with more accuracy in my rifle, but every rifle is different as you know.

[ryutzy]

GaCop I shoot 27.8 of H4895 with my 39 grain SBK. It's a tad hot so work up to it. I'm considering dropping to 27.6 grains to slightly ease pressures. I have a 24'' bull barrel 1:12 twist and it does not do so well with the 40 grain bullets. Many 1:12 twists dont shoot 40s very well.

[btlbrn]

Updated spreadsheets.

Excel http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2580584 ... -29-pm-19k

PDF http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2581701 ... -18-am-12k

EXCELLENT job keep up the GREAT work, and THANK YOU sir!!
Steve

[stein]

Just started working loads for 34 gr. Mid south. So far I am at 21.5 gr. Of imr 4198. Out of my ar. It is 24" 1in 12 twist. The cci 400 primer have grouped .5" less than the magnum primer. I need to get it chronied still. Maybe this weekend? The best group has been .670 so.far but it shall get better.

[Trent]

Updated spreadsheets.

Excel http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2580584 ... -29-pm-19k

PDF http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2581701 ... -18-am-12k

EXCELLENT job keep up the GREAT work, and THANK YOU sir!!
Steve

I missed this some how. You are welcome!

[Trent]

Just started working loads for 34 gr. Mid south. So far I am at 21.5 gr. Of imr 4198. Out of my ar. It is 24" 1in 12 twist. The cci 400 primer have grouped .5" less than the magnum primer. I need to get it chronied still. Maybe this weekend? The best group has been .670 so.far but it shall get better.

I shot some test loads with the same bullets but with 10x powder last week. They show a lot of promise. I was happy to see it too. Good looking bullets. I should be able to test them on live targets starting on June 15th... pdog season opens.

I tried the CCI 400 primers and out of 30 rounds I had 5 pierced primers and the rest were close. Won't use those anymore. Federal small rifle and Remington BR primers are good to go though.

[stein]

Wow. What are you using ? I was going to up by .10 of a grain and see how it pressured. There wasn't any indication of a problem at 21.5gr. I think I will chrony first for sure before I do go higher.

[Trent]

That was 39gr SBK on top of 26.4gr of 10x. So that is a little hotter than what you are loading.

[stein]

Oh just a little. I've got to check my fps. On my 21.5 grainers and probably try going up just about .5 gr. Also for accuracy. But thanks for the heads up on piercing 400 primer I will keep close watch.

[DoubleUp]

Have excellent results in the following load:

32vmax
A2230---26.9g
Win brass
Rem 7.5 br or Wolf 223 sr primer
col--2.350
Velocity--3,950 fps in 22"Savage
Es about 20
Sd about 10
no pressure signs

Shot a .065 with this load, but have shot many in .2 and .3 range. This load has a pretty good accuracy node from 26.8 to 27.2, but I just shoot the lower end of it.