Savage 110 varmint Handloads

[LukeMN]

Hello. Just posting my loading data from a range session today. Chronograph was acting weird. Top left was the 27gr load and bottom left was 29gr load. Velocity isn't where I would like but working on it. No pressure signs whatsoever. Once fired brass sized with Lee Collet Die.

CFE223
39gr SBK
2.260

Can anyone share their velocities and/or loads with CFE223 and 39gr SBK?

[skipper]

Is that a ladder test using .5 grain increments? You might find a tighter node if you work from minimum to maximum loads in .2 grain increments. Any signs of pressure would be a good stopping point during a Ladder Load Development Test. Flat primers, bolt hard to lift, etc.

[Bill K]

I shoot very few 39 SBK's, 98% of my bullet now days are the 32 gr Nosler Lead-free, due to game laws in my state. So I used the same loads on paper when I shoot it or plink around.
I run 29.3 and 29.4 gr loads of CFE 223 and get some very good groups that do the job on paper or critters.
As Skipper mentioned play with those lower grouping with .2 varys and work up, also watch seating depths, you should find a nice tight load, many do with the 39 SBK's.

101_0618.JPG (1.18 MiB) Viewed 556 times

Just an example of some of mine. Start lower and work up slow and easy and watch for those pressure signs.

[LukeMN]

Is that a ladder test using .5 grain increments? You might find a tighter node if you work from minimum to maximum loads in .2 grain increments. Any signs of pressure would be a good stopping point during a Ladder Load Development Test. Flat primers, bolt hard to lift, etc.

Thanks yea I did .5 increments up to 29gr. I had no pressure signs but was looking for them. I figured I would be OK since book max for this bullet is 29.9. now I will do .2 increments up to 29.8 and see what I get.

[Bill K]

Watch very carefully working up as you mention. That pressure spike can sneak up on you. Always have in mind, YOUR RIFLE/CHAMBER, may not take the max area the book load shows. Safe and sane is the way to go, all while looking for a very accurate load.

[Rick in Oregon]

What's a "Harmint"?

[LukeMN]

What's a "Harmint"?

Can't believe I didn't notice that yikes.

[Bill K]

I was thinking, maybe head shots only.

[LukeMN]

Update. Had to do 200 yard range today because the others were busy. Results in pics. Best group was 29.5 grain of cfe223 and progressively got worse from the 29.7gr then to 29.9. no pressure signs but I am stopping there. 29.5gr is going to get more testing at 200 yards.

[Jim White]

As Bill mentioned, try small grain increments for work ups with any small cases. I've found the .5 is ok for 30.06 and like cartridges but for 223, 204 and similar, it's a mite much.