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Post by RAF on Mar 12, 2007 15:25:15 GMT -5
Last week I got to the task of making some test bullets for my Tikka T3, 300 WSM. I referred to my reloading manual, Lymans 48th Edition and they recommend loads from 59 - 65-5 grains of powder. I should say that I've decided to go with IMR 4350 and 165 grain Hornady interbond bullets set off by Win Large Rifle magnum primers. I loaded 5 @ 59, 5 @ 60 and so on to 65.5 grains. In other words, I went up in 1 grain increments except the last one where I went up .5. When I narrow it down, I'll make some more in .2 grain increments. Where do think I'll get the best preformance. Keep in mind that I won't have any results for awhile since the range is in no shape to go to right now.
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Post by minst7877 on Mar 12, 2007 19:26:39 GMT -5
somewhere around 62.6 DC
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Post by bubba on Mar 12, 2007 19:52:43 GMT -5
about 1.5grains less than max is my guess, whatever "max" is for your rifle.
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Post by RAF on Mar 12, 2007 21:53:46 GMT -5
about 1.5grains less than max is my guess, whatever "max" is for your rifle. Explain yourself. Max for my rifle? That's new to me. I've always dealt with min and max load for a given powder/bullet combo. Now you've added something I'm not familiar with.
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Post by antleraddiction on Mar 13, 2007 15:32:32 GMT -5
about 1.5grains less than max is my guess, whatever "max" is for your rifle. Explain yourself. Max for my rifle? That's new to me. I've always dealt with min and max load for a given powder/bullet combo. Now you've added something I'm not familiar with. Not wanting to speak to what Bubba meant by "max for your rifle". My interpretation is where the load cross the threshold from safe to over pressure in your rifle. What maybe safe in the book may not be in your rifle. The "book" is only a guideline, as they have no way of knowing how given loads will behave in every gun. Difference in components, reloading technique, conditions and rifle are all factors that need to be determined on a individual rifle basis. The only way is to work up slowly and if you see pressure signs make changes to remain in safe operating pressures. One reason I feel it is NB to look at data from more then one source when working up loads. If for nothing else than it gives you a cross reference of data. RAF, you can email Hornady and they will email a PDF file for the 165gr data from the just released #7 Hornady Manual. Doesn't cost you a cent. BTW Nosler#5th 300WSM/165/IMR4350 Starting 62gr (most accurate load according to their tesing with Imr4350) Max 66gr
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Post by bubba on Mar 13, 2007 18:24:14 GMT -5
good answer AD, thanks !
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Post by bubba on Mar 13, 2007 18:25:33 GMT -5
I might add that many times, the reloading manual people have a universal receiver, that accepts test barrels, so it isnt quite like shooting a "real" rifle...... another source of differences.
-bubba
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Post by RAF on Mar 13, 2007 22:11:05 GMT -5
Ah, a new term. When I work up a new load I'm looking for signs of excess pressure. I guess we're looking for the same thing. Excess pressure of max load for the rifle.
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Post by antleraddiction on Mar 15, 2007 17:19:14 GMT -5
RAF, question does your T3 mag. allow you to seat the bullet to the lands or are you restricted to COL of the mag?
Also forgot to ask - Why load 5/per charge? I use 3 shot groups most of the time and don't consider 1 group enough of a sample to get a real idea about potential. I know everyone is different in this regard so just wondered what the thinking behind 5 loads was???
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Post by RAF on Mar 15, 2007 17:58:46 GMT -5
I tried to seat the bullet to give me about a 5/1000 jump to the lands but the mag is too short . I'm about 15 - 20/1000 off now and just barely fit in the mag. I went to 5 in each group to allow for shooter error, me pulling 1 or 2. Just gives me a better idea where that load is shooting.
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Post by RAF on Apr 14, 2007 21:40:39 GMT -5
Bubba had it right. Shot today and best group was 64 grain, 1 1/2 off the max for my manual. Unfortunetly it was not that great a group. Velocity way short of what I expected to. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
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