Handloading for Tikka t-3 308 Varmint

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Quick question, Zak, when you say "Barrel length does not change the max load." is that within a certain parameter? I ask as I have been developing a load for a 33” 300WM. As I have no published data for this length I have been working up slowly and watching for pressure signs. Found an accurate load for 168SMK @ 3260fps with no pressure signs and well below max by book values (71.7 gn RL 22). I stalled there for a while but am in the process of working up again with 175 SMKs and RL 25. My method is to conduct a ladder test and thoroughly inspect cases for pressure signs. Curious about your input on barrel length vs max load.
Thanks, I always respect your opinion,
~z
 
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There is no need to bump threads like this one. Interested parties are probably subscribed.

In rifle cartridges, the maximum pressure occurs while the bullet is within the first five inches of barrel, and has usually dropped to approx half that pressure by 10 inches.

So in your case, the barrel length should not change the max charge; however, the longer barrel will achieve higher velocity.

Shooting 175's in 33" 300WM, you should be able to get 3300+ fps from N560, RL25, RL22, or H1000, but as always, check for any pressure indicators along the way and do not exceed published load data.
 
None of those have "erased" primer edges. Erased is like you took a spatula and smeared frosting flat over the primer pocket. I can't tell from your pictures but I don't even see any marks on the case head. Were there any smear marks that are not apparent in the photos?
 
Zak,
You are right. The primer edges did not erase completely. But, for the first time, I see primers shoulders starting to disappear. And, none of my brass had ejector marks, or smear marks on the heads. If this is not excesive presure then that is good news and I am relieved. But, just in case, this pic might be clrearer:
DSC_0497.JPG

I also included pics of disowned cases fired by a HK91. Primer pockets are cratered and the case has a lot of evidence of abuse. Pictures often do not do them justice, especially if you do not know what to look for, but you do. Now I have actual cases we can use to learn what overpressure really is.

I am liking the Scenars a lot, and I have fired only four. Thanks for pointing me in their direction. What is the seet spot in your system? Is it between 2800 and 2850? I don't want to waste material chasing a ghost at lower pressures.
 
Is there a shiny mark on the bottom left case between the 8 and the W? It's hard for me to tell.

In any case, those case heads and primers look OK to me.

For the 155's, the Lapua factory loads were about 2830 fps from my 24". I load them at 2930 fps. Most people I know shoot them at 2900-2950 fps.

On the HK91 stuff, semi-autos in general can be hard on brass and the HK91 is much worse than average. Extreme primer cratering can cause primer piercing. You can also see the extrusion marks where the brass when into the extractor (the square lines) and ejector hole (round ones). However, with FC brass, this is not that surprising. It is notoriously soft.
 
I don't think there is a mark. here is a pic of the same cases from a slightly different angle:
DSC_0498.JPG

I don't think I can go much higher than 2800 fps with RL15. At 47gr, the load is already pretty compressed for I am limited to a 2.840" COAL by the magazine. :( I can do 2830 fps, though. Where is the Varget?:banghead:

About the FC brass, I am not sure I still get it (feel so dense, patience with the newbie). See this pic and tell me if I got it right this time: DSC_0514.JPG
 
On the top pic, I think I see a smear on the top left case head. It's hard to tell from photos.

On the FC bottom pic.. I am not familiar with an HK91 bolt face, so it's hard to tell.
 
I looked closer to the pic and did not see a smear.

About the HK, maybe it was not such a great idea to discuss them. A bunch of things go on in an auto-loader that is not relevant to a bolt.
 
Range Report #4

155gr Silver Scenars gave me the best ever, with single digit standard deviation and sub 0.5 MOA 3rd group:

Load: 47.2gr RL 15 (Jan-09)
Qty: 11
Ave: 2825
Hi: 2834, Lo: 2812
Range: 22
StDev: 7.2
And, if I remove the first shot (a cold barrel 2812 fps), then, StDev: 6.14

I am showing the last 6 shots. The first 5 were lost to scope adjustments.
 

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