I hate to ask for load data,but

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grubbylabs

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I need data for the Sierra 175 grain match king. I have IMR 4064 to use with it. I have just over 400 bullets. I do have about 1/2 pound of varget, but I figure its really not worth getting excited over.
 
Um, what are you loading? Hodgdon's web site has all of their load data on it and you'll definitely find what you're looking for there unless you're loading some wildcat.

Matt
 
I have found the Hodgdon web site, I just don't know if its the same as what Sierra publishes, I just figure since they made the bullet, it might be worth looking into. I don't normally buy Sierra bullets but I got a good deal on 500 of them and unless I run into that deal again, its likely not worth buying their manual since I have several from Hornady, Lyman, Speer. and one or two others.
 
What caliber? 308, 30-06, 300 Win Mag....????? The list gos on. Unless I am missing something here? I have the Sierra manual in front of me.

Ron
 
Hodgdon's site lists 175 GR. SIERRA HPBT with minimum start load at 41.5gr of IMR4064, and the maximum at 45.6gr compressed. 2.800" COAL, and using Fed 210M primer.

Online data is usually the most up to date available, and often shows the newest powders that often won't be in printed manuals, due to printing schedules. You can always cross reference from online to a manual if you have concerns.


NCsmitty
 
I have found the Hodgdon web site, I just don't know if its the same as what Sierra publishes, I just figure since they made the bullet, it might be worth looking into.
Always worth a look-see, but not really worth much hair-pulling to try and find if you have any trouble locating exactly what you're looking for.

To a certain degree, a copper-jacketed .308 bullet of 175 gr. is a copper-jacketed .308 bullet of 175 gr. What the powder maker says you should load that to is going to get you in the proper area to start working up your load for your rifle.

The bullet maker may have good data, too, as may other load books. But the differences between which rifle or pressure barrel they used to test their loads, and which rifle you are shooting are going to be a bigger deal than any difference between Hodgdon's data and Sierra's.

It's not like they can tell you, to the tenth of a grain and 0.001" of seating depth, what recipe will work best in your gun. The best any of them can do is get you close.
 
I'm getting ready to work up with that same projectile and powder. I have had good results with Varget and it's right next to IMR 4064 on the burn chart. I think we have a combination that will work well we just have to find the right recipe.. I will try to pm you with some info I've gathered...
 
Sierra's 50th Anniversary Edition, Rifle Reloading Manual reads as follows on page 424:

308 Winchester
IMR 4064 Powder

35.9 grains 2200 FPS (MINIMUM LOAD)
38.0 grains 2300 FPS
40.1 grains 2400 FPS
42.2 grains 2500 FPS
44.4 grains 2600 FPS (MAXIMUM LOAD)

175 grain Match King OAL 2.800"

Firearm Used: Winchester Model 70
Barrel Length: 26"
Barrel Twist 1:12

That is verbatim from my 50th edition Sierra manual.

NOTE: You can download the Hogdgon (IMR) loading data here.

They go slightly higher for the 175 grain SMK with a MAXIMUM Load of 45.6 for 2728 FPS in their test gun. The 45.6 grains showing as a C (Compressed) loading. I would stay in Sierra's suggested load data.

Ron
 
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Reloadron, would you be able to post the loads for IMR 4320 same bullet? SMK 175gr

Thanks
IMR 4320 being a little slower than IMR 4064 doesn't show up in the Sierra Manual (50th Anniversary Edition) for the 175 gr SMK bullets for 308 Win. It odes show up for the heavier 190 grain SMK bullets. I don't see IMR 4320 in the Hornady 9th Edition, however, my older Speer Number 12 manual shows IMR 4320 used with their Speer 168 and 180 grain bullets. Sorry :(

Ron
 
Thanks Ron.
You stated in your response exactly why I wanted the Sierra data. The Hodgdon data usually max's out a little higher and they also start a little higher than most bullet manufactures. And like I said, they made the bullet and tested it. I think it would be foolish not to consider their data, after all, if all we need is hidgdons data, why own any of the books?

This means I now have a window between 35.9 grains and 45.6 grains. I am looking for best accuracy which does not always mean maximum speed. If I can find acceptable accuracy near the beginning, I can save on powder.
 
Thanks Ron.
You stated in your response exactly why I wanted the Sierra data. The Hodgdon data usually max's out a little higher and they also start a little higher than most bullet manufactures. And like I said, they made the bullet and tested it. I think it would be foolish not to consider their data, after all, if all we need is hidgdons data, why own any of the books?

This means I now have a window between 35.9 grains and 45.6 grains. I am looking for best accuracy which does not always mean maximum speed. If I can find acceptable accuracy near the beginning, I can save on powder.
Just keep in mind in your gun start at the low end of the window and work up. Yes, accuracy can be a funny creature and nothing states anywhere that best accuracy will be a result of a maximum load. Enjoy your loading.

Ron
 
What rifle are you shooting? I have a savage ftr. It's the 30" barrel and cheek rest stock. The throat is short in the rifle. I load my 175 at 2.79 and I'm at lands. I'd check the throat of your barrel and seat them longer to get more case capacity. I use imr4007ssc. My rifle loves it too bad it's discontinued
 
Would you load to specs you got on the internet? I would never purposely mislead anyone but we canall mistype something. Very dangerous procedure in my humble opinion. Be very careful.
 
Would you load to specs you got on the internet? I would never purposely mislead anyone but we canall mistype something. Very dangerous procedure in my humble opinion. Be very careful.
Yes absolutely because they can't put anything on the Internet unless it is true and accurate. I read that on the Internet. :)

Seriously, no I wouldn't. However, the savvy person will compare load data and there is no shortage of load data on the Internet. For example here is a portion of my previous post:

35.9 grains 2200 FPS (MINIMUM LOAD)
38.0 grains 2300 FPS
40.1 grains 2400 FPS
42.2 grains 2500 FPS
44.4 grains 2600 FPS (MAXIMUM LOAD)

When I post data like this I double and triple check the data I transcribe. Let's say I did transpose a few digits:

35.9 grains 2200 FPS (MINIMUM LOAD)
38.0 grains 2300 FPS
40.1 grains 2400 FPS
24.2 grains 2500 FPS
44.4 grains 2600 FPS (MAXIMUM LOAD)

It should be apparent that something is very wrong there. We can look at the numbers and the mistake should jump out. Also when taking loading data off the Internet the end user should do a comparison of data for a load from a few sources.

While I didn't add it this time many members will include a phrase to the effect of:

Use This Data At Your Own Risk...

Ultimately the end user has the choice of using the data or not using the data. Would I use data off the Internet? Yes with all things considered. That just being me.

Just My Take....
Ron
 
The whole reason I wanted the data was so I could compare it to what Hodgdon publishes on their site. It is my experience that Hodgdon runs things a little on the high side. They start higher and max out higher than most of the bullet manufactures data I have. Knowing this I wanted to see what Sierra publishes. I am not looking for a max velocity load with acceptable accuracy, I am looking for the first load with acceptable accuracy, hoping it is towards the starting.

Just because some one asks for data on the internet does not mean they blindly load what ever is posted. Or are two lazy or sorry to get a book. In this case 500 bullets does not justify a new $30.00 book when I have 3 other books already. If I only had one other book, I would bite the bullet so to speak and find a Sierra Manuel.

There is also a difference in who posts the data. I would tend to give quite a bit more credit to someone like Ron who has shown that he consistently post sound advise and reasonable opinions, while generally discounting someone who is new to the forum.

Thanks to all those who posted useful data.
 
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