Help needed with SR4759 reduced loads in small calibers

[rpcw]

I Have a bunch of this powder and would like to use it as reduced load powder for 17 FB, 17 Rem, 204R, 6.5x55.

Anybody have experience with this. Hard to find any info out there.

Thanks

 

[LUTNIT]

The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook has a bunch of loads for cast bullets using it and I've swapped jacketed bullets of the same weight in several cartridges and it works great. The issue is there isn't any data for anything under .22 calibre as casting bullets for even .224" is a labour of love. There is some data I found through Google for .17 Rem but I have no idea on the source or its reliability.

For 6.5x55mm I can help though.
From the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th edition

140gr bullet
starting: 13.0gr @ 1375fps
max: 25.0gr @ 2199fps

150gr bullet
starting: 16.5gr @ 1608fps
max: 24.0gr @ 2044fps

Those are for cast bullets but like I said I've swapped for jacketed of the same weight in several cartridges and it's always worked great.

 

[rpcw]

Thanks that is helpful!

I may try 70% work up and see how that fares. One fellow on saubier stated that he used 9 grains but I am wary about that as it is only about 60% of case cap.

Anyone use that method for 4759?

 

[LUTNIT]

There isn't anything wrong with 60% case capacity. The danger line is usually 30% and even then only when it's a slower or magnum powder. SR4759 is pretty fast so I really wouldn't worry. Hodgdon has recommended 60% loads of H4895 for reduced recoil loads for decades. And that's normally 60% from a starting load that is often only 90% capacity so it's pretty much 50% capacity with a powder slower than SR4759.

I have no experience with stuff that small so I don't know what to expect. So far with everything .30 cal I've done a load of 50-60% capacity is usually middle of the road in terms of pressure with SR4759 and a medium weight bullet.

 

[rpcw]

Thank you sir! Will post results.

 

[rpcw]

Well 4759 worked ok but still on the fast side at 3100 fps.

Tried some trail boss and could easily go down to 1700 fps. Variance was a little much so went up .7 grain and it shoots 1920 +/- 20 fps.

I am happy with that as my regular load runs 4170 fps

Thanks for the help.