M39 D166 load

mctrigger

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Wondering if anyone else has had issues with Vihtavuori’s N140 load data and lapua D166 in their M39. I have a D marked vkt. From the manual I worked up 36-40 grains. The cases all produced low impacts and sooted cases. I emailed Vihtavuori’s support to see if they used a .308 barrel for this test 3 weeks ago and haven’t heard back. My cases are ppu fl sized and .310 expanded. I think I may try the .308 ball, might help with tension. This M39 has a long throat for sure. But still strange. This particular rifle shoots extremely well with Barnaul 200 grain steel case. It to uses a .310 bullet. I’m confident my rifle is very low mileage so I’ll rule any wear out or a shot out bore.

Vihtavuori’s Manual shows data for the d46 and Sierra both .308 so it’s hard to say if they have a lighter charge in the test barrel for the .310 d166. Seems weird.

Could start working past listed max and watch for
Pressure but worth a asking first I figure.
 
I handload for a regular M91/30 and I use 43.1gr of N140 in a PPU brass, CCI#34 primer. This drives D166 to 2410fps with a single digit SD.. and that's at 2.92 OAL
 
I did some more testing. Had good results with this

PPU Brass @ 2.990
Lapua D166 200 grain
42 grains N140
Fed 210 LR
Crimp lee die @.327”
2224 FPS muzzle

I think VV manual is in fact a .308 bore that’s why it’s so low.
 
I used Iraqi 888 load did very well1F6E431F-5E2C-410A-A8F6-20E4837B5155.jpg
Out of an as new vkt m91
 

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Keep in mind the targets in pics are rotated 90 cc
I’ve 200 more d166 coming and I’m gonna try the sierra 180 311 spritzer flat based over 46 of varget .
The 42.8 n140 under the d166 won’t do anything in my vkt 1944 m39
 
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