Max load question 175 SMK

stoop14

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Ok i've read the sierra bullet reloading manual and they have 41.7 varget as the max load for a 175 smk, but most threads i read ppl are using 43-45 varget.
 
Use the manual as a reference and safely work the load up as hot as you safely want. Keep adding some powder until you start to get pressure signs and then back off some. Every rifle is different and some will be able to handle more than others. If you don't need the extra speed, there is no use wasting the powder just because someone else is.

Use some common sense when working a load up and you'll be fine. Some guys push the 155's pretty hard out of a .308, like 3100fps in a 30"+ barrel, I guarantee those are over max listed loads but were safely worked up in their particular rifles and they feel safe using that load.
 
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Hi. The data in manuals reflects the conditions and powder lot on the day of the test. Load for the bullet weight. Who made it doesn't matter.
It's best to follow the powder maker's data. Hodgdon gives 45.0(c) as the max load for a 175.
"...in a 30"+ barrel..." That'll increase the MV. In any case, the max velocity for a 155 using Varget is 2909fps. Isn't hard to get another 140ish FPS with the great long barrel.
 
My go to round in .308 is a 175gr. SMK behind 43.0gr. Varget. Shoots nice tight groups all the way out there to 1100yards.

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Listen to Sierra go for accuracy

I've check Sierra Reloading Manual, Lyman Handloading Manual and Hodgdon reloading manual and you're right.
Sierra recommends something like 41.7gr of Varget while both Lyman and Hodgdon state 42gr Varget as starting load and 45gr and more as maximum load.

One thing which might be of interest is that many shooter find that 2630fps is an extremely high accuracy load in 30" barrels.
This load pretty much compares with Sierra's 2500fps accuracy load when barrel lenght is considered.
This load often get 1/4 MOA accuracy is very accurate rifles...

Alex
 
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One last thing: Sierra loads often use Federal Match primers and they raise pressure levels compared to regular primers.
Lyman manual has numbers on this phenomena.

Alex
 
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