Reloading bullets with unlisted data

[MosinMan13]

I’ve been loading 7.62x54r for a while now, several other calibers too but mainly 7.62x54r, and recently I’ve decided to switch from my current loads

180gr Sierra 303 SPTs
53gr H4350

To try something more along the lines of a Sierra match king 174gr. I know my rifles like them on the heavier side around 180gr mark but there isn’t much at .311 in that weight other than soft points. All the load data is 150, 155, 160, 168 and then it jumps right up to 180.

My question is can I work off the 180 grain load data? Is there some math to this? I’ve heard of guys doing this with other powders, and obviously I’m not looking for anyone to tell me something’s safe or not safe to try, but what’s the procedure for reducing bullet grain by minor increments?

 

[South Pender]

Since, as bullet weights go up for a cartridge, charge weights tend to go down, it would seem that you should be safe using data for the 180-gr. bullet with your 174-gr. bullets. In fact, you might be able to increase your earlier 180-gr. charges by .5 or 1.0 grain and still be safe with your 174-grainers. However, the old and classic advice still holds: start well below maximum and work your way up, looking carefully for signs of excessive pressure.

 

[B]

Nevermind

 

[Ganderite]

Each gun is different. Start with the the 180 gr Start load, work up and find what works best.

 

[jethunter]

You can't go wrong with the 180 data. It's only 6 gr difference bullet weight. No mat required.