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View Full Version : Does someone have load recommendations for 77gr SMK and Varget.



Bob Link
10-11-2015, 08:46 AM
Sierra doesn't offer bolt action load data for the 77 SMK BULLETS. I could use help with a range for first loads of this combo.

scope eye
10-11-2015, 09:01 AM
In what Chambering?

Dean

Bob Link
10-11-2015, 09:23 AM
My bad. In a Savage target single shot Model 12 FTR chambered in .223 rem 1:7 twist

243LPR
10-11-2015, 09:25 AM
Google or Bing,should be able to find something there.

scope eye
10-11-2015, 09:27 AM
Hodgdon Has a starting load of 21gr and a max load of 23.7gr of Varget with a Coal of 2.260"

Dean

Bob Link
10-11-2015, 09:41 AM
Yes thank you, i see that is AR-15 load data.
Sierra AR15 data is 22.6 - 23.9
Max chamber in my rifle CBTO is 2.970

Sierra indicated they didnt have bolt action data yet, as the 77 was intended as a AR15 bullet.

Was hoping to find someone with a similar rife
that had loaded this bullet/powder combo

scope eye
10-11-2015, 09:49 AM
I have loaded this combo often only it was 25gr of Varget, and never even remotely seen any signs of pressure. All my 223s are now AI versions so I have moved on to CFE223, Win760, and H414. and 29gr + load.

Dean

243LPR
10-11-2015, 09:55 AM
I didn't see anything on Hodgdon that said specifically AR15 loads.They're using a 24" barrel so I doubt it.

Bob Link
10-11-2015, 02:00 PM
I didn't see anything on Hodgdon that said specifically AR15 loads.They're using a 24" barrel so I doubt it.

Yes you are correct. sierra indicated AR15 and told me they didnt work up a bolt action load. I incorrectly assumed Hodgen did as well but your right they used a winchester 24" rifle and we could take that as a bolt action. But with a coal of 2.260 it is much shorter than what I am trying to load. I have a starting CBTO of 2.968 which is about a 2.350 COAL

I am trying to load (starting) .002 off the lands. AAs a rule of thumb when you increase COAL for a given load would the load of powder be decreased or increased

Hodgen shows for the load to be between 21.0 - 23.7 (compressed) for the 77gr Sierra HPBT @ COAL of 2
.260 so increasing COAL to 2.350 would increase cartridge empty volumn and should be a uncompressed load. As a rule of thumb do you increase or decrease a load when you increase COAL?

DanSavage
10-11-2015, 07:16 PM
You can increase the amount of powder when creating more case capacity, as you would be doing,,,I'd start at 22.5 and work up past 23.7 but carefully watching for high pressure signs. When at too high pressure I usually get a stiff bolt lift after the shot and stop there, and usually will see a circle or ejector mark on the case head.

Ron Eagle Elk
10-12-2015, 02:37 AM
Both of my AR's and my Savage model 10 like 23.1 grains of Varget with the 77 Gr SMK.

Newbe
10-12-2015, 03:45 AM
I've used lots of the 77 grain pills in my AR's and just recently, my Model 11 VT with great success.

BoilerUP
10-12-2015, 07:18 AM
24.0gr Varget, +/- a half grain.

homefrontsniper
10-12-2015, 01:02 PM
24 varget get some 77 TMK