Compressed charges with H4831SC Rem .260

[mugsie]

I'm trying to work up a load for my new build .260 using H8831SC. Hodgdon recommends:
142 GR. SIE HPBT Hodgdon H4831 .264" 2.780" 45.0 2601 50,900 PSI 48.0C 2747 58,700 PSI

I tend to stay away from compressed charges - have any of you used this particular charge, 48g's, and if so, what was your result.

any issues using compressed charges at all other than a funny crunch when seating (these didn't crunch - tapping the case lowered the powder lever enough to seat my SMK 142 grainers.).

Thanks.

[Harry Pope]

I haven't used that particular powder in my .260s, but I am not scared of compressed charges of stick powders at all. I will say that I don't want excessive compression and I always use a drop tube to reduce compression - tapping the case is not as effective as a 6" to 8" drop tube.

Compressed charges have the advantage of consistent powder position and charge shape case to case. There can be too much of a good thing but moderate compression is not an issue.



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[rinodods]

Tried some around 47gr with the amax 120 and berger 140. It wasn't pretty. Lucky to stay within 5MOA. Same bullets at 43-43.5gr 4831SC was hitting about .116" at 100yrds and if I remember right it was running right around 2600fps.

[mytwo60]

I went as high as 47grs using Remmi brass with 142SMKs. Chrono averaged 2812fps. Pretty darn accurate.

I have a load using Lapua brass with H4831sc and shot a 10 shot group measuring 1.6" at 300yds.

It doesn't sound impressive but try shooting 10 shots at 300yds and see. ;D

I hope to put 10 shots under 1.5" at 300yds soon.

[dcloco]

Just be wary when working up compressed loads. Designate a batch of brass with the same headstamp.

If you use a 4 to 6" powder drop (or straw) and lightly tap the edge of the case while you are slowly pouring the powder in will help a lot.