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155gr A-Max load testing
Went out to do a little load testing for the Tikka. The projectile today was the Hornady 155gr A-Max. Propellant used was Varget and H4895 starting with the opening loads from the Hornady Load book and working up to max. For both powders that ranged from 2300fps to 2700fps. I also threw in one more max load from another publisher for the Varget that was a tick over 2800fps. Rounds were loaded to the max length of my magazine, still nowhere near the lands though. I did notice one thing is that the 2600fps load for both powders were very good. The Varget loads were very consistent with the exception of load number 5. The H4895 on the other hand was just the opposite! There was only one load that printed anywhere near what was going to be acceptable! The day was pretty good all in all though as every group except one printed under MOA. Varget load 6 was looking to be the best shooter as the first 2 shots went into the same hole and I think I siked myself out a bit and threw shot 3! I'm going to go back and load both powders at load 4 and the Varget load 6 for more testing.
I wasn't shooting for bulls as my scope isn't set for any of these loads.
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155gr A-Max load testing
updated 9 years, 10 months ago
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Was this a .308 Win?
Was the distance 100 yds?
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Was this a .308 Win?
Was the distance 100 yds?
Yes/Yes
I did notice that when I was getting to the last two Varget loads that I was beginning to get a sticky bolt lift. Not hard by any means but not as easy and smooth as normal. Which sucks as the highest load was one of the better shooters if I done my part. As well as the extra velocity would net me a little more yardage with a better tragectory. No other pressure signs were present though as far as I could see. The primers looked good and there wasn't any excessive flattening.
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The Varget groups measured out to be a 6 group average of .442″, 3 shot groups. SnipersHide has a 100 yard shootout going on and I think if I do my part I may just may be able to hurt a couple of the high dollar rig owners feelings! I know I'm shooting 3 shot groups and they require 5 but I think it's still worth a shot. I'm going to load up 30 of the #4 Varget and #4 H4895 loads to give this a try. Shooting a bone stock Tikka and coming in anywhere near .75″ will be bragging rights to me. I'll keep everyone post and wish me luck, :o!
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