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Berger Fullbores and IMR 4064
Loaded up some 80.5gr Berger Fullbores with IMR 4064 for a test run at the range tomorrow hopefully.
I used the Hornady OAL gauge to measure to my rifling and after reading some threads, decided to load 0.040″ off the rifling. My rifle measures 2.414″ with the Berger so I seated to 2.374″. I'm using new Lapua brass and S&B primers. The 4064 is like long grain rice so it makes for a pretty full cartridge, but I've been given some pretty solid load tips using it up to 25gr in .223 so I'm hoping for something good. CFE 223 will be my next test.
I loaded 5 rounds each at the following powder charges: 23.0gr, 23.5gr, 24.0gr, 24.5gr
Thoughts?
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8 Replies
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Keep checking the primer as you get into hotter loads…S&B's are known to be soft and from my experience reloading the 80.5 bullet and a full case of Varget soft primers are not a great mix. You will most likely get pierced primers with the larger 4064 charges…
If you have flat primers at 23.5grs – 24grs with signs of flow around the firing pin don't go any further with the test. You may not even get past 23.5grs without issues.
I had to switch to CCI Br4's during my load development with this bullet. To attain velocities in the 2850-2900fps range (this is where my tikka shines with this bullet) you will need a thicker cup primer…
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Dog down is the best source for load data regarding the Berger full bore 80.5 bullets. I have some load data on the 75 gr amaxes but dog has convinced me to go with the 80.5's Bergers.
I am still working loads using 4166 and might see some good things. -
Keep checking the primer as you get into hotter loads…S&B's are known to be soft and from my experience reloading the 80.5 bullet and a full case of Varget soft primers are not a great mix. You will most likely get pierced primers with the larger 4064 charges…
If you have flat primers at 23.5grs – 24grs with signs of flow around the firing pin don't go any further with the test. You may not even get past 23.5grs without issues.
I had to switch to CCI Br4's during my load development with this bullet. To attain velocities in the 2850-2900fps range (this is where my tikka shines with this bullet) you will need a thicker cup primer…
Thanks for the tip!! I will be ordering powder fairly soon so I might have to get some primers too.
Did you get my PM with my email address for those load recipes?
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Got ur email…I'll forward some info this week when I go through my data book. Traveling till the middle of the week.
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Awesome thanks! Off to a promising start with the IMR 4064 but only got to shoot the 23gr loads after a rough sight in using factory Tula 55gr rounds. No pressure signs with them and shots strung vertically so they should improve as I go up in powder charge.
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Look at the IMR 4166 as an alternative to varget
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Look at the IMR 4166 as an alternative to varget
Eric, You got any range reports with your load yet?
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Still working on it dogg. i got to size the cases properly
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