30-06 175 SMK H-4350 Question

[USAFRet]

Question...looking at loading some 175 grain Sierra TMKs in 30-06. Hodgdon lists 55 grains of H-4350 as the starting load. Sierra lists 55 grains as the top load before the round is compressed. I have not run into such a difference before. Anyone loaded this before? If so, what grains, velocity, ES, SD, groups, etc.

Thanks.

 

[Dimner]

I'd go with Nosler Data

30-06 Springfield Load Data

Explore the world of Nosler, renowned for crafting the finest bullets, ammunition, rifles, and brass. Discover our extensive lineup, including Partition, AccuBond, E-Tip, Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition, and more. Experience superior quality and performance with Nosler products.

www.nosler.com

That's an odd suggestion. Why would you go with load data by a different bullet manufacturer? Each manufacturer tests using their own bullets.

To the OP:

A couple suggestions. If possible, find out what bullet the Hodgden data is using. Then try and see how different that bullet is to the profile of your TMK. Perhaps the Hodgdon bullet is being seated farther out than the TMK, thus the Hodgdon data makes more space for a non-compressed load. Most common bullets can be found on the web, so you can look up the OAL of the bullet Hodgdon is using. Or I can look it up in the ballistics software I have

Also take a look at the COAL of the load data from Hodgdon vs Sierra. There might be some difference there that could give you a hint.

If all else fails, I would go with Sierra's data. They did the testing with the exact powder and bullet you are using. Load at 53.5 and see where your velocity is at as compared to the expected velocities from both sierra and Hodgdon.

I'll also run some numbers for you later tonight. Usually H4350 in a 30-06 does seem to be in the 55ish gr range.

 

[RegionRat]

Sierra lists 55 grains as the top load before the round is compressed.

I would double check the reference.
I am looking at Sierra Edition VI and it shows max of 58 grains going 2900 fps.
I have rigs that get 2900 with 57.5 grains, so there will be typical variations.

 

[Dimner]

I would double check the reference.
I am looking at Sierra Edition VI and it shows max of 58 grains going 2900 fps.
I have rigs that get 2900 with 57.5 grains, so there will be typical variations.

Just found this out too. No my photo, found it on a Google image search.

 

[USAFRet]

My apologies. It is the 175 SMK.

I am using the Sierra app. It shows compressed after 55 grains.

Hodgdon data is the same bullet, the SMK.

Sierra shows COAL as 3.320 and Hodgdon shows COAL as 3.300.

 

[RegionRat]

The outcome has many input variables, but an important one to watch is the seating depth for their recipe versus how your particular chamber is throated.

 

[USAFRet]

The outcome has many input variables, but an important one to watch is the seating depth for their recipe versus how your particular chamber is throated.

I am waiting on my Hornady threaded case to get here to measure the chamber. Thanks.