155s and H4895?

[MNFinn]

Background: I got my rifle last fall and began load testing with 155 Berger VLD and Varget. I was getting some awesome results, but Varet was hard to come by for me. This winter, I made the switch to Lapua brass from Hornady. With the slight difference in capacity I figured I'd redo my load development, I have 2# of Varget on hand, but with Varget disappearing, I've been doing some thinking on trying a different powder. Was at the local fleet supply today and they had 8# jugs of H4895 for $150.

to make an already long story short, would it be worth my time to buy one of the 8# jugs of 4895 and try it out? what kind of results are people getting with H4895 and 155gn bullets? thinking about jumping up to 175 or 185 Bergers when I use up all my 155s too.

Any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[Steve Blair]

H4895 is an excellent choice for Palma bullets. Another is IMR 8208 XBR. Either should deliver fine results.

 

[MNFinn]

Thanks. Really considering switching. I loved the results with Varget, but it seams like the H4895 is more available. I know it's not the best way to make a decision, but if I can get the results with the more available powder I figure that is good.

Oh, in case it's needed, I'm shooting a 26in 11 twist bbl

 

[300 RUM]

You need to buy two 8# of H4895. I use H4895 for bullet weights ranging from 155gr to 185gr. I am currently using 45gr of H4895 behind Lapua 155 out of my AR-10 (Armalite) for a mz of 3045fps. The are shooting
better then 1/4MOA

 

[MNFinn]

Looking at the Berger Manual, they have a max listed load of 42.5 grains of H4895 with their 155 grain bullets. The Lee manual has 46.0 listed as the max load for a generic 155 grain bullet. That's a pretty big difference. I am wondering, what is a realistic max load to look at? I will be doing a max load test, but wonder where I should be looking as far as where the max load would be, in general.

 

[Steve Blair]

I'm getting 2990 from a 26" barrel with 8208 XBR. H4895 should be able to get 2900 or a little better. Start at 42.0, it should be a little under 50k and work up in .4 increments until you see early pressure signs. Then, back off .5 grain and work up in .1 increments. Be careful and safe.

 

[MNFinn]

I'm getting 2990 from a 26" barrel with 8208 XBR. H4895 should be able to get 2900 or a little better. Start at 42.0, it should be a little under 50k and work up in .4 increments until you see early pressure signs. Then, back off .5 grain and work up in .1 increments. Be careful and safe.

Thanks! there's still 3 feet of snow on the ground, but I figure I have time to get the rounds loaded so when the weather cooperates I can get out right away and test.

 

[300 RUM]

Looking at the Berger Manual, they have a max listed load of 42.5 grains of H4895 with their 155 grain bullets. The Lee manual has 46.0 listed as the max load for a generic 155 grain bullet. That's a pretty big difference. I am wondering, what is a realistic max load to look at? I will be doing a max load test, but wonder where I should be looking as far as where the max load would be, in general.

45gr's is my max for my seating depth, it is a 100% fill, it is also my winter(cold weather) load. I use 43.5-44gr during the summer heat. Your chamber will also have some to do with your seating which in return will allow or disallow a difference of up to 3 or so gr. The .308 is pretty much a fill and go round, the important thing is ACCURACY. Just do your home work and like sleepygator said start at 42gr.

 

[MNFinn]

45gr's is my max for my seating depth, it is a 100% fill, it is also my winter(cold weather) load. I use 43.5-44gr during the summer heat. Your chamber will also have some to do with your seating which in return will allow or disallow a difference of up to 3 or so gr. The .308 is pretty much a fill and go round, the important thing is ACCURACY. Just do your home work and like sleepygator said start at 42gr.

Been doing a lot of homework in this...and will do more. What kind of velocities are you getting with your loads, and what's the set up you are shooting out of? just so I have a vague idea of what I'm looking at

 

[MNFinn]

I like playing on the safe side, so, unless I see something weird, I'm thinking I'll top out my testing at 45.0 grains, so I'll be a full grain below book max. When I test, I usually do 0.2 grain increments. doing that I have 16 loads, at 42.0, 42.2, 42.4, 42.6, 42.8, 43.0, 43.2, 43.4, 43.6, 43.8, 44.0, 44.2, 44.6, 44.8, 45.0

does that look like a good test for max pressure?

I figure that if, for some reason, I don't get good groups, and I don't have pressure signs, I can always try above 45.0, but I don't think that will happen.

 

[300 RUM]

I wouldn't go past 45gr unless your seating depth is in the .190 range.

Currently I am shooting an AR-10 (Armalite) with a 28" / .298-.308 bore, adjustable gas block (gas turned down) the BCG barley locks back but only misses every now and then. I use Lapua 155gr with 45gr H4895, CCI br2's with a MZ of 3050fps showing a SD of 7, ES of 13.

This rifle can make one raged hole at 200 yards for 5 shots if I do my part

 

[MNFinn]

Thanks for the advice guys. Looking at load development, I usually load 3 rounds at each powder increment, and shoot groups, moving up in weight, watching for pressure signs after every shot, so I can get a max load, and see how the groups look. How does that sound?