168gr Berger load vs 140 gr

[centerlineseal]

I recently developed a pretty decent load for a 7mm08, using 168 gr Berger VLD hunting over 47.2 gr of H4350 and a CCI BR-2 with virgin Lapua Brass. The load is based on a ladder test with the bullet +/- 15 thou off the lands. Load may be slightly compressed, but larger powder charges had Not shown signs of pressure.

My questions: (perhaps dumb and probably answerable using Quickload).

With all else being equal, same rifle, brass, primer and powder charge, BUT smaller weight yet same design bullet , 140 Berger VLD Hunting, ...

Will the pressure be less than the 168 gr load?

Will the velocity be significantly greater, say 200 fps or so?

 

[headhunter1111]

Berger lists the max load of H4350 at 42.4 gr for the 168gr bullet, Hodgdon lists 44.4. The max velocity is listed at 2555 in Berger and 2551 for Hodgdon.
10% over the max listed seems real hot but of course it is your rifle and cases.
For 140gr it lists the max charge at 46 gr and 2799fps. It also states this is a compressed load with the 140s.
As the full ratio states it is 108% with the shorter 140gr, I am wondering if your original 47.2gr was a typo?

 

[centerlineseal]

Berger lists the max load of H4350 at 42.4 gr for the 168gr bullet, Hodgdon lists 44.4. The max velocity is listed at 2555 in Berger and 2551 for Hodgdon.
10% over the max listed seems real hot but of course it is your rifle and cases.
For 140gr it lists the max charge at 46 gr and 2799fps. It also states this is a compressed load with the 140s.
As the full ratio states it is 108% with the shorter 140gr, I am wondering if your original 47.2gr was a typo?

Headhunter,

Just now saw your reply. Thank You.

47.2 was not a typo. I ran a ladder from 44.0 up to 47.8 in .2 gr increments and was unable to get any signs of pressure (bolt lift, case head smear, primer deformities or pressure ring increases) 47.0 - 47.2 was a promising vertical node. Cartridge OAL was 2.950. I've yet to go any further with the 140s and 168s. A bullet seating test is in order. (see below)

Ran a powder charge ladder with 120 Nosler Ballistic Tips, with a nice vertical node @ 47.8 gr H4350. Velocity from a 24" factory Rem VLS was 2,940 fps and a five shot SD of 8.3 fps. A bullet seating test resulted in a 0.247 five shot group at 100 yds with OAL @ 2.870. As above, no signs of excessive pressures.

I'm learning still, after 40 odd years of reloading!