284 Hunting Load

[Bamban]

I am in the process in developing my hunting load around the Berger 140 VLD loaded to 2.95 to fit into the AICS magasine. Questions for you guys.

What seems to work the best for the neck clearance for this cartridge? The neck on my chamber appears to be tight, I can neck turn to suit an optimum clearance.

Is there a sweet spot for velocity for the 140ish weight range for this cartridge?

Could you share your known good load based around the 140 grain weight slugs?

I am not new to reloading, just on this guy, and I would rather start from some known optimum load than trying explore from scratch.

Any help is appreciated.


Thank you...

 

[Preacher]

All I use in my 284's is H-4350 with a 210M primer and WW brass, with a 140 BT...
.002 under neck size is good for the neck clearance... maybe a bit more if you hunt in dirty conditions....

 

[Bergonzi]

Give me some powders you have and I'll send some loads that are proven.

Bergonzi

 

[Bamban]

Give me some powders you have and I'll send some loads that are proven.

Bergonzi

I have these powders to play with:

H1000
R-22
R-17
R-15
Varget
4064
N540
IMR4350
4831SC

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Bergonzi]

OK. Here are some very good loads for the 140 Berger. Remember these loads produce for me. That doesn't mean they will work for you. But, I think they will get you close to what you want.

55.0 gr. IMR4350 @ ca. 2850 from 24"
58.0 gr. H4831sc @ ca. 2900 from 24"
54.0 gr. H4350 @ ca. 2900 from 24"
55.0 gr. R17 max @ ca. 3000 from 24"

These loads should be used as references only. Do not assume your gun will shoot them safely. Begin 2 grs. below given weights and work up .5 gr. at a time. Primer selection should be limited to one type only for initial testing.

 

[Bamban]

Thank you!!!

I understand the message on loading, safety, applicability to my rifle, got the message Lima Charlie.

These give me some reference points as you pointed out to get me going.

Thanks again....

 

[Rustystud]

I have several customers shooting the .284.

We have tried a number of powders and address several issues.

H-4831 has been a good powder.
H-43350 has also been a good powder.
Re-17 has produced some added velocity but not as good of groups.

Using a taper bushing vs ball expander when expanding the Lapua 6.5 x .284 brass back to .284 has been a help.

Full lenght resizing in a non bushing die has also helped with concetricity and reduction of the donut.

I spoke with National F-Class champion Charles Ballard last Saturday and he says he anneals every third loading.

We have had good groups with flyers.

I believe consistent neck tension is the most important factor.

I am chambering with a .3165 neck.

My cases are sized with a .310,.311,or .312 die/bushing. finished neck size is .3125.

Nat Lambeth

 

[Bamban]

Nat,

Thank you. I prepared some Norma brass with necks cleaned up well at .0125. That would make .309 loaded neck diameter. I need to get more bushings to mimick the neck tension you use.

Thank you for the heads up on the R-17