Berger Seating Depth

[trailrider121]

I have a good known load ( or I think I do ) that works great. I would like to change from Winchester brass to Lapua. I understand I'll have to step down a one grain or so and work back up. My question is will the seating depth stay the same or will I have redo seating depth?

When I work on my new load using Lapua brass, do I look for same speed as Winchester brass?

I don't have much H4350, so I kind of need to use it wisely to till I find more.

Its for a 30-06 shooting 185 VLD Hunting projectiles, using H4350.

 

[ALBULLET]

I think one less grain of the same powder with the same primer would be a good start. That is if your current load is not at the upper limits. Meaning your fired primers look ok and your fired rounds are extracting easily. We are talking about a bolt gun... Right?
Seating depth should stay the same.

 

[trailrider121]

Thanks Albullet for the info. Yes, its a bolt rifle. I have shot a few hundred rounds of that load, and want to go back. Currently using Lapua brass. Want to copy the exact load just different brass, and less powder. The load was on high end node, but never an issue with pressure. The VLD work well @ .057" off the lands and would hold 1/2 moa to 800 plus yards, and did really well to 1K.

 

[Shynloco]

Trailrider121,
If I may suggest (and you may already be aware), since you are changing a MAJOR component of your shooting, start from scratch and build up with a safe load. You'll find the tolerances will likely change, especially due to the brass thickness and the pressures derived from that change. If it were me, I'd load to what basic recommendation you come up with for Fireforming and then work on actual powder load. The last thing you want to do is work on "bullet seating depth" that will give you the final best accuracy for that load. Just my thoughts.

Alex

 

[timeout]

I would start over. First do a ladder test @ 300 yards to find your charge weight node(s). Then with the VLD's, if this is a hunting load, start at .010" away from touching the lands and move farther out in .040" increments 3 more times. Pick the best group and fine tune the seating depth in .003" increments from there. If a target load, start .010" into the lands and work away in .040" increments. I have a 25-06 that likes the Berger VLD's .120" aff the lands. Being mainly a hunting rifle, the .120" off provides great magazine clearance.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I would drop the powder to get you back to the same velocity. I have found if a barrel likes a certain bullet .xxx from the rifling that doesnt change. If that doesnt work, start over like others have suggested.
Alex

 

[trailrider121]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I probably should start from scratch. I'll set the same col and work up. I was trying to cut a fat hog, only cause I only have 1lb of H4350 powder. H4350 is so scarce around here, and everywhere else from what I see on the net.