First attempt to develop a load for the Berger 85.5 with Varget - updated with more testing

[markgrabowski]

Yes, 224 Valkyrie.


View attachment 1137329

The Garand was sorta my first foray into firearms, post Clinton AWB. Came out of my research of WW2.

Got the CMP M1, did some CMP M1 matches, got into service rifle comps, etc.

Very clever way to mount your magnetograph!

 

[Riles]

I was hoping to see some H4895 results.
Barrel is a Preferred Barrel Blanks 27" Varmint 900 contour mated to a Howa SA.
My testing for powders included Varget, RL15, N150 and H4895. Due to range restrictions it has been a slow drawn out process.
H4895 gave me the best velocities, I tested 23.0 - 25.2; .2 grain implements.
Found a node between 24.4 and 24.8 settled on 24.7, AVG 2853
.015 OTL gave me ~2.530 COAL
25.0 and .2 hit the 2900 mark, showing slight pressure, cratered primer but no flattening.
No sticky bolt ext. Could possibly go higher but I am happy in the 2850 range.
My initial gross seating depth showed .060 off to be the best with .015 close behind; .015 chosen for powder.

 

[dstoenner]

I was hoping to see some H4895 results.
Barrel is a Preferred Barrel Blanks 27" Varmint 900 contour mated to a Howa SA.
My testing for powders included Varget, RL15, N150 and H4895. Due to range restrictions it has been a slow drawn out process.
H4895 gave me the best velocities, I tested 23.0 - 25.2; .2 grain implements.
Found a node between 24.4 and 24.8 settled on 24.7, AVG 2853
.015 OTL gave me ~2.530 COAL
25.0 and .2 hit the 2900 mark, showing slight pressure, cratered primer but no flattening.
No sticky bolt ext. Could possibly go higher but I am happy in the 2850 range.
My initial gross seating depth showed .060 off to be the best with .015 close behind; .015 chosen for powder.

I have another thread about my h4895 testing with the 85.5. Bottom line for me was that yes h4895 did give me more velocity than varget but with very small nodes. With both varget and h4895 the 85.5’s seem to really tolerate jump.

David

 

[Riles]

I have another thread about my h4895 testing with the 85.5. Bottom line for me was that yes h4895 did give me more velocity than varget but with very small nodes. With both varget and h4895 the 85.5’s seem to really tolerate jump.

David

Saw that after I posted.
My best groups at 100 yards were with the N150 but .... couldn't get enough powder in the case.

 

[dstoenner]

Saw that after I posted.
My best groups at 100 yards were with the N150 but .... couldn't get enough powder in the case.

Sometimes it is as important to know what not to use as it is what to use. Keeps you from chasing your tail

David