Lapua MaxRange Target reloading data

[Tangent]

I've just updated the Vihtavuori app and see there is now reloading data for the MaxRange bullets. I expect we'll see them on sale soon. Looking at the data for 6.5CM the 144gr uses a max charge of 40.1gr of N555 Vs 43.2gr for the Berger 144gr LRHT, so it seems it's not a clone as some speculated. It will be interesting to see how they shoot as my Tikka's do seem to like Lapua bullets.

 

[6.5 forever]

Thanks for the teaser. I'm not very patient. LOL

 

[Ringostar]

I was recently told that we won’t see them in the US until fall. Hopefully you get them sooner in UK. It will be interesting to compare them to the Berger when they do show up. I have noticed on Vihtavuori data that they list lower powder charges for their 180 Scenar vs Berger 180. So these might have a longer bearing surface also.

 

[Ringostar]

I just checked out their load data. It’s interesting that they have the MRT with a .020 longer col, but 40.1 as a compressed load. Where the Berger isn’t compressed at 43.2. Something just seems off with this. An extra 3 grains of powder! I find it hard to believe the the MRT could be that much longer of a bullet at equal weights.

 

[Tangent]

I just checked out their load data. It’s interesting that they have the MRT with a .020 longer col, but 40.1 as a compressed load. Where the Berger isn’t compressed at 43.2. Something just seems off with this. An extra 3 grains of powder! I find it hard to believe the the MRT could be that much longer of a bullet at equal weights.

Yes that does seem odd, although I have some 155gr Scenar-L .308's that are very long. They have a high G7 BC so must be quite long for calibre.

 

[Tangent]

I'm going to order some of these next week. I just wondered if any of you had got to try them out yet? I want to treat them alongside the 142gr SMK to see how they compare.

 

[Steve Donlon]

I have been shooting them for a while now. They have more bearing surface and it's further forward so it's easier to get close to the lands. Higher B.C. But you might have to back off a little on your max loads. I do get more velocity with the same load as the Bergers. They look more like a Sierra bullet. I really like them, great at 1000 yards . Best I've seen is $56 -100 at Bruno's or Graf&Sons @ $58- 100 now. And a lot more at some places. Good Shooting.

 

[Tangent]

Thanks Steve. That sounds about right. I can currently load 44.0gr N555 with the SMKs, the top end of VV data is 43.5. The 142SMK shoots well at 43.0 gr so I'm expecting the Lapua to be in that ball park. Ironically you get better prices than we do over here, it's not called "Rip-off Britain" for nothing!

 

[Tangent]

I'm just loading some of the 144 MRT's in some unfired Lapua brass. Initially I have seated a dummy round at the same setting as the 142 SMKs. The comparator is showing the ogive about three thousandths further forward than the SMK. That makes the COAL 34 thousandths longer at 2.931which is fine as I single load.

I have chambered the dummy round and there is no resistance and the Sharpie covered bullet showed no rifling marks. Relative to the SMK I estimate it should be around five thousandths off the lands. I'm currently loading the SMK at 43.0gr N555 which shoots very well. I can go to 44.0gr outside of the hottest weather but 43.0gr seems a better option, less wear and tear. I'm going to try 42.0gr N555 with the 144gr MRT and see how it shoots.

 

[6.5 forever]

Will be watching to see your results!

 

[Tangent]

Will be watching to see your results!

I'm out tomorrow at 300 and 500 so should be a good test to at least see if the load has promise. Hoping I can get the accuracy with some extra BC thrown in, the range has pretty tricky winds, and it's amazing how often a shot is just over the line!

 

[Tangent]

Will be watching to see your results!

42.0gr N555 2580fps so a light load. Temp was about 10C and damp! The winds are unpredictable and switch a lot, coming from pretty much any direction. The range is in a narrow, shallow valley with much deeper valleys around it. I think for a random load in a factory rifle (Tikka) the bullets have promised. I need to work the load up and see how it responds. Some scope to increase the jump too:

The one with the ruler was at 300 (wind right to left) the other at 500 (wind was more from behind). Other shooters commented the wind seemed to be changing the vertical at 500.