New .284 Win handloading question

[Downeast]

I just got my rifle back from the smith and started loading up a few rounds for testing. It is a Savage BR with a 32" Bartlein barrel and the smith gave me the dimensions of the chamber using 180 grain Bergers (VLD, OTM; CBTO). This is the first time I've loaded for anything like this. From what I have read from this site and a few others is that most are running 4 or 5 grains above max (I'm using 4831SC) in the 54 to 55 grain range at 2800 + fps. I loaded several rounds each starting at 49 to 51 (book max) in 0.3 grain increments that I'll shoot as soon as the weather cooperates and I assume I'll have to check for pressure signs as I go along.

Should I have started at 50 or 51 grains (max) and work up from there? I guess I'm curious as to where you guys started with this caliber and bullet.

Oh, I'm loading Peterson Brass. For some strange reason Winchester brass is really tight in the chamber but Peterson, Norma, and even Hornady slide in quite easily.

Any comments on working up a load to the rifle's potential would be greatly appreciated. As of this time it's never been fired.

 

[jr600yd]

Before we get into this how much freebore do you have? For F-Open a common standard is .220 free bore. Check with your “Smith” on this. Since you haven’t shot the thing yet don’t try to work up a load till the barrel is broken in, 60-100 Rds. Set your bullet seating to .020 off the lands, and do a powder work up. Once you pick a charge that gives you low ES and SD along with velocity adjust bullet seating in and out for best groups. Recheck powder charge, .3 above and below your charge to refine the load. Powders, can’t go wrong H-4831sc very popular Peterson is good quality brass but a little heavier than Lapua.

 

[Downeast]

Thanks jr600yd.

 

[Downeast]

I contacted the smith and he went back and checked his notes and he told me that I have .20 freebore. He keeps a folder on every rifle he builds which I thought was interesting,

 

[jr600yd]

Ok, your good to go. I’d start at 50 grs of H-4831sc and work up.

 

[Downeast]

Now I've been told that the Savage may not take those stout loads over max?

 

[Terry]

Now I've been told that the Savage may not take those stout loads over max?

Not true. I own several.

 

[dsinfour]

I shoot the 284 win, and use H4350 for the 162 gr. pills. Try changing powers to see if that helps before going crazy. Later

 

[Downeast]

But I'm already crazy!

 

[sdean]

But I'm already crazy!

Lawyers wrote those max loads. Work up slowly and pay attention your gun will tell you what it likes.

 

[FeMan]

I am not sure if you have a long action but that is a short action freebore. If its a long action I would have it throated to 0.200 to 0.220 freebore. Beware that your loads will max out at lower charges than other folks as a result of the very short freebore. Peterson brass has smaller case capacities too so tat accentuates the pressure for a given charge. Peterson is good brass though.

In that set up I would try H4350 and F210 primers. My rifles (not necessarily yours) can get close to 2900 seated that deep in the case. H4831sc should work too if you can get enough in the case. My 284s like CCI primers with H4831sc.

 

[Downeast]

I've got a .200 freebore and I am using H4831sc with the 180 Bergers. Rain, rain, rain!! The road to the range is a mess. If it ever driesd out I may even get a chance to shoot the darn thing.

 

[FeMan]

I've got a .200 freebore ...................

I got a "C" in reading and a "D-" in speed reading! lol Hope you get out soon.

 

[Tommyleo]

I just got my rifle back from the smith and started loading up a few rounds for testing. It is a Savage BR with a 32" Bartlein barrel and the smith gave me the dimensions of the chamber using 180 grain Bergers (VLD, OTM; CBTO). This is the first time I've loaded for anything like this. From what I have read from this site and a few others is that most are running 4 or 5 grains above max (I'm using 4831SC) in the 54 to 55 grain range at 2800 + fps. I loaded several rounds each starting at 49 to 51 (book max) in 0.3 grain increments that I'll shoot as soon as the weather cooperates and I assume I'll have to check for pressure signs as I go along.

Should I have started at 50 or 51 grains (max) and work up from there? I guess I'm curious as to where you guys started with this caliber and bullet.

Oh, I'm loading Peterson Brass. For some strange reason Winchester brass is really tight in the chamber but Peterson, Norma, and even Hornady slide in quite easily.

Any comments on working up a load to the rifle's potential would be greatly appreciated. As of this time it's never been fired.

I load 54 grains

 

[Downeast]

I load 54 grains

Shot it for the first time today in a ladder test at 100 yards

Started at 49 grains and my best was .0.24" 3 shot group with 50.8 grains of H4831 SC and 0.34" with 51.1 grains. I'll keep upping the charge until I see pressure signs or the groups fall apart. I'm a bit surprised at this. Brand new unfired brass in a brand new barrel. Once I get comfortable and find a nice node I'll go back and shoot 5 or 10 shot groups.

 

[FeMan]

Congrats, that looks awesome!! I always find the nodes are between 2770 and 2825. I have run them up way faster in 30 inch barrels and never found anything that compares to the groups at these speeds. I'm on barrel number 7 and shoot a 284 hunting rifle, a 284 tactical rifle and a 284 F-open rifle. They all like the pretty much same spot. If it helps, my 4831sc loads are between 5% and 10% more powder than my H4350. Can't wait to see what you end up with.