Replicating Factory load w/a handload

[bill123]

167 Lapua Scenars shoot really well in my new barrel. If I use the same CBTO, same brass and work up the load until I get the same velocity as the factory ammo, should I be very close to the same performance as the factory ammo? Wondering if powder/primer type will change results or will replicating velocity and jump give me the same results?

 

[Sniper338]

Its all trial and error bud...

 

[bill123]

Its all trial and error bud...

That's not fair. You were supposed to tell me I'd hit it on the first try. Just out of curiosity, why doesn't it work that way?

 

[r bose]

I would think you'd have to at least know the powder used in the factory load to come close.

I recently did this duplicating Federal Gold medal match in 308. It's commonly known IMR4064 is the powder they use with 168g and 175g HPBT and we found a very good load, same speed, with the same projectile.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Yep, trial and error. Just cuz you find the same speed doesn't mean the accuracy will be there. Ive been down that road when trying to duplicate a Federal Premium load in 300 Win Mag many years ago only to find out that a lot of commercial ammo manufacturers use their own powder mixtures that are not available to the public. When I called them to ask what they used, I quickly found out that the powder is kept TOP SECRET...

They could be using something very similar to a readily available reloading powder you and I can get, but they still won't tell you.

 

[Brians356]

It's almost certain those rounds are loaded with a Vihtavuori powder. You should be able to go to VV's load data pages and figure out the most suitable VV powder (or two powders) for that bullet, and which one will likely be the one used in the loads.

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/rifle-reloading/rifle-reloading-data.html

PS Which cartridge?

 

[djtjr]

A lot of powders are propriority to the mfg and while they have similar characteristics of commonly available powders they may not be the same. Mimicicing velocity out of the barrel may not mean anything as the force used to get there may accelerate the bullet to that point differently changing the harmonics. I know hornady when developing the 6.5 Creedmore used h4350 on purpose so that loaders could duplicate their loads later but not all guys do that for all loads. Perhaps call and see if they spill the beans. A nice and personable phone call to the mfg has gotten me a lot of good info and even some friends now and then. Worst case is you end up where you are now so you might as well try. Good luck.

 

[bill123]

Thanks all. Unless I can't get it to work, I'm using varget. I have a lot of it.