Tikka M55 .308 designed for what load?

[stu47]

I should point out that I tried the SMK168's with N140, N150 & RL15 but the results where bad - however, this was pre-bedding before I found the Stock damage. I intend to re-run my tests with the SMK168's once I have a load I'm happy with for the SMK175's - I'm trying to cover as many bases as possible for bullets due to availability and what I can get hold of.

Thanks guys...

 

[Southern]

Before doing any loads of 168 gr, buy a box of Federal Match with the 168-gr SMK and try that. If it works, then duplicate the load.

Because military brass has about 1.5 grains less volume than thinner Winchester brass, you need to start at about 42.0 gr of RL-15 with the 168-gr match bullets, and not go over 44.0 grains. If you have to heavy and light brass, load 5 of each with 42.0 and see how they shoot. Once you find a good powder weight at 2.800 inches COAL, load up 5 at 2.790 and 5 at 2.810 ( staying back off the lands ) and see if that gets you a bit smaller group. Match primers, like Fed 210M or CCI BR2.

41.0 to 43.5 gr RL-15 with the 175-gr SMK. Expect to find sweet spot a bit under 43.0 in military brass like LC and IMI, and close to 43.5 in Federal or Lapua match brass. Match primers, like Fed 210M or CCI BR2.

 

[stu47]

Thanks Southern - unfortunately i cant find any Fed Match 168 to try. Really good info though re: the different brass volumes, I thought they would be the same given the SAMMI specs etc... yet another variable to consider!

Thanks again.

 

[bewsher500]

Smallest group I have ever shot with any rifle or calibre/cartridge was in .308 using 168gr SMK over 43gr or so N140 through a Fultons of Bisley rebarreled Mauser action
Big old beast of a barrel

11-12mm

 

[hybridfiat]

Nice work Brewsher500. I've seen a bloke at the local range shoot a group like that at 200yds with an ancient Omark actioned scoped target rifle.
His rifle put most of the $3000 custom F class rifles to shame. The scope as I recall was an old shiny 3-9x40 Leupold.

 

[bewsher500]

I really liked the 168s although I never managed to test them at range
All the data indicates that they are not designed for ranged out past 300 yds though

 

[jthyttin]

View attachment 61687

What load would you guys go for and why?

One group of each load won't give you enough info. I'd go for the 42.5gr load, since you don't have any preferred velocity and the groups from 42 to 43gr are in same place.

I'd bet that you get more variation between several groups of same load that the above groups. After you find the variation in group size, you can fine tune the seating depth or try a different powder load.

 

[Southern]

I really liked the 168s although I never managed to test them at range
All the data indicates that they are not designed for ranged out past 300 yds though

No, the 168-gr SMK is super shooting bullet for the .308 out to 600, even with an MV as low as 2,500 fps from a gas-operated M-14. I like the 173-178 or the 190 and 200 in the .30-06 and the 155-gr in the .308 beyond 600.

Some of those loads I posted with 4895 and 4064 powder were from my M-14, M1A, and Garand in 7.62x51.

 

[stu47]

One group of each load won't give you enough info. I'd go for the 42.5gr load, since you don't have any preferred velocity and the groups from 42 to 43gr are in same place.

I'd bet that you get more variation between several groups of same load that the above groups. After you find the variation in group size, you can fine tune the seating depth or try a different powder load.

Thanks jthyttin - I think your right as I re-shot the same test loads using the same brass (now its been fire formed) and things have changed - again!

I will post the photos once I've gone through my targets.

I also loaded both Amax 155's and SMK 155's over N140 and found that 44.7Gr's was very good for the Amax - as I don't have a chrono I don't know the speeds but I expect them to be pretty stout with that powder weight behind them.

Once again, photos to follow...

Thanks again for all advise posted - very much appreciated from a reloading newby! I've personally fired close to if not over 50000 7.62mm in my life (Gunnery Instructor in a tank regiment - chain guns etc...) but never gave a thought how they where put together other than "pointy end first".