Reloading data for my Tikka 243 T3

[DanieMeiring]

Hi Guys
I am new to this forum,and seeking help on some reloading info for a Tikka T3 22inc barrel.
I have chanched to to Hornady 87 vmax and Vihta Vuori.
In South Africa it is a battle to get any reloading data.
This what i have
Brass Lapua
Primer CCI BR2
Propellant Vihta Vuori
Hornady 87 Vmax
Danie Meiring

[SCJ429]

What VV powder are you going to use? N150, 550 or N160, 650 should work well. The VV load data is very conservative and you can push a ladder test a bit if you are game. A 22 inch barrel will be interesting, six foot flames should be possible every time you pull the trigger.

[DanieMeiring]

Good morning..thanks for the reply.
I will be using N550

[SCJ429]

I have never used N550 but if it were me I would do a ladder test starting at 39 grains, then 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.3, 41.6, 41.8, 42, 42.2. You could try going further if you don't see any pressure signs however your short barrel may stop you getting much more velocity. If you have a chronograph, let it tell you if you are gaining meaningful velocity.

If you are not comfortable starting at 39 grains then drop another grain or where ever your comfort level is.

Why is your barrel so short, did it get cut or is it factory?

[Stix]

Dont mean to hijack here...but ill ask anyway...

SCJ...
Why the diminishing gaps in rising charge weights...?

Is that because you expect to find a node up there you want to use...?

Or to pick up pressure signs without going too far over...?
.or...?
Cheers

[SCJ429]

I am a nameless faceless poster on the internet so please do your own research before taking any of my advice.

I am pretty sure that 39 grains is pretty conservative and start increasing by half a grain to gain some speed as I am not expecting any sticky bolts or blown primers. With a relitively small case like a 243 you will not miss pressure signs at 0.3 grain increments. I then want to slow down to see if I can get a couple of bullets to go into the same hole so I increase by 0.2 grains where I expect the projectile to be making some decent speed. If the rifle had a longer barrel I would push on for a grain or two and stop when I start seeing any pressure. I am not sure that this is worth while for the OP rifle. With a 26 inch or longer barrel you would expect this bullet to be moving along very fast but I expect the extra powder may just result in a bigger flame out the front of the muzzle in this case.

[duncan61]

I load 36gn ADI 2208 which is a bit faster burning than N550 which is closer to 2209 87 GR. Hornady Soft Point, Spitzer, Spire Point AR2209 .243" 2.653" 36.0 grain 2935 fps 46300 psi 43.5 grain 3190 fps 58300 psi

[Oldbloke]

ADI Equivalents.JPG (134.84 KiB) Viewed 3350 times

[Oldbloke]

ADI lists 39gr starting load for 87gr bullets using AR2209

[SCJ429]

That is a strange table OB, it lists 2217 twice and does not list 2213 Short Cut. Where did you get it?

[SCJ429]

ADI lists 39gr starting load for 87gr bullets using AR2209

Be careful when looking at load data from a single base powder and using it for an equivalent burn rate double based powder. The double based powder often produces more pressure, so carefully do a ladder test to see what your rifle can tolerate.

[Oldbloke]

Its just an image out of the 6th ed (i think) of the ADI Manual.

Ive noticed they have amended that info from time to time.

[SCJ429]

What has happened to Danie?

[duncan61]

A lion ate him

[DanieMeiring]

Morning guys
Danie is still alive.I am following all the posts,regarding my request
You guys are lucky to have such a variety of powders to test loads,In S.A we have only one 1 company.Most of use the Sonchem S365,but there will not be any available for the next 2 years.
So,the Merchants import powder now.and it seems to me ,that most of the guys prefer Vihta N550 and 150 and also IMR powder
I moved over to N550, but there is hardly any info available .I am trying to get a min and a max load,..
I am trying to get hold of Vihta to assist me,but it is a battle to contact them
Danie

[SCJ429]

VV make excellent powder, it is expensive here and the local Mulwex ADI powder is top notch.

You will see that all the projectiles VV list for 550 in the 85 to 90 grain range have a similar starting charge weight. You can use this as a very safe load for your Vmax and work up from there. The bearing surface is not radically different between the projectiles list that would cause any significant pressure issues if you are sensible.