Hand Loading Hornady 125 grn HPs

[porter3861]

So I did two loads this week with the Hornady 125grn HP (#30192) using IMR 3031 at 36.4 grains and 37 grains with a C.O.L. of 3.06". The C.O.L. that had been recommended (not sure where I saw this) was 3.03". But 3.06" is right in the middle of the cannelure and is well within the overall C.O.L. in the loading manual (Hornady's 7th).

I also did three loads with the Hornady 150grn BTSP (#3033) using 3031 at 34 grains, 35.2 grains, and 36.2 grains. C.O.L. of 3.04", again middle of the cannelure.

Hopefully, I'll get to the range in the next couple weeks and I'll chrono the loads. Next one I'm working up is Hornady 160grn FTX (#30395) and I welcome suggestions.

Thanks,

Porter

[Kerz]

Porter,
I did some work with 160 FTX and got some really good results.
Let us know.
Vic

160 FTX 3-25-18.jpg (93.83 KiB) Viewed 2320 times

[porter3861]

Kerz,

Thanks! Just to confirm you had the C.O.L. at 2.980"?

I did notice the cannelure on the H 160grn FTX is quite a bit higher on the bullet requiring a deeper seating. Comparing the 30-40 Krag cartridge with a 30-30 Winchester cartridge (which the H 160 FTX is listed as a bullet for) the Krag cartridge is longer and the neck is longer, so seating the bullet deeper shouldn't be an issue.

Porter

[porter3861]

Also, spending some time here researching the discussions involving IMR 3031, I think the loads I'll work up for the H 160grn FTX will be 34 grains, 35 grains, and 36 grains. I'll certainly post a range report!

Porter

[madsenshooter]

That FTX with it's short ogive looks like one ought to be able to seat it out long enough to be in the throat. Whether or not that's a real advantage I couldn't say without testing. I'm not buying any yet, so I'll have to rely on you all for results.

[Kerz]

Porter
Yes 2.980.

30-40 160.jpg (113.9 KiB) Viewed 2287 times

[Kerz]

Madsenshooter
Yelp, kinda like a stubby tangent ogive. Not sure that chasing the "jump" would be much value for me. Hell, I'd be lucky to duplicate those above results from the bench again . As you known, a Krag front sight is unforgiving to older eyes.
Back when I shot a lot of AMaxs at 600 yds, I chased the erosion to stay at -0.010. That was back when I was shooting AR Match rifle/spacegun. I changed back to service rifle when scopes were authorized and shoot 80 SMK.
Vic

[madsenshooter]

The V max bullets used to fit that way in my rifle, and they shot really good that way. I can relate in .223 too, last time I was at Perry I shot the Modern Military with a new AR. I had some 60gr V max loads that I'd previously loaded to max magazine length. In the new rifle I think I was sticking the ogive into the throat. Upper 90s scores in prone slow and rapid fire that day. Same load a couple wks later was good at 200 but didn't do so well from 300.

[Parashooter]

I'm not certain, but it looks like a participant here might be confused about ogive nomenclature. Perhaps some text from Hornady's website copy and a rough sketch will help -

30 Cal .308 160 gr FTX® https://www.hornady.com/bullets/rifle/ ... -30-win#!/
Patented Flex Tip® Bullet Technology
. . . Ballistically Efficient Secant Ogive
Pioneered by Hornady,® the secant ogive profile delivers stability, flat trajectories and amazing accuracy.

[Kerz]

Thanks Para for Hornady's definition and the illustration. I was merely making a casual observation, or perception, of the appearance.

Madsenshooter, If we ever get the chance to go back to Perry, (Ha) we'll be in the campgrounds on Post. You would certainly be welcome to visit. We're usually there for two weeks, including most all the Games.

Vic