I know this is a popular cartridge around here so I thought we could get some loading info all in one spot. Give everyone an idea of what people are using to get the velocity they’re getting and the rifle it’s coming from. Also thought it may be a good spot for alternatives to the common...
rokslide.com
Maybe something/someone in this thread that could help you out.
So...
TAC can push a 77 SMK 150 FPS faster than it can a 80 SMK
Varget can push a 80 SMK 50 FPS faster than it can a 77 SMK
2520 can push both bullets to the same speed
Anyone have any experience using IMR 4064 and loading to 2.26? I’m putting a bolt gun together eventually, but for now have a few AR’s that shoot plenty good enough for the distances I would be hunting with them. As for the powder, I had it laying around and with the price of components nowadays, if I can use what I have on hand instead of buying another flavor I will.
I twisted up 25 test loads looking for speed and pressure using the Hodgdon data for the 77 SMK (can’t find the TMK data on their site). I started at 20.0 grains of 4064 and went up .5 grain increments to 22.0. 20.0 is the minimum published for the 77SMK and 22.7 is the max.
I’m assuming (never touched the 77 SMK) that the TMK is a longer bullet, thus taking up more space inside the case and increasing pressure. I’ve looked around for a sierra book or app but there isn’t one on iPhone, and finding the physical book is seeming to be a PITA.
I guess my question is to anyone with experience, would you be weary with pressing the fun button on any of these? Should I load another 5 at 19.0 or 19.5 to start? Or am I being a bitch about this for no reason?