Slow 135 bergers in my tikka 6.5cm

Joined
Aug 23, 2024
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42
Location
N.w. Pennsylvania
So... I'm trying to get a load working in my tikka with 135 bergers. I've found accuracy with 42 gr of h4831sc, but it's slow (2400). Ran my powder up to 43.6, speed picked up to 2560, but id like to see 2800 fps. Brass is remington, primers are remington factory or federal 210's. Running a 24" tikka upr btw.

Also tried reloader 19 from 42gr to 42.6, and speeds were 2450.

I also pulled a hornady 140 match apart and they are getting 2600 fps outa 41.1 gr of something...

Other powders I have are varget, h380, imr 4350, 4895, cfe223

Suggestions?

Last pic is the case from 43.6 gr of 4831sc. Bolt just was a touch tight, but at only 2560, speed is way low.

Chrony is a garmin zero
 

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The Guide

WKR
Joined
Aug 20, 2023
Messages
672
Location
Montana
So... I'm trying to get a load working in my tikka with 135 bergers. I've found accuracy with 42 gr of h4831sc, but it's slow (2400). Ran my powder up to 43.6, speed picked up to 2560, but id like to see 2800 fps. Running a 24" tikka upr btw.

Also tried reloader 19 from 42gr to 42.6, and speeds were 2450.

Other powders I have are varget, h380, imr 4350, 4895, cfe223

Suggestions?

Last pic is the case from 43.6 gr of 4831sc. Bolt just was a touch tight, but at only 2560, speed is way low.

Chrony is a garmin zero
Might want to mention the cartridge, what brass you are using, and what primer.

Jay
 
Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
9,253
Those 4831 charges sound like top end H4350 charges and thus id expect low velocities. Did you stop going higher because of a mildly sticky bolt lift? I'm guessing that isn't a real pressure indicator and something else is happening.

What does the factory 135 gr ammo clock in at for velocities? If they are getting velocity you want, that is a good indicator that you dont have a defective barrel and your loads are slow because you didn't load them with enough powder to get your desired pressure/speed.
 
Last edited:
OP
coyotekilla
Joined
Aug 23, 2024
Messages
42
Location
N.w. Pennsylvania
Those 4831 charges sound like top end H4350 charges and thus id expect low velocities. Did you stop going higher because of a mildly sticky bolt lift? I'm guessing that isn't a real pressure indicator and something else is happening.

What does the factory 135 gr ammo clock in at for velocities? If they are getting velocity you want, that is a good indicator that you dont have a defective barrel and your loads are slow because you didn't load them with enough powder to get your desired pressure/speed.
The factory 140 clocks at 2600. I never checked the 135 Federal / berger.
 
Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
9,253
The factory 140 clocks at 2600. I never checked the 135 Federal / berger.

That seems normal from what Ive seen on 24" tikka barrels with 140 match ELDm ammo. I'd assume the 135 federal would be faster.

My assumption is still that you're loading to low pressures due to powder charge and getting corresponding low velocities.
 
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