Loading 155 gr. Sierra HPBT

[tony1950]

I'm going to load these for my M1's. The data I'm using is from the M1 Garand Service Rifle Load Data site. I have Varget powder so using the specs max load is 48gr. at 2822 fps and 44,600 pressure. I am not loading max pressure. I never have. Going to load a dozen each at 45,46, and 47 grains to see what I get. The reason I have these bullets I bought them for a 300 yard load for the Sniper Match. Found out they are really finicky beyond 200 yds. Sierra confirmed that. Because of all the shortages for components this is what I have. What do you all have to say about this strategy, and the use of these match bullets. TIA

[lyman]

I would do 1/2 grain (45-45.5-46-46.5etc) loads to narrow it down even more,

do you have a Sierra manual?

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I would do 1/2 grain (45-45.5-46-46.5etc) loads to narrow it down even more,

do you have a Sierra manual?

[JimF]

I agree with Lyman . . .

Back when I was developing loads for my 22 through 30-06 sized cartridges, my testing was done in half-grain increments.

Made quite a difference in some of them!

[tony1950]

No I don't have a Sierra manual. My manuals are better than 20 years old. No listing for the 155. The thought of going in 1/2 grain increments had crossed my mind, but I kind of talked myself out it. I want to thank you Lyman and Jim for your valuable input. I was, to be honest, getting a bit lazy. You brought me back to my senses. I'm retired, the weather here in the mtns. is cold and wet. Why wouldn't I have the time to do what you gentlemen suggested, only I can answer that. I will do the 1/2 grain starting tomorrow. I have everything ready to go. Bras is cleaned, primed and ready. Again thanks. Once the weather breaks I'll return with the results. I'm doing this because I run our clubs Garand shoots, and I have a 14 year old grandson who loves to shoot. He shoots trap with me along with his dad. He wants to shoot those M1's. By the way he should have his Eagle Scout designation by this May. He is the only grandchild I have and I spoil the crap out of him. He wants to go to Perry to shoot, as I told him about all my great experiences there when I shot service rifle.

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I'm in the mtns. in western Pa.

[JimF]

Might I suggest . . . .

After you find the powder charge your rifle likes, play with the seating depths. (Mebbie’ not so much with the M1, but, bolt guns do like ammo that “fits”!)

I know it is a slow climb to find the “ultimate” load, but it all pays off in the end.

[lyman]

Sierra manual #V


155.jpg

[tony1950]

Thanks for the Sierra info Lyman. You and Jim have been really helpful. I sure do appreciate the help. Jouster has been one of the best shooting sites on the web, and the people on here are top notch. Thank you.

[lyman]

Welcome

[jmm03]

I see this is an older post but I too am looking for load suggestions on a 155 Palma bullet in front of 4895 powder for 30-06. I will be using it in an 03. I have had good results using 150 HPBT Sierras at 48 grains of 4895 but I haven't shot the 155's before. Thanks, Jim

[Parashooter]

In general, use 150-gr data. If cautious, reduce maximums by 3%.

Here's a table of QuickLOAD reasonable estimates (NOT tested data).

Cartridge : .30-06 Spring.
Bullet : .308, 155, Sierra HPBT Palma MK 2155
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 3.340 inch or 84.84 mm
Barrel Length : 24.0 inch or 609.6 mm
Powder : IMR 4895

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 1.389% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures may exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step Fill. Chg. Vel. Engy Pmax Pmuz Burnt B_Time
% . . % . . Gr. fps ft.lb. psi . psi . % . . ms

-02.8 86 48.61 2729 2563 42607 8548 99.2 1.250
-01.4 87 49.31 2763 2628 44275 8635 99.5 1.228
+00.0 88 50.00 2797 2693 46005 8716 99.7 1.207
+01.4 89 50.69 2831 2759 47801 8790 99.8 1.186
+02.8 90 51.39 2865 2824 49659 8859 99.9 1.166
+04.2 92 52.08 2898 2891 51601 8920 100.0 1.146 ! Near Maximum !
+05.6 93 52.78 2931 2957 53614 8975 100.0 1.127 ! Near Maximum !
+06.9 94 53.47 2964 3024 55706 9026 100.0 1.108 ! Near Maximum !