Pulldowns of Factory Loads...

Forrest Halley

Forrest Halley

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Has anyone pulled apart their favorite factory loads and measured the powder charge and type in order to recreate a favorite load? I'm getting ready to do so on some PPU .375's as my Model 70 really loves the 300gr RNSP load. It shoots it very well so I thought I'd buy components and duplicate it. PPU being European it is my presumption that they are likely using a powder I will not be familiar with. Does anyone have any ideas offhand what they may be using?
 
Ammo companies are known to use proprietary blends of different powders. Duplicating one may be a challenge.
 
Almost impossible to ascertain the powders used as noted above. They often don't use the canister powders available to the rest of us. If you know the velocity and the charge amount, one can sometimes extrapolate from the known factors, and choose a powder of similar burn rate and come close. I recently wanted to know the powder and charge in the Fed Gold Medal Match load in .30-06 with the Sierra 168 Match bullet. The charge of a weird looking powder was 54 grs. Box velocity said around 2700 fps. Going from that, and using several manuals, I chose IMR 4350 to try. I worked up some test loads with that bullet, Fed brass and 210M primers and lo and behold, the best group was with 54 grs. Probably a fluke but I think its the right track.
 
I think you will be alright. Seat the bullets to the same length. Might have to play with the crimp pressure if you crimp them. I have a 240 Wby and I worked a load for 90 gr accubonds. A box of 20 brass is $40 and a box of 20 loaded with 100 gr hornady is $40. I bought the loaded to fire form. Curiosity got to me so I pulled 3 and dropped 3 grains of powder and worked up 1 grain at a time on those 3 and loaded them with the 90 gr accubonds. I didn't think there would be a pressure issue going from a 100 gr to 90 gr but wanted to be safe. I fired those 3 with no pressure signs. Loaded up 5 and shot a group that was within a 1/4 inch of my hand loads. They shoot good enough I've used them on 2 Javelina hunts. Not a lot of barrel life on a 240 Wby so didn't like shooting just to fire form. I believe the key was the seating depth because the powders are definitely different. Can't hurt to try.
 
As has been stated, it is impossible to know what the factories use. I pulled down some 175 grain Remington 7x64 and found the powder, a stick type, had 3 different lengths. Never saw any other powder that resembled it.
 
Forrest Halley said:
Has anyone pulled apart their favorite factory loads and measured the powder charge and type in order to recreate a favorite load? I'm getting ready to do so on some PPU .375's as my Model 70 really loves the 300gr RNSP load. It shoots it very well so I thought I'd buy components and duplicate it. PPU being European it is my presumption that they are likely using a powder I will not be familiar with. Does anyone have any ideas offhand what they may be using?
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@Forrest Halley
Best of luck finding out what powder it is.
I would find the weight and volume of the powder then consult reloading manuals and find a load that give the same weights and volumes.
Or instead of wasting all that time just look for a load that does what you want. H4350 is always a good place to start 77 to 81 grains for a velocity of 2680fps
Bob
 
Btw, has anyone used PPU bullets, RNSP, 300 grains, 375 hh, on African safari. (reloads or factory cartridges).
On what animals? (plains game, buffalo?)
What are the impressions?

For OP.
My experience witth PPU cartirdges is that powder has some increased fouling in the barrel. So, finally, i stopped using it, rsoecially in self loader rifle.
On the other hand their bullet "GROM" (thunder) has good reputation, as a modified monolythic. I beleive, worth to try reloads. I never hunted with it, but generally my friends who use it are happy with performance.
 
PPU should use a Lovex powder also obtainable as canister powder or so close, it doesnt matter. Lovex was the manufacturer of Accurate for a long time some yrs ago. So if you could not get your hands on Lovex, buy Accurate! There is a comparison chart.
 
If you have enough of them just use the same powder with a charge your gun likes.
You already know what a safe charge is.
This would take a lot of ammo and time.

I had alot of crappy Brazillian 308 that had fluctuating charges. I made it into some decent ammo.

DB
 
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