107 SMK Alternate Powder results?

[daryl]

6.5 Grendel.

Let me say right off - I'm the first to buy any powder that's right for the job. In today's world, however, that's just not possible.

I've read many, many posts that the IMR 8208 XBR is the right powder for the 95 VMAX and 107 SMK and I can confirm that as well. I've not been able to beat it and I'm 100% satisfied. However, my supply is getting low and my suppliers are telling me it could be many, many months before I ever see more. I even use it for an incredible 5.56 77SMK load - best 5.56 load I've ever developed. I've got it backordered.

I want decent velocity and very good accuracy. My loads are all under 1 MOA (on a good day I can do about 1/2 from sand bags) and hoover around 2,700 FPS in 20". I use a number of rifles and barrels - all suppressed.

What are your actual experiences with velocity and accuracy with other powders with the 107 SMK and /or 95 VMAX? Awhile ago I experimented with Accurate 2520 and 2200 on the 95 VMAX. My notes are not that great so I don't have too much detail - other than they were ok but not as good as 8208.

I have many powders on hand but the only ones I have at least a 8 lb jug of are CFE 223, Varget, BLC2, Accurate 2200, Vit N540 and some not appropriate for this cartridge.

[ricsmall]

I would try the accurate 2200 to start. IIRC, the velocity is a tad slower but still not bad.

[daryl]

Thanks. That's reassuring to spend more time on it. I finally dug out my notes from two years ago when 8208 was hard to get then. I found two loads I used in the 95 VMAX at 26.5 and 26.9. COL on these is 2.216 due to the VMAX profile. I was using a 12.5" barrel then. Velocity was only about 75 FPS less than with the 8208. Accuracy was what I could not remember. I usually do 4 3-shot groups. 26.5 MOAs were 1.58/1.58/1.43/.95. 26.9 same day were .64/.62/1.09/1.77. Not that bad for me from sandbags. I see Western's max load on this is 27.9. I'm going to concentrate on the 107SMK for now and that max load is 27.3. 2200 seems to be the goto powder for 6.8 SPC and I tend to agree with everything I've tried for it. So, I think it's worth giving it a go with the 6.5. I've found my LabRadar velocities to be better than some of the published data. I suppose it could be the power batch. I think I'll work on the 107 SMK load at 26.9/27.3/27.7/28.1 and see what they will do. Not sure what barrel I'll be using yet. I have 20" Faxon, Ballistic Advantage, and Bear Creek set up - probably be one of those.

PS I use CCI #41 primers.

[VASCAR2]

[LRRPF52]

[daryl]

I know the data is out there. I'm looking for personal experiences on velocities & accuracy. Got out in the 25 degree weather here to test. Tested on a 20" 1:8 Faxon fluted barrel with suppressor. Optic was Pulsar Trail 2 LRF - so not the precision optic but these loads did under 1.25 MOA at 100 yards with that. In each group, 2 made it that wide. I had 7 shots with load #1 and the last 3 shots were .25 MOA. So, I'm very, very happy with the results and believe my supply of Accurate 2200 will be a suitable substitute for 8208.

New Hornady brass, CCI #41 primer, 107 Sierra MK, Accurate 2200, COL 2.252 to 2.255 loaded on a Dillon RL 550 with Dillon powder drop. 3/4 turn on Lee factory crimp die. 25 degrees. Measured with LabRadar. Length sized to 1.510". Only other process on new brass was to debur flash holes - I think that had a huge effect on SD.

Load #1: 26.9 grains. 6 shots. MAV 2,655, ES 20, SD 8.1. 1.17 MOA - last 3 shots MOA .25

Load #2: 27.3 (max per Western). 11 shots, MAV 2,703, ES 25, SD 7.6. MOA 1.25. 8 all in a ragged hole.

No overpressure signs - very, very slight ejector swipe on some. I decapped and checked a sample and no enlarged primer pockets.

I'm really happy with both of these loads. Not sure which one I'll load up for coyote - 26.9 pretty accurate and probably go with that.

Hope this helps someone.

[Rosecrans1]

That does look good! I never played with A2200 and it may very well help some folks out! Like me!