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Berger 105 Grain Bullet Reloading Question
mibpf
Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
I recieved a box of Berger Match Bellets 105 grain Moly LTB Hollow Point Boat Tail Bullets. My Speer Manual 13 does not list this bullet. The Speer Manual only list the Speer line of bullets. The 105 grain bullet listed in the Speer Manual is a 105 Spitzer. I am using IMR 4350 for powder. The Speer manual list 34.0 to 38.0 grains of IMR 4350 powder for the Spitzer 105 grain bullet. Is this the same weight I should use for the Berger bullet? Where can I find the powder weight range for the Berger Match Bullet 105 grain Moly LTB Hollow Point Boat Tail bullet?
Comments
As to the general question of same powder charge for same weight but different brand/style bullets - maybe others will disagree, but when staying below max I have never had a problem with different styles/brands within the same weight so long as you are comparing copper jacketed to copper jacketed & not using load data for a lead bullet on a copper jacketed one. I have seen heavier loads for lead handgun bullets than was allowed for the same weight with a copper jacket, I presume the jacket produced greater resistance than the lead.
Again, maybe others disagree and if so can educate both of us with reasons. I note that the Lee loading book does not list specific bullet brands, simply bullet weight.
I think it's important to know that while safe, you may find that accuracy will suffer if you don't strictly adhere to the specific powder/bullet combination.
You'll find that reloading is the most expensive way there is to save $$$ on ammo! Enjoy.
http://www.imrpowder.com/data/rifle/243win-2005apr03.php
I just wanted to point out a couple of things for you to consider.
If you only have the one manual you might want to get a couple more (at least) to supplement your reloading resources. If you can't or don't want to afford the new ones, look for used book stores or even on the internet.
Per the Berger website, these bullets usually require a 1:8.5" twist rate in the barrel. Since I don't know what rifle you intend to shoot these in, I can only comment that you should try them but don't be too disappointed if they don't stabilize. On the other hand, it might not be a problem if you shoot in warmer weather with a factory standard 9" to 9-1/4" twist. A 1:10" twist will probably not get the job done.
Shooting Moly bullets in a non-Moly barrel generally requires that you clean the barrel thoroughly first, then use a Moly bore prep product to essentially "foul" the barrel with Moly. This will give you the best leg up on potential accuracy when shooting Moly bullets.
Once you start shooting a barrel with Moly bullets, you will not get good accuracy results if you switch to "naked" bullets without thoroughly cleaning your barrel first.
If you determine that the Moly bullets aren't working for you, just clean the Moly off of the remaining bullets and try shooting them bare. Nothing lost except a little time to clean them. Remember to clean your barrel before shooting the bare bullets.
Generically speaking, you can sometimes get away with using the weight of the bullet to help determine what loads to start with in your manuals. However, when we get into the 'Match' bullets this practice can get to be a little dicey because the Match bullets can be significantly longer than the standard spitzer shape bullets. If you seat all of the bullets to the same Overall Length, the longer Match bullets protrude deeper into the case, taking up powder space, which raises the pressure. Case-in-point, the Speer 105 gr. Spitzer is 1.084" long and the Berger LTB is 1.157" which isn't a big deal in this situation as long as you start at the low end and work up to the best load. If you were to try a load and just substitute the Berger 105 gr. VLD at 1.214", you should see a significant rise in pressure. This might not be dangerous if you are at the lower end of the scale of loads but if you happen to be at the top end, look out!
If possible, get rid of the Nickle cases, they can be a royal pain to work with. Get good old fashion brass cases and keep the Nickle cases for showing off your loads on your bench.
I use these bullets in one of my 600 yd. rifles when I want to feed from the magazine. I switch these out with the 105 gr. AMAX and the 105 gr. Scenars. They work fine and most of the time I have several hundred on my bench. When the J4 jackets dried up earlier last year, I ran out and now need to order more.
Here's a place that you can use for references to some loads but be aware that I've found some of the loads listed in various cartridges to be HOT! Use good judgement and work up to the higher pressure loads.
http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=5
Berger 105gr LTB
Price: $ 21.66
Availability: in stock
*. Code: Berger # 60-243105T
This boat-tail "Length Tolerant Bullet" (LTB) offers a relatively high BC. However, it is designed with a shorter overall length than 100gr VLDs to permit use in magazine-fed rifles, or short-throated barrels. It is widely used in 300m international competition. Recommended Twist 1:8.5.
BC = .440
Best of luck and ask questions!