Need load data:SMK 77GR, 223cal for bolt action

[mrkurtz]

I have a bunch of Sierra match King bullets, 77 grains in 223 caliber. My problem is that Sierras reloading manual only covers loads for the AR 15 for that particular bullet. I intend to use Varget powder. The rifle is a Tikka super varmint bolt action. I was wondering if anyone had some accurate loads out there but I can safely use for a bolt action without running into over pressure problems.
Thank you

[divingin]

Start low, work up to find where you're getting pressure signs. Just like with any other load. Plus, multiple references are always a good idea.

As to a load, Hodgdon lists start at 21 gn (2528fps; 42,700CUP), and max at 23.7 gn (compressed load, 2737fps; 50,700CUP.) That's for the components you proposed: 77SMK, Varget. You can verify at Hodgdon.com, select Resources, then Reloading Data Center.

[highpower790]

As suggested start low!I prefer 24.5,and net 2800fps at the muzzle from a 20" barrel.

[hntnnut]

Theres a sticky above that's all about the 77smks.


Richard

[ar15barrels]

I have a bunch of Sierra match King bullets, 77 grains in 223 caliber. My problem is that Sierras reloading manual only covers loads for the AR 15 for that particular bullet. I intend to use Varget powder. The rifle is a Tikka super varmint bolt action. I was wondering if anyone had some accurate loads out there but I can safely use for a bolt action without running into over pressure problems.
Thank you

Bolt actions often have chambers and magazines long enough for a 2.5" OAL.
At 2.5" OAL, you can run more powder because you have more room.
My load for 75 Amax at 2.480" is 23.5gr of Varget.

Here is a quickload simulation with a 77gr SMK seated to 2.480" with Varget:

Cartridge          : .223 Rem. (SAAMI)
Bullet             : .224, 77, Sierra HPBT MatchK 9377G G7
Useable Case Capaci: 26.248 grain H2O = 1.704 cm³
Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.480 inch = 62.99 mm
Barrel Length      : 23.7 inch = 602.0 mm
Powder             : Hodgdon VARGET

Predicted data by increasing and decreasing the given charge,
incremented in steps of 0.851% of nominal charge.
CAUTION: Figures exceed maximum and minimum recommended loads !

Step    Fill. Charge   Vel.  Energy   Pmax   Pmuz  Prop.Burnt B_Time
 %       %    Grains   fps   ft.lbs    psi    psi      %        ms

-08.5   92    21.50   2511    1078   38234   6509     92.7    1.315
-07.7   93    21.70   2533    1097   39236   6576     93.1    1.299
-06.8   94    21.90   2555    1116   40267   6641     93.5    1.284
-06.0   94    22.10   2577    1136   41325   6706     93.9    1.269
-05.1   95    22.30   2600    1155   42412   6770     94.2    1.255
-04.3   96    22.50   2622    1175   43526   6832     94.6    1.240
-03.4   97    22.70   2644    1195   44669   6894     94.9    1.226
-02.6   98    22.90   2666    1215   45851   6954     95.3    1.212
-01.7   99    23.10   2688    1236   47062   7012     95.6    1.198  ! Near Maximum !
-00.9  100    23.30   2710    1256   48301   7070     95.9    1.185  ! Near Maximum !
+00.0  100    23.50   2732    1276   49570   7126     96.2    1.171  ! Near Maximum !
+00.9  101    23.70   2754    1297   50871   7181     96.5    1.158  ! Near Maximum !
+01.7  102    23.90   2776    1318   52204   7234     96.8    1.145  ! Near Maximum !
+02.6  103    24.10   2798    1339   53574   7286     97.1    1.133  ! Near Maximum !
+03.4  104    24.30   2820    1360   54982   7336     97.3    1.120  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
+04.3  105    24.50   2842    1381   56429   7385     97.6    1.107  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!

Results caused by ± 10% powder lot-to-lot burning rate variation using nominal charge
Data for burning rate increased by 10% relative to nominal value:
+Ba    100    23.50   2860    1399   58406   7143     99.6    1.093  !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Data for burning rate decreased by 10% relative to nominal value:
-Ba    100    23.50   2568    1128   41015   6804     89.5    1.272