Non-lead bullet data?

[bassboss]

I am trying to make some .30-06 hunting loads with a 165 grain Hornady GMX ("gilding metal", non-lead bullet). I got them in the mail yesterday and realized that they are WAAAYYYYY longer than a typical 165 grain bullet, so if I use a normal charge, and the same seating depth, the chamber pressure is going to go through the roof. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with lead-free bullets and some load data to share?

[fremont lapua]

I use Barnes TTSX and LRX and have a Barnes manual. I would go to a local reloading shop and check to see if the Hornady manual has the GMX bullet data and pick one up. You can check the powder company website that you are using to see if they have the data for the GMX. I will post the Barnes data in a few minutes.

[fremont lapua]

It lists the COL at between 2.940 and 3.340. For the 165 grain MRX BT it says the C.O.A.L. Is 3.205. For the 165 grain TSX BT the C.O.A.L. Is 3.218. The 165 grain BND SPIT C.O.A.L is 3.225. Hope this helps. You can get a OAL gauge to check what you can load to, they can fit on a cleaning rod or the Hornady one needs custome brass that is threaded.

[CSACANNONEER]

I am finishing loading up some 165gr TSXes in 30-06 tonight. I called Barnes and got load data emailed to me.

If you want a copy, PM me your email address and I'mm end it to you. It's 4 pages worth of Barnes's 30-06 load data.

I have NO IDEA what to tell you about your Hornady bullets other than to call Hornady and ask them what they recommend.

[Coyotegunner]

Like CSA mentioned.I have called Hornady several times for load data.They have quite a bit on their website,but if it is not there,call them.Hornady,Speer,Sierra Barnes,etc.have always been great to help.The powder manufacturers usually have a vast amount of info on many types of bullets as well and are willing to help.Sometimes like in the case of a bullet being longer,not every powder is right.
Is the charge going to be significantly compressed with the powder you have?
Good luck and sorry I could not help with your exact question.

[rusty815]

I reload the GMX's and Hornady says use the same reloading data for all their other rounds of the same weight (SST, AMAX, etc.). I found that this can be a bit too hot when using the max load, loading the bullet .03-.05" longer than specified by hornady relieves this problem.

[DirtyDave]

^^ Yes, Hornady says to use the same data for the GMX as the SST

[M27]

I reload the GMX's and Hornady says use the same reloading data for all their other rounds of the same weight (SST, AMAX, etc.). I found that this can be a bit too hot when using the max load, loading the bullet .03-.05" longer than specified by hornady relieves this problem.

Yep.

[edgerly779]

pm'd csa for data. I am getting ready to load barnes x in 150 gr/ 200 gr.

[Whiterabbit]

Find an equivalent load with another manufacturer of lead free if you want. Start either jammed into the lands or close for OAL (my rifle has a LONG LONG LONG throat so ALL load data OAL is meaningless to me) and start at the bottom and work your way up.

You'll never overpressure as long as you use some common sense (start low, use lead-free data with lead free bullets, dont find your max THEN jam the bullet into the lands, dont find max then switch to mag primer, etc).

[edgerly779]

Got data from csa just loaded 200 fr barnes x 180 etip and 165 gr etip in 30/06. Will be at range later in week to check accuracy. Will be loading 308 in 165 and 150 gr later.

[Agustav]

I've load GMX in 7mm Mauser and according to the Hornady manual, similar load and seating depth as other equivalent weighted bullets.