Going from 105 amax to 105 berger VLD?

[Rmitch223]

Ive done all my load workup with the 105 Hornady amax. I'm wanting to give the 105gn Berger VLD a try and see how it performs comparably.

Will I have to work my load back up to avoid pressure?

With the 105 amax I'm using 40gn of IMR-4350, Lapua cases, Federal 210M primer and seated at 2.800" OAL.

Could I use the same OAL and charge weight with the 105gn Berger VLD?

If they have the same sectional density which they do and I good to go with my current load?

I'm a new handloader and the only thing Ive ever loaded is the 105gn amax for my 243, so I was curious to see if my current load will be okay with both bullets?

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[DrMike]

It is a good rule of thumb that when you change any component, drop back in powder charge and work up to ensure safety. These are two different bullets, though there are similarities. Ergo, drop back at least 5% and work up to ensure a safe load for your rifle.

 

[257 Ackley]

Follow the Doctors advice with backing off a bit. If I remember correctly you have a Stoney point gauge (Hornady now) to measure OAL. You will usually find that VLD's like to be seated close to the lands or even touching the lands for optimum groups. You might not be able to shoot them through your magazine at this OAL, but if you are target shooting, you will probably be shooting them single shot anyhow.

 

[jmad_81]

You have been given sound advise.

For what its worth, the charge that shot the 105 Amax out of my gun, also shot the 150 Nosler custom com, and the 107 NCC the best. I did have to change the COAL a bit though. I had to go a bit longer with the NCC to get them to shoot as well.

So I would back off a grain and work up in halfs, and seat them .01" off the lands.

Keep us posted on your results.