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174 gr RN

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Honkytonk View Drop Down
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    Posted: September 17 2020 at 5:57am
So far, I'm very happy with the performance at the range of my latest project, 174 g Hornady RN. I'm using 37 gr of H4895 (same as I use for 180's.) I don't have a cronograph, so I was wondering if any one could take a guess at ft/sec? I will be using this round for deer this year at probably a maximum range of 200 yards. My goal is a relatively slow, hard hitting pill. Thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 7:26am
Speer manual lists 2225 with their 180 gr.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote britrifles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 7:43am
HT, I’ve got the Hornady reloading manual and is should have loads for this bullet.  I’ll look it up when I get back home on Sunday.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 8:01am
Thanks guys! I just came back from the range as I didn't like the 3.04" high where I ended up last time out. I lowered it closer to 1.50". I suspect this will allow me to theoretically aim spot on up to 200 yards and still get a clean kill, but as mentioned, I'm a notorious "high" shooter. Interestingly, the 174 RN seem to hit the same spot as the 180 spire points in regards to elevation. That bullet speed should work excellent with a round nose.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 8:37am
Hornady has a listed FPS of 2400 when using their max charge weight of 37.4gr of H4895 in conjunction with a 174grn RN.

Sierra has a listed FPS of 2300 when using their max charge weight of 37.3gr of H4895 in conjunction with a 174grn/180grn HPBT MK and SPT,respectively. 

Hodgdon has a listed FPS of 2446 when using their max charge weight of 38.0gr of H4895 in conjunction with a 174grn Sierra HPBT.  It also lists a C.U.P. of 43,600
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 10:57am
I went with 37 gr H4895 when I loaded the 174's as the only info I could find on-line for Hodgdon was for 180's. My old Hodgdon manual says 37 gr is a starting load. New info for 180's said 37 gr is not a Max load. I assumed the same powder load was safe for the 174's. By my calculations, 37 gr of H4895 for the Hornady 174 gr RN is a safe combination pressure wise. Would I be correct in my assumption? Thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 11:13am
According to all information available, your 37.0grs of H4895 is a safe load with a C.U.P. under 43,600 as well. You should average 2346 - 2395 fps.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 1:25pm
Probably. There might be a very slight pressure increase because of the longer bearing surface but its tiny.
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote britrifles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 1:51pm
For velocity estimation, go with the Hodgdon data as it is specifically for their bullet.  I believe they used a No. 4 Mk 2 rifle for this data, but I can’t confirm that, reloading manual is at home.  

They may also be listing velocities for both BTHP and RN 174 gr bullets (Sierra will typically do this) but as Shamu said, there will be some difference in MV at the same charge weight.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2020 at 2:27pm
As always, thanks for the information!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote britrifles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 26 2020 at 7:42pm
HT, the Hornady 7th Ed manual gives a Muzzle Velocity of 2400 fps with 37.4 gr H4895 with the Hornady 174 gr RN bullet seated to 2.945 in OAL, WIN case and WLR primer. This is from a No. 4 Mk 2 rifle and listed as max load with this powder.  

interpolating the table gives 2380 fps for 37.0 gr. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 26 2020 at 7:56pm
Thanks britrifles! The rifle likes it and our typical range is 125-175 yards. I'm hoping a potent pill!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 26 2020 at 9:22pm
 I found an old reloading data sheet for the 303B from Dupont using IMR3031 and a 174grn military bullet.
The rifle used is the No1Mk111. 
The specifics are astounding.  It does not specify a particular primer however.
This is how it is listed:
303 British  Average MV as tested: 2110 minimum,  2411 maximum 
C.U.P. as measured at breech 35,000 minimum,  35,440 maximum 
Powder used IMR3031 37.0gr minimum,  42.0gr maximum 
Bullet used 174grn FMJ MR
Seating depth .425"
Cartridge Overall Length  2.980" + - .002"
This database is dated 1955.
I have loaded twenty five rounds using 40.0grns for testing this next Wednesday when I retest some 215grn Woodleigh bullets. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Honkytonk Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 27 2020 at 4:33am
I tried sourcing some Woodleigh 215's up here in Canada but could not find any "in stock". Goosic, what diameter are those projectiles? Can anyone share a hunting story using these missiles? Performance, etc? Thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote britrifles Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 27 2020 at 7:42am
Goosic, is there a typo in the max pressure, 35,440 CUP?

I’ve got an 1950’s article in the NRA Reloading Handbook with IMR 3031 with several bullets including the Sierra 180 spitzer.  Also IMR 4320 and 4350 loads with Remington 215 gr round nose and Norma 216 gr round nose.  

Here’s a some of the results (velocity 20 feet from muzzle):

180 Sierra Spitzer,  3.075” OAL, 42.0 gr 3031, 2533 fps, 44,220 CUP
215 Rem SP, 3.075” OAL, 49.5 gr 4350, 2432 fps, 44,630 CUP
216 Norma SP, 3.075 OAL, 49.0 gr 4350, 2404 fps, 43,400 CUP

Identical loads were pressure tested with the 216 gr Norma bullet with two different cases which gave quite different pressures.  The Remington cases (load above) gave considerably lower pressures than the Norma cases (which gave 47,610 CUP).  Variations in case thickness and hardness can affect pressures.  

These loads are near at or near maximum (one load listed was over 45,00 CUP). 








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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 27 2020 at 11:03am
HT. My dad took the second largest antlered mule deer,Boone and Crocket scored out of Arizona in 1984 with one 215grn bullet out of his PH Custom No4.  He hit it broad side in a full run and it barrel rolled before hitting a Pinon Pine. The bullet is .312 diameter.  IMR4064 37.0grns and Remington 215 primer.
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