Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200TX
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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.
Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200TX
I finally found the Parker Hale 1200TX that I have been searching for. Of all the places I searched and all the people I have asked, it turns out that one of the old time shooters at my club has one, which he agreed to sell. I had to work on him a bit and it wasnt easy or cheap.
I have the 155gr SMK (2156). My brass is trimmed to 2.000. I plan on using 44gr Varget.
For you that have the 1200TX and use the 155gr SMK, what is your OAL and do you seat to the lands or what is your jump? I know it maybe different for my rifle. I would like to see what others are using.
Thanks in advance
I have the 155gr SMK (2156). My brass is trimmed to 2.000. I plan on using 44gr Varget.
For you that have the 1200TX and use the 155gr SMK, what is your OAL and do you seat to the lands or what is your jump? I know it maybe different for my rifle. I would like to see what others are using.
Thanks in advance
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
Do have have an Cartridge Overall Length planned?Noahbody wrote:I finally found the Parker Hale 1200TX that I have been searching for. Of all the places I searched and all the people I have asked, it turns out that one of the old time shooters at my club has one, which he agreed to sell. I had to work on him a bit and it wasnt easy or cheap.
I have the 155gr SMK (2156). My brass is trimmed to 2.000. I plan on using 44gr Varget.
For you that have the 1200TX and use the 155gr SMK, what is your OAL and do you seat to the lands or what is your jump? I know it maybe different for my rifle. I would like to see what others are using.
Thanks in advance
SAMMI Spec is 2.800.
The 2155 / 2156 SMK's are both reknowned for being very jump tolerant - they have to be they used to get issued for such diverse rifles in issued rounds competitions like the Imperial!
What is your barrel length?
What brass are you planning to use?
Stick to Lapua if you can.
TIM / ENS
Last edited by EagerNoSkill on Sat Mar 16, 2013 4:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
Assuming 30" barrel and 2.800 C.O.L. I entered the parameter in QL
ONLY for guidelines!
Powder : Initial velocity expectation : Pressure
44.0 Varget 2,847 @ 52 375 PSI
45.0 Varget 2,906 @ 56 187 PSI
46.0 Varget 2,964 @ 60 297 PSI
Standard reloading rules and safety rules still apply!
Specifically th brass used will effect the combustion chamber volumes and that changes the pressure curve dramatically
ONLY for guidelines!


Powder : Initial velocity expectation : Pressure
44.0 Varget 2,847 @ 52 375 PSI
45.0 Varget 2,906 @ 56 187 PSI
46.0 Varget 2,964 @ 60 297 PSI
Standard reloading rules and safety rules still apply!
Specifically th brass used will effect the combustion chamber volumes and that changes the pressure curve dramatically
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
Thank you for the reply.
Barrel length on the 1200TX is 26"
I will be using LC Match brass and starting with 2.800 C.O.L
Barrel length on the 1200TX is 26"
I will be using LC Match brass and starting with 2.800 C.O.L
- dodgyrog
- Posts: 4103
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Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
I use 166gr Lyman Loverin style cast boolit and 25gr Accurate 5744 (Lovex D060) in my (mint) 1200TX.
Why use jacketed bullets and wear the old barrel out?
I'm getting 2 1/2" groups using iron sights at 100 yards. Not brilliant but pretty good for these old eyes!
I'm rebarrelling a second 1200TX and fitting a big scope - 16x power - which should help shrink the groups.
1 MOA is easily obtainable.
For longer range use a heavier boolit (205gr).
Try it and see.
Why use jacketed bullets and wear the old barrel out?
I'm getting 2 1/2" groups using iron sights at 100 yards. Not brilliant but pretty good for these old eyes!
I'm rebarrelling a second 1200TX and fitting a big scope - 16x power - which should help shrink the groups.
1 MOA is easily obtainable.
For longer range use a heavier boolit (205gr).
Try it and see.
Purveyor of fine cast boolits.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
- bnz41
- Posts: 1990
- Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:20 pm
- Home club or Range: NRA Bisley
- Location: Essex
- Contact:
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
Morning Roger,
I think he wants to shoot out alot further than 100yds so cast will not do, plus you have clean out all that nasty lead.
quick.
I think he wants to shoot out alot further than 100yds so cast will not do, plus you have clean out all that nasty lead.

- dodgyrog
- Posts: 4103
- Joined: Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:17 pm
- Home club or Range: Three Counties Sporting Club & Gardners Guns
- Location: Consett, County Durham
- Contact:
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
Speechless - hangs his head and exits crying!!!!bnz41 wrote:Morning Roger,
I think he wants to shoot out alot further than 100yds so cast will not do, plus you have clean out all that nasty lead.
quick.
Purveyor of fine cast boolits.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
All round good guy and VERY grumpy old man.
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
Correct. I plan on using this rifle for PALMA matches.bnz41 wrote:Morning Roger,
I think he wants to shoot out alot further than 100yds so cast will not do, plus you have clean out all that nasty lead.
quick.
Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
dodgyrog wrote:Speechless - hangs his head and exits crying!!!!bnz41 wrote:Morning Roger,
I think he wants to shoot out alot further than 100yds so cast will not do, plus you have clean out all that nasty lead.
quick.
So, if, as you say, lead boolits are no good beyond 100x, how do you account for MLAGB 1200x shoots (often with possibles)?
(I'll stick up for you Rog)

Re: Load data for 155gr SMK (2156) and the Parker Hale 1200T
UK Palma shooters tend to load SMKs with a jump, typically about 0.020", although some have found that the 2156 likes a little more, such as 0.040" plus, but in general they are not jump-sensitive like Scenars and other VLDs. US Palma shooters seem to favour soft-seating. Bear in mind that the 2156 is quite 'pointy' - about 0.100" longer than the 2155, so if you load to a SAAMI COAL you are reducing the case volume compared to a 'standard' bullet. On the other hand, the base to ogive measurement is very similar between a 2155 and 2156, so a similar jump will give you a similar case volume.Noahbody wrote:For you that have the 1200TX and use the 155gr SMK, what is your OAL and do you seat to the lands or what is your jump? I know it maybe different for my rifle. I would like to see what others are using.
Thanks in advance
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