The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I have a recently acquired Browning A Bolt TCT with a 1 in 8" twist rifling. So far the two outings with it have been with loads developed for another rifle, using 62 and 69gn bullets, which are more than suited for the twist rate.

Gone to the bullet cupboard and I'm out of "heavy stuff", except for a couple of 69gn, half a dozen 75gn and one 77gn!! But, I've got several hundred 52gn SMK's!

Theoretically, the 1 in 8" should be OK with these, but before I load them and potentially waste components, anyone with and practical experience of light bullets in a fast twist....?

Sim G wrote:I have a recently acquired Browning A Bolt TCT with a 1 in 8" twist rifling. So far the two outings with it have been with loads developed for another rifle, using 62 and 69gn bullets, which are more than suited for the twist rate.

Gone to the bullet cupboard and I'm out of "heavy stuff", except for a couple of 69gn, half a dozen 75gn and one 77gn!! But, I've got several hundred 52gn SMK's!

Theoretically, the 1 in 8" should be OK with these, but before I load them and potentially waste components, anyone with and practical experience of light bullets in a fast twist....?

Using titegroup (Hodgdon data) I had good success with 1:7 twist and 55gn bullets to make fairly accurate subsonic ammunition. The fast twist of Saiga didn't really like anything less than 62gn bullets.

I tried several bullets and powder combos , I did this one using my AR15 1:9 twist .

Dave

I've shot 52gr SMKs out of a 1:7" with no problems. As accurate as the heavier bullets at 100 and 200yds when I tried them (to be fair there was little wind)

I shot the 52 amax no worries. My 7 twist does blow up the Hornady 75gr though. I think it will likely work - certainly worth a go anyway.

Mr_Logic wrote:I shot the 52 amax no worries. My 7 twist does blow up the Hornady 75gr though. I think it will likely work - certainly worth a go anyway.

I found Hornady 75 A-Max has a thin jacket, or at least thinner than SMKs, and the seater gave a nasty dent/crimp half way up the ogive with the compressed charge I use. It fits the SMKs nicely and as I think they are a better all round bullet I wasn't going to alter the seater die.
Used up the box of 100 I was trialling at short range and never bought any more. In fact I think there are still one or two bullets left.

How fast are you pushing the 75s? What are the effects at the target and at what range?