Sierra TGK .30 165gr

[Opposite Pole]

Hi guys, I've recently acquired some 30cal 165grain Sierra Tipped Game King projectiles. I was gonna load some 308 Win ammo today but was unable to find any load info for them. I thought I'd just replicate the 165gr Game King data but then I pulled a Game King projectile from a Federal factory round and the two projectiles are quite different in length, both overall and measured to ogive. The boattail is also different. Any tips? I've emailed Sierra, will update if/when I get any info from them.

 

[meigsbucks]

Last year I started to play with the 130gr 6.5mm Sierra Game Changer in the 6.5 Creedmoor. I started by determining the o.a.l. at .03” off rifling and within the parameters of magazine length. As Sierra’s manual doesn’t list a 130 gr, I used Swift Scirocco 130 gr and Hornady 129 gr data, starting about 4 gr under max and working up.

 

[Ridgewalker]

I would think if the weight and construction is the same and the bearing surface is the same or less, you should be fine. As always, I start low and work my way up. Rarely ever am I at max. I usually find the best accuracy below max. JME

It will be interesting to read the response from Sierra. I have used their 165 GK on everything from antelope to elk.

 

[Opposite Pole]

I’m just not sure about the COAL, with the length difference I think I’d have to seat it much deeper and that will affect pressures and I haven’t got a starting point. QuickLoad is not of much use since the projectile is not yet in the database, and I can’t reliably measure all of it’s parameters to create my own file. I’m already in the grey zone as I’m using the powder for which there’s not much data available yet - RS52 and so I’m getting QuickLoad’s estimates for it as it is, just not keen on guessing what a save starting point might be cause I do like my hands and eyes.

 

[Firebird]

I did some tinkering with it in 165 for my 7mm stw and had to call sierra for the same info that you have requested by e mail. They told me to use the same load info as their spbt matchking in 168 gr. I had good accuracy for it but wasn't able to see it work on anything bigger than a squirrel. . .but that was impressive!

 

[Ridgewalker]

Did you download their free app? It doesn’t show the particular powder you want, only US powders. But you may be able to cross reference it.

 

[Opposite Pole]

What app? I have a few cans of Varget left so I can start with that.

 

[Ridgewalker]

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu3_HmElnSz/
It’s in both Google Play and IOS.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Thanks!

 

[Shootist43]

The ogive of the bullet appears to be at the same "relevant location" from the base of the bullet. The point of the bullet may protrude into the throat of the barrel a little further but doesn't mean a thing. Loading the tipped bullet such that the base is at the same depth in the case as your previous loads you should be fine. I doubt there is any relevant change in charge weight. Magazine length should not be an issue either.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Loading the tipped bullet such that the base is at the same depth in the case as your previous loads you should be fine.

Was thinking the same as you were but the magazine may limit him. If he does what you're saying the COAL will be longer and thus may not fit in magazine or present feed issues. Of course, there's an easy way to find out and seat a bullet in some empty brass and see how it works out.

 

[Opposite Pole]

I’ve just received the response from Sierra.

“You are correct, it is a little longer than our HPBT version but it will still seat down to a magazine length of 2.8” without any issues. Also, you can use the listed start loads from our 168gr HPBT to work up from if no other data is available. Reload Swiss has five powders listed on their website using it so you can work up from the start loads there. We did test VihtaVuori N140 powder with this combination and it started at 42.2 grains and we found a top end of 45 grains with our set of components.”

 

[Ridgewalker]

Good info Opposite Pole! I’ll be following along to see how it goes.
Best of luck!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I’ve just received the response from Sierra.

“You are correct, it is a little longer than our HPBT version but it will still seat down to a magazine length of 2.8” without any issues. Also, you can use the listed start loads from our 168gr HPBT to work up from if no other data is available. Reload Swiss has five powders listed on their website using it so you can work up from the start loads there. We did test VihtaVuori N140 powder with this combination and it started at 42.2 grains and we found a top end of 45 grains with our set of components.”

That being the case, I’d start with Hodgdon Varget. I believe it’s made under a different name in Oz for sale there. Shipped to USA under Hodgdon.

 

[Opposite Pole]

I’m in Europe presently (on a train just north of Paris to be precise). I’ve got few pounds of Varget left from before the imports stopped. Most IMR and Hodgdon powders contain chemicals banned under European REACH programme due to their toxicity and so imports are no longer allowed. A shame really cause there’s some really good stuff being made under Hodgdon brand by ADI.

 

[Shootist43]

Take a look at AR 2208. See how closely that compares to Varget.

 

[Opposite Pole]

I believe AR2208 is Varget just sold under different brand.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Ok, so I finally got around to doing some initial load development. I was using Reload Swiss RS52 powder, Federal Gold Medal Large Rifle Match primers and Norma brass, seating to COAL 2.800". I've loaded 9 lots and it was going rather poorly with groups being fairly open until the very last one where suddenly at 44.5grains this happened (3shots at 100m). Velocity was 815m/s v - 2673fps. This is a compressed load.

Disclaimer: This load worked fine in my rifle with particular sets of components. DO NOT DUPLICATE WITHOUT REGULAR LOAD DEVELOPMENT.

 

[Hearties]

Not directly relevant but I’ve just finished load development for the TGK in my 30-06. Very good grouping with both N550 and IMR4350 at top-end loads (> 2900 FPS). This will be my distance load in the Karoo this year - can’t wait!

 

[Opposite Pole]

Looks like Sierra has given us another great projectile. What are you going after? Do you know what the recommended max impact velocity for these is?