Accuracy of loads from the Nosler loadbook

[Mr. Joe]

Ini particular, their 8x57 loads.  Has their published data been close for you guys?  Any input is apreciated.  What are the most acurate loadbooks in terms of MV etc...

[hunter5325]

This is a very sore subject for me.  In my experience they have been so far off in the MV arena it's not even funny.  With my 7RM they said 67.5gr of R-22 would give me 3340fps w/ 140's out of a 24"bbl.  I got 3060fps and I have a 26"bbl.  This was confirmed in two other guns.  In fact I loaded 4 of their 140gr loads and they averaged 238fps slower than book in more than one gun.  The 7RM was the worst case, but I found the 300WM, 30-06, 223, and 25-06 all to be around 150-250fps slower than the book and most of these have longer barrels then the book shows.  This is what happens when they use pressure barrels.  I will say though that my buddy's 375H&H is within 20fps of the book on most loads.  Don't expect the velocity they show, but if you get it - great!  Brett

[Val]

I have had good luck using the Nosler most accurate powder tested and the most accurate charge in that powder as called out in their reloading manual. Their 180 grain load call out  (IMR4064) did indeed turn out to be just under MOA in my Sporterized K98 8X57. In 200 grain they called out IMR 4064 and I did better with Varget. In several other calibers their load worked out great. Yes indeed their Muzzle Velocity tend to be high but I'm interested in accuracy first and foremost. A 200 to 300 fps difference isn't going to kill the game any less dead. When developing a new load the Nosler call out is one of the lloads I try out. I do start lower in charge and work up in.5 grain increments.

[PaulS]

I have never been able to get the listed velocity from any manual other than the Speer manuals. All the other manuals list velocities that are 200 to 300 fps higher than I can get with the same load in my rifle. I didn't know this until I got a chronograph. I did wonder why the trajectory didn't match the ballistics programs that I had. Aftre I entered the real velocity of the bullet then the bullet's trajector matched very well. I guess it does pay to know your software, and just as important to know what the bullet is really doing.

[carbineman]

To give you some idea what you are up against is the fact that not each rifle will develop the same velocity with the same load. I have an Older Topper by H&R in 30-30 that took 3 grains more of W748 to acheive the same velocity with the same bullet as my newer but since departed NEF 30-30.

Along with the fact that your lot number of primers maybe different along with the lot number of your propellant. Then tie in the controlled conditions of indoor test area these companies use and you then can see why the velocity is different.