Reloading manuals

[WCB]

I am thinking of trying some Sierra 65gr SBT GameKings in my AR and was looking at the Sierra manual and it hasn't been updated since 2003. So it would be missing some of the newer bullets (so I hear) like the 6.8. I want to build a new AR in 6.8 or 300 blackout but if they don't cover that then why get the manual...
I have one manual, Lyman, and it doesn't cover the Sierra 65gr. Do other manuals cover that bullet or is Sierra the only one?
May try the Barnes 62gr TSX also...

[Zen Archery]

I've always understood the manuals as a guide to proper load data not bullet. I play around with different bullets using the bullet weight as the guide. I sometimes cheat and just go to Cabelas and take a picture of a specific load that my older manuals don't cover. My .02

[WCB]

Or can I take a bullet that's close to same weight and work my up with the loads listed in a manual?
I don't want to screw up and I'm new to reloading...

[SmTx]

Or can I take a bullet that's close to same weight and work my up with the loads listed in a manual?

I don't want to screw up and I'm new to reloading...

Yes. Those loads listed weren't developed in the gun you're shooting. They're a good starting point but you'll have to do load development to find max charge and oal. Just start low and work up watching for pressure.

[WCB]

Yes. Those loads listed weren't developed in the gun you're shooting. They're a good starting point but you'll have to do load development to find max charge and oal. Just start low and work up watching for pressure.

thanks

That's what I thought but wanted to check.

Now which powder??

[cajuntec]

5th edition has info for that 65 grain SBT on page 220R. I'm sending you a PM in a minute.

.300 AAC load data from Sierra:

https://sierrabullets.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/300-aac-blackout-medium-length-gas-tube/

I also have 6.8 SPC data from Sierra, specifically for T/C Encore, but it's a supplemental for the 5th edition that my friend sent to me. I'll have to ask him where he got it, because it's not showing up on their website. If they have the 6.8 data for the Encore, I bet they have it for AR's as well. If you send them an email, they can probably provide it for you.

All the best,
Glenn

[WCB]

5th edition has info for that 65 grain SBT on page 220R. I'm sending you a PM in a minute.

.300 AAC load data from Sierra:

https://sierrabullets.wordpress.com/2013/07/17/300-aac-blackout-medium-length-gas-tube/

I also have 6.8 SPC data from Sierra, specifically for T/C Encore, but it's a supplemental for the 5th edition that my friend sent to me. I'll have to ask him where he got it, because it's not showing up on their website. If they have the 6.8 data for the Encore, I bet they have it for AR's as well. If you send them an email, they can probably provide it for you.

All the best,
Glenn

Thanks for the data Glenn.

[Gummi Bear]

I called Sierra about this a few months back

The bearing surface on the 69gr SMK is almost exactly the same as the 65 gr SGK. I was advised that the data will cross over.

The people at Sierra have been awesome about answering questions.

I used Varget powder, and Winchester small rifle primers.

Dad's Colt likes 25.8gr for the SGK. My brother's RRA likes 24.8 gr for the SGK. Both are 2.26" COAL, and print sub MOA.

Varget is good for the heavier bullets, anything less than 65gr, I'd use H335 or W748 (it is less expensive too, an added bonus to loading "plinking" ammo)