Dave,
You warn folks not to exceed maximum loads and go out of your way to tell them not to start with that charge, so you've done your due diligence.
However, the Sierra SMK bullet IS .050 shorter than the Hornady A-Max, which tells you they have different bearing surfaces. Also, the Hornady data you quote specifies a 2.800" OAL and you are using 2.786...that is a noteworthy difference. For the record, QuickLoad predicts you are generating over 67,000psi of pressure from a load that is 10% compressed. The SAAMI spec for 308 is ~60,200.
It is what it is, and your groups are certainly impressive. As long as you keep telling folks this load is only safe in YOUR gun, then I'm cool with you pushing the envelope. After all...it's your face resting a few inches from that chamber.
You warn folks not to exceed maximum loads and go out of your way to tell them not to start with that charge, so you've done your due diligence.
However, the Sierra SMK bullet IS .050 shorter than the Hornady A-Max, which tells you they have different bearing surfaces. Also, the Hornady data you quote specifies a 2.800" OAL and you are using 2.786...that is a noteworthy difference. For the record, QuickLoad predicts you are generating over 67,000psi of pressure from a load that is 10% compressed. The SAAMI spec for 308 is ~60,200.
It is what it is, and your groups are certainly impressive. As long as you keep telling folks this load is only safe in YOUR gun, then I'm cool with you pushing the envelope. After all...it's your face resting a few inches from that chamber.