I just did a couple ladder tests on friday with this same combo, (I used CCI primers but same powder and bullet) so I know there is some confusion concerning load data. Using the linked load data (
http://www.rugerhunting.com/204_data.php) on this site we get this....
Sierra's data for the 39 SBK using H4895 powder are as follows....
Starting load 24.1 grains (3200 fps) Max load 26.5 grains (3600 fps)
but
Hodgdens data for 40 Grain V-Max (true it is not the 39 SBK but being heavier it should be safer if anything)
Starting load 26 grains (3500 FPS) Max load 27.7 grains (3741 fps)
For myself I combined the two sets of data and shot two ladders of 10 shots each starting at 25.7 grains and working up to 27.5 grains in 0.2 grain increments.
After 2 fouling shots I proceeded to do both ladders at the same time. The one was shot from min load to max while the other was shot from max load to min to eliminate the effects of further fouling and weather changing. (I had shot the max load previously so I knew there were no pressure issues, otherwise I would not begin a test with the max load
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Here is the data I got.
25.7 Gr (3665, 3612 fps)
25.9 Gr (3714, 3706 fps)
26.1 Gr (3773, 3766 fps)
26.3 Gr (3806, 3801 fps)
26.5 Gr (3861, 3806 fps)
26.7 Gr (3891, 3894 fps)
26.9 Gr (3834, 3896 fps)
27.1 Gr (3935, 3921 fps)
27.3 Gr (3968, 3918 fps)
27.5 Gr (3948, 3954 fps)
As you can see the results I go are significantly faster that I expected from published load data. By comparing the two ladder tests and looking at the chronograph results I decided to go with 26.1 grains. One of the 3 shot groups (25.9, 26.1, 26.3) was just over 1/4 MOA while on the other target it was 5/8 MOA and the center of each 3 shot cluster was in the same spot on each target. If I get an average of 3750 fps it will still be a nice flat shooting load and hopefully I will get a good long life out of the barrel. (Its at 165 rounds as of today, will put up a post later with a few pics of this weekend).
This was my first true Audette ladder test so I was happy to have the range to myself for most of the day friday, its a lot of walking out to the target and back but it lets the barrel stay cool and with the digital camera I would take a photo after every shot so I never have to doubt my data.
By the looks of your pictures it looks like you would do fine with any of those loads, though I never would trust just one grouping. I like to do at least two, three if I can, ten would be ideal (but then you would have no barrel left once you developed the perfect load
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Anyways I don't want to hijack your post I just thought I would put up the data I have gotten from my recent testing of the same powder and bullet combo.