I would like to use N550 for Nosler LRAB 168 grain bulletsfor 30-06 but I cannot find data on the Nosler site nor the Vihtavhouri site (VIH). VIH has lots of data for different bullets in the 160 to 170 grain range using N550 but not the LRAB and Nosler has data for their bullets in this range using N150 and N160 but not N550 and the starting and maximum weights from bullet -to-bullet with the same weight varies making me think the construction and shape of the bullet either causes more pressure and/or is just not accurate.What I am getting at here is basically I do not understand how different bullets of the same weight cause pressures with the same powder. My question is, should I be trying to develop a load for this combo since it is not listed in any manual that I have? I am assuming that these bullet and powder companies test many different powder and bullet combos before they select and publish data but is it always true that just because it isn’t published is it dangerous and / or inaccurate? I have a lot of N550 and it works well with 150 grain Swift Scirocco bullets in 30-06 and I would like to develop a load for the 168 NLRAB of feasible. Any advice appreciated.

the thickness of the jacket as well as the hardness of it's core makes a difference when the bullet is engraving the rifling.

this gives the powder a little pressure spike along it's rise.

the long range bullet being neither thick nor hard won't have as much of a spike as your normal accubond or partition.

keep the load and OAL the same as the others and follow the number one rule of reloading and you'll be fine.

Use "starting load" data for any 170 grain bullet. As with any load, you'll have to work up according to velocity and accuracy indications.

Every rifle and every load is a rule unto itself, so even if you had the EXACT components used in a loading manual the load might not act the same in your particular rifle. ALL loads have to be tailored to your particular rifle. If you don't understand how to do this then you should probably stick with factory loads.