You can log them only if you were "pilot in command" or you are a flight instructor. You probably need to go read Part 93 of the FARs and learn what you may and may not do as a private pilot.

Part 93 ? How about FAR 91: § 91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests. (a) No person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. However, instrument flight instruction may be given in a single-engine airplane equipped with a single, functioning throwover control wheel in place of fixed, dual controls of the elevator and ailerons when— (1) The instructor has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and (2) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings. (b) No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless— (1) The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who possesses at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown. (2) The safety pilot has adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft, or a competent observer in the aircraft adequately supplements the vision of the safety pilot; and (3) Except in the case of lighter-than-air aircraft, that aircraft is equipped with fully functioning dual controls. However, simulated instrument flight may be conducted in a single-engine airplane, equipped with a single, functioning, throwover control wheel, in place of fixed, dual controls of the elevator and ailerons, when— (i) The safety pilot has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and (ii) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings. (c) No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for a flight test for an airline transport pilot certificate or a class or type rating on that certificate, or for a part 121 proficiency flight test, unless the pilot seated at the controls, other than the pilot being checked, is fully qualified to act as pilot in command of the aircraft. So, 91.109 a: “…at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.” In the case of pilot certification your category would be Airplane and the Class would be Single Engine Land. I would think you’ve got it nailed, log it as SIC (Second In Command), being Safety Pilot for hood simulated makes you a required crew member. There is no notation about needing to be “checked out”. A “Check out” for most aircraft (under 12,500lbs, no type certificate) just makes the renter and insurance company happy. In your case though you are going to constant speed prop, 200HP so… Having a high performance endorsement from a CFI would be a good idea. I would sa go ahead and log-em, counts toward your total time but not your PIC. But I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on TV.