Need load advice, .308

[Detritus]

Just got my .308 neck sizing Die in and want to spend a good part of Saturday getting everything setup and possibly start loading (setup includes setting up new lighting over the bench).

My issue Is that I only have one suitable powder (IMR 4895) and one "accurate" bullet type on hand (175gr SMK). and the three sources i have for loads for that combo are a bit divergent to say the least.

the Lee manual, and the data sheet that came with my dies doesn't list a IMR4895 load for 175gr jacketed, but the load under the 180gr heading has a starting load of 38.2gr and a max of 42.5gr

the PDF of the Sierra .308 Loadmap i got off 6mmBR.com list a starting (minimum) charge of 36.7gr and a max of 41.5

then there is the data that IMR/Hodgdon shows in their on-line "Data center" for a 175gr SMK over IMR4895 (and yes i double checked that it was NOT H4895) that STARTS at 41.0gr with a Max of 45gr !!
something tells me i should disregard the IMR data.

anyway i would like some advice and/or other sources of data for this combo.

further info that may or may not be relevant...

Brass is Prvi Partizan and the primers are WLRs (got 3K of em, compared to 50 Fed 210)

thank you all in advance for any info or advice you can give. and let me know if i need to provide any more data.

 

[Martyk]

I really like the hodgdon website http://www.hodgdon.com/

Go to their reloading data center. It's pretty slick to use.

 

[JDGray]

Heres another source

http://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html
http://www.6mmbr.citymaker.com/f/Sierra308Win.pdf

 

[Detritus]

I really like the hodgdon website http://www.hodgdon.com/

Go to their reloading data center. It's pretty slick to use.

that's the source i mentioned that lists data that caused me concern, and the reason i started this thread.

the listed starting load there is 41grs of 4895

whereas Lee and Sierra show Max loads of 42.5 and 41.5 Grs respectively

But then the Data shown "on-site" at 6mmbr.com shows a 43gr load....

I've been away from Rifle cartridge reloading for awhile and previously the data i could find was no where near this divergent.

I mean out of the 4 sources i have been able to find showing a load for IMR 4895 + 175 SMK, two show loads that the other two (as i understand it) are saying are WAY too hot. :banghead:

I'm just looking for concensus, IS the data at the IMR site legit, with Lee and sierra just being overly cautious? or is the IMR/hodgdon data way outta wack and i should disregard it completely??

thanks for the input so far guys. please keep it coming

 

[bullseye308]

Lee doesn't do their own testing, they use data they get from others. Most folks have good luck with the Hodgdon online info. Start with the Hodgdon start load and work your way up and see what your rifle tells you.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I've been using the load data at hodgdon, with IMR 4064 and 168 gr SMK's, .308. The listed max is 45.9 grains, I've gone up to 44.5, no problems, although the recoil was stout. Sierra max's at 43.5 and lee, shoot they max at 42.5. I'm not going anywhere near 45.9 grains, but 44.5 was completely safe, primers looked fine.

If I were you detritus, I'd start with 43 grains, should be perfectly safe and push'em up over 2600 fps, which is what you want.

Also, the sierra load guide list's the max with H-4895 and 168 SMK's at 39.9 grains. I've been using 42.3 grains, per my Lee 2nd edition book, with very good results. I think those other sources use older data and/or they are being conservative.

 

[Detritus]

Most folks have good luck with the Hodgdon online info. Start with the Hodgdon start load and work your way up and see what your rifle tells you.

cool, that's pretty much what i needed to know. thanks

I'll go ahead and do my first batch tonight.

 

[jpwilly]

My 48th Edition Lyman shows IMR4895 for 175 FMJBT as 39gr start and 43.5 max.

 

[Jim Watson]

I am told that the difference in loads is at least partly due to the brass used. Sierra is said to use Federal brass which has a reputation for softness. People shooting Lapua or Winchester brass routinely exceed Sierra data. I am loading Varget a grain below Hodgdon's maximum in Lapua brass with no "pressure signs", and am still above Sierra's maximum. But Hodgdon's maximum is MAXIMUM and does give "pressure signs" in some guns.

I don't know how P.P. brass compares to other brands, so start at the starting load.

 

[Detritus]

I don't know how P.P. brass compares to other brands

word i hear is that it's on the soft side, we'll see.

If i had enough LC on hand i'd use that instead, but i only have about 40 pieces. On the other hand i got 74 once fired and 66 factory rounds remaining of the PPU.

 

[USSR]

Detritus,

I also am not familar with P.P. brass. As I recall, LC weighs in the neighborhood of 180gr. What does the P.P. weigh?

Don

 

[Detritus]

As I recall, LC weighs in the neighborhood of 180gr. What does the P.P. weigh?

I'll see if i can tinker my way to an estimate on that. i'm using a Lee safety scale and have no access to a digital.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Out of all the factory brass that I have loaded, I'm having the best luck with Remington, then Winchester, then Federal. Federal is soft, the primer pockets open after just 3 or 4 loadings, then its shot. I've got some Prvi brass, for some odd reason it won't chamber after neck sizing, even after its been fired in my rifle. My Remington's chamber just fine after neck sizing. I'm having to full length size the prvi brass, which is a bummer.

 

[zeke]

There is a significant difference in various 308 brass construction. In weight, thickness, volume and ductility.

just weighed some last night, no primer and trimmed to min lenght.

win=about 157.5 grains
Fed match=176 grains
Rem=166 grins
LC 71=182 grains

Am betting on substancial volume difference between Win and Fed, with a resulting difference in max charge weights. The thikness differences at the necks are also noticable.

 

[243winxb]

start low and work up with the powder charge. The difference in the brass will make the biggest difference on what your final maximum charge will be.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I shot my loads at 44 grains yesterday, compared to my loads at 42.5 grains, with IMR 4064, accuracy went down. I'm getting 1.25" groups at 100 yds with 44 grains, I got .5" groups with 42.5 grains. I'm going back to 42.5, its a good load.