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CoalCrackerAl
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You need one of these. 
jmorris
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Or the search function. Probably not any 308 load data for that bullet in the book above either.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/160gr-hornady-ftx-308-308-win.706167/
They are intended for the 30-30, thus the lack of 308 load data.
You can go here,
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center
And find load data for that bullet using CFE223 but it’s for 30-30 Winchester, not 308.
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/160gr-hornady-ftx-308-308-win.706167/
They are intended for the 30-30, thus the lack of 308 load data.
You can go here,
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center
And find load data for that bullet using CFE223 but it’s for 30-30 Winchester, not 308.
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CoalCrackerAl
Member
Maybe this will help. It's from Hornadly's 10th. They use the same data for a verity of their bullets. No 160 grain listed. So i posted for 150-155 and 165-168 grain. Work with low-mid range and check for pressure signs.
As said that bullet is designed for .30-30, that also means more than a lack of appropriate data, it means that at .308 velocities, it's likely going to shatter on impact like a varmint bullet, if I were loading lite loads I'd probably like that one just fine but would NOT be doing so with cfe223. Now that that all has been said..... Get a manual and study up on all the basics and best practices of reloading. I loan out my Lyman manual a lot because the first couple sections address the things you should know before starting better than the online data sources. Once you've done this, if these are the only components you have to work with, and if I were in your shoes with MY OWN GUN AND SETUP I would start with data for the 165 on hodgdon's, and stop before I hit 50.5gr. The better option would be to try to locate something that you actually have data for and start with a basic work up with established data.
Bingo!
CoalCrackerAl
Member
Your welcome.
Welcome to the wonderful, oft confusing and frustrating world of reloading. I'm not going to attempt to give you a "lesson" on reloading, just a hint for a new reloader. First and foremost is a reliable source of info/data. For absolute beginners I recomment "The ABCs of Reloading" for basic methods and component and equipment info. I prefer published reloading manuals but many like on-line data from powder/bullet manufacturers. But I usually throw in my "Rule #1" here that I've used for a few decades (and suggest to beginners) ; I pay no attention to any load data I see on any forum or pet loads website, nor hear from any range rat, gun counter clerk, good intended friend or gun shop guru. I get my load data (powder, powder charges, OAL, etc.) from published reloading manuals. I started reloading in 1969 and often listened to the old fellers at the gun shop talk reloading. I soon discovered that, just like fishermen, reloaders can exagerate a bit (higher velocities and smaller groups) so I went to the library and looked in reloading texts and manuals. This has worked quite well for me as I have had one squib, and no kabooms...
Go slow. Double check everything. Most important, have fun...
Go slow. Double check everything. Most important, have fun...
Dale Alan
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I use that bullet in .308 , I load it at 30-30 speeds with reduced loads with H4895 . If using it for hunting you want to stay within the speeds it is designed for . I am guessing with your chosen powder you can't drop enough speed for hunting , according to internet chatter. That does not always reflect real world experience , You can shoot them at paper or steel . with nothing to worry about . I like them for reduced loads for the fact the bullet takes up a lot case volume . making up for lack of powder volume .
AJC1
Member
If terminal ballistics are important then get the correct bullet. If your range shooting follow standard procedure and work up to accuracy.
You might find someone who is willing to trade you for a more appropriate bullet.
Or hold on to them until you get a little more experience.
As a beginner try to run powder type and bullet weights that are commonly used in the cartridge.
CFE223 spikes pressure very quickly in my experience. I went from no pressure signs to blowing primers inside listed data.
H4895, IMR4064, and Varget are 3 staple powders in 308.
150, 165, 168,175, and 178 grain bullets not meant for 30-30 or 300 Blackout are your best bet.
If you search 308 and one of the powders and bullet weight listed. You will find a lot more info.
There are many other powders that are great in 308 also. I just listed what I consider the best 3.
CoalCrackerAl
Member
I like Varget and H4895 too. I have not tried the 4064. I'll grab a bottle and try it. Always up to trying new powders to me.
My friends run Varget. I run 4064. We get very little difference in velocity and accuracy. We've both been lucky enough to not run out.
jmorris
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Hard to beat experience, are you seating it to the cannelure? If not what was your seating depth?
valleyforge.1777
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I use CFE 223 powder to load 30-30 rounds and it works very well for me. Hornady has load data and so does hodgden for 150 grain and 170 grain bullets.
He's looking for 308 data using 30-30 bullets.
It does work well in 30-30.
In the 60,000 psi cartridges I've run it in. You had better be careful. But the velocity and accuracy are worth it.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Instead of buying the 160gr FTX 30-30 bullets #30395 I would have bought the 160gr FTX bullets #30396 used in the .308 Marlin Express if you really want to use the FTX bullet. You can safely use the load data for a 165gr bullet.
Dale Alan
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Yes, to the cannelure . They jump a long ways, maybe 150 or more . I tested from 5 jam down to the cannelure and found they preferred to jump which was exactly what I had hoped for so I could use up case volume .
FWIW; I have used "30-30 only" bullets in my 308 and Garand. I'm not hunting anything that bleeds so terminal performance is secondary. I have put together some very accurate loads for my 308 Ruger using some Hornady 160 gr FTX (?)...
AJC1
Member
Bullets are like powder in my opinion and are designed around certain operating parameters. If you are using 30 30 bullets drive them to that speed range and everything will work as designed. Understanding those velocity ranges and then loading to achieve them is the only obstacle here, there is no magic.
Nipty
Member
Yeah goggle will bring up some. Or buy a book on the bullet manufacturer load data book. Like others are saying. Or go right to powder manufacturer sites. And they have data punch in your bullets I info. As others stated above. Free information is out there. However having the book at home is a good thing . Ya never know when you may have. O power or service and are reloading by daylight. Being prepared never hurt.
Spare Parts
Member
Welcome. We were all "new" at one time. Another poster observed the 160ftx is meant for 30-30 speeds.
What do you want to do with your .308? My .308 is 3-for-3 against deer with 180gr handloads. Bang - Flop. I'm using Fed TBT and Hornady ELD-X, both in 180gr. H4895 and CFE-223 - it's good to be omnivorous. My rifle likes 2600fps, YMMV.
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