2400 in 308 win

[ralph2]

Anyone have any experience using 2400 in a bolt 308 win ? My Lee reloading manual shows 25 grains for a 150 fmj bullet. I just loaded up one and ran it through the chronograph at 2363 fps. Primer shoulders were still rounded. I have 3 more now loaded to test for accuracy after the sun gets a little lower.

 

[dprice3844444]

give a check on how clean it is burning

 

[ralph2]

dprice -- I am not sure what you mean but the neck doesn't have as much powder residue as with the slower powder I was using last and there was no unburnt powder in the case

 

[Josh45]

No unburnt powder is a good sign. If im not mistaken. Still rounded primers are a good thing.
No bulges or splits? No other signs of possible pressure?

Sorry no experience here but looking forward to this thread because Im thinking about buying a .308 bolt and to reload for it.

 

[ralph2]

Just shot 3 at about 75 yds. Group was 1.4 inches which is about as good as this gun has ever done (Stevens 200). Group was about 4-5in below where Wolf ammo shoots

 

[1stmarine]

2400 what??? in 308 winchester?

Take some varget and get those 150gr bullets at their average speed that should be past the 2800fps.

 

[35 Whelen]

With cast bullets, 2400 is the ONLY powder I use in my little .308 Scout rifle. The particular cast bullet I use is a 173 gr. HP. I load it over 22 grs. of 2400 and my velocity averages 1853 fps. The load shoots pretty good too (It's the group on the left):

It's a perfect kid load for deer and my daughter and I have killed a half dozen or so whitetails with it. The Lyma 49th Edition manual shows in their .308 cast bullet section a max load of 24.0 grs. of 2400 behind a 200 gr. bullet. Even then they show the pressure to be less than 44,000 PSI which is WAY below SAAMI specs, so you should be plenty safe with the load you're using.
Sorry, I've never tried the load with jacketed bullets.

35W

 

[ralph2]

1stmarine - I shoot mostly handguns and am out of rifle powder and would like to reduce the number of powders I have so if I can get a handgun powder to work reasonably good. 25 grains works out to be a level 1.9cc Lee dipper full so I will most likely continue to use this load when I feel like shooting 308. I prefer ball powders because they are easier to get consistent loads by volume

 

[243winxb]

Lee got the 308 load from Alliants (1999) powder guide. 150gr Spitz bullet-2.600" minimum oal-25.0gr-2400-2215fps-36,700 cup. There are loads for the 30-06 also. I have used 2400-22.0gr in the 30-06 with a 110gr jacketed bullet for the kids to shoot.

 

[1stmarine]

Anyway all you probably need is varget. It is very consistent even in subzero temps. that is why is so popular among hunters.
I see your point though.

 

[snuffy]

1stmarine
Anyway all you probably need is varget. It is very consistent even in subzero temps. that is why is so popular among hunters.
I see your point though.

You are missing the point. The reduced load is easy on young shoulders, and very economical to shoot. Full boat loads can kick hard enough even for older hunters in light scout rifles. The may be easier to carry and quick to the shoulder, but their light weight makes them painful to shoot.

 

[1stmarine]

I said: I see your point though.

 

[joneb]

I have been using Blue Dot for reduced 308 Win. with 125gr Nos BT. These loads are accurate clean and cool.
Groups with this load are sub-moa @ 100 yds. through a Howa 1500.

 

[PreMod70]

IMR 4759 works better, 2400 was design for straight wall cases and high pressures(M-1 Carbines, etc).