.30 Cal M2 AP bullets

[Skyshot]

I have a bunch of 30-06 M2 AP (black tip) rounds. I was thinking of pulling a few to load in my .308 win. I think these are 168 gr bullets, someone can correct me on that, has anyone loaded any of these in a 308 and what recipe did you use. I was thinking of starting with some varget or BLC-2. Just wanted to see if they had decent accuarcy in a 1:10 twist 22" barrel. And yes I have an 06 also, But they are not to accurate in that rifle.

 

[hancjamk]

I have some old M72 30 cal. Says bullet 173 grains on box.

 

[soloban]

I think they are actually 150 Gr.

 

[memphisjim]

not 150 gr m2ball is the ap are heavier and were often favored by snipers

 

[USSR]

Skyshot,

I think if you weigh them, you will find that they are in the neighborhood of 163 - 165 grain. Because of their tungsten core, they have more bearing surface than a lead core bullet of the same weight. If I were using Varget and loading them in milsurp brass, I would not go above 42.0 grains. If using .308 brass with a greater case capacity, then you could probably load up to 43.0 grains. Just MHO, and YMMV.

Don

 

[Skyshot]

I found this site and it looks to confirm your info USSR. I was thinking of a starting load of around 41 or 42 grns of varget but not sure if that is a good powder for that bullet type,as you say it does have a large bearing surface. Maybe IMR 4895 would be a better choice. Any way, here is the info if interested. http://www.inetres.com/gp/military/infantry/rifle/30_ammo.html

 

[onebigelf]

162-163 gr. I loaded mine using the data for 168 SMK's. I'd have to look to see what charge I used, but I think it's 42gr of Varget.

John