.308 Win. question

[thomis]

I loaded some .308's for the first time last night. My data is from an old Lyman book (44th Edition I think).
Anyhow, I used IMR 4064 and the range was from 43 to 48 grains. I started at 46.5 and it came really close to the top of the case. I seated the bullets on them anyways but it looks like a compressed load. Is this normal? The only bullets I've loaded like that were .44 mag.

 

[243winxb]

Yes its normal. As little as 42.5grs is compressed. Hodgdon maximum loads for IMR 4064 all have a " C" Meaning compressed loads. http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp You may want to try IMR 4895, works well in the 308win with 150gr bullets.

 

[375shooter]

I loaded some .308's for the first time last night. My data is from an old Lyman book (44th Edition I think).
Anyhow, I used IMR 4064 and the range was from 43 to 48 grains. I started at 46.5 and it came really close to the top of the case. I seated the bullets on them anyways but it looks like a compressed load. Is this normal? The only bullets I've loaded like that were .44 mag.

It is normal for the case to be filled when loading rifle cartridges using powders that are on the slow(burning rate) side.

Really when you handloading for a cartridge for the first time you should start with the starting load. That would be 43 grains not 46.5.

Another good powder for the .308 IMHO is Varget.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Another good powder for the .308 IMHO is Varget.

Agreed. I like Varget in the .30-06 for the 150 grain bullets as well. Varget is great, and very versatile.

 

[Remo-99]

If your really conserned about compressing powder then a step or so faster powder would give a lower volume fill.

With Varget alot of my loads in 308win are compressed particularly the lighter bullets. 50gr comes most the way up the necks, even when settled with a droptube etc.
And that much powder in a 308win case really launches 100-130 grainers.
I like the way it performs so I just got used to the idea of crunching that stuff in.

 

[243winxb]

compressed loads

The powder companys go to a lot of trouble to get the right shape and size of powder, to much compression can not be good, dont over do it.

Shape and size have a profound effect on the burning rate and power generation of a powder

is shaped by extrusion and cut into specified lengths. The granules are screened to ensure consistency,

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/april2002/mccord.htm#table1

 

[Jaybird78]

Varget .........for the win!

 

[delta5]

I use BL-C(2) with 150 gr bullets and my FAL loves them. I use the starting load and I get consistent 2700 fps velocity and they cycle perfectly. I did buy a pound of Ramshot TAC the other day and am hoping to try it soon.

 

[Grumulkin]

When the load range listed is 43.0 to 48.0 grains of IMR 4064 WHY would you "start" at 46.5 grains? No only might the pressure be excessive but you might also miss the sweet spot where accuracy is at it's best. You should start at the lower end of the listed load range and work up watching for signs of excess pressure. The bullet, powder lot, case brand or lot, etc. are all going to be different than what was used for the Lyman data; that's why you ALWAYS should start lowish and work up.

By the way, IMR 4064 in my experience works quite well for the 308 Winchester.

 

[Maj Dad]

Be Careful With GI Brass

If you use GI brass, be very cautious working up loads. Great brass, heavy duty and loads well, but it has less capacity than commercial brass and thus will have increased pressure for the same load vs. commercial. Definitely do not go above the starting load, and consider dropping it by 5-10%. I learned the hard way: had to beat the bolt open with a piece of 2x4. Heed this or risk consequences...

 

[thomis]

my experience with loading my .243 was always that closer to the higher end of the charge gave better results, and also using IMR 4064. thanks fellas, I got what I needed.

 

[walteray]

46 grn varget with 168 grn SMK perfect for my 20 inch barrel
52 grns varget with the 168 smk for 30-06 shoots excellent sub moa out of my buddys mossberg but i started with 42 grns and worked up from there

 

[gregpo]

+1 on varget for 308. pretty forgiving powder

 

[chache]

walteray,
what kind of velocities are you getting from your 20" barrel? anywhere near 2700?

i started my testing yesterday for my 20" .308 using varget. although, i am using a 168 amax, i believe our bullet selections are fairly similiar. i was only recieving 2550 f/s with 98% of max load, which i decided was 46gn. based on multiple loading sources.

just wondering if 2700f/s is even possible from that short of a barrel before i go there. my best groups were using 92% of max around 2400. maybe that is the velocity my gun likes. just curious???

 

[243winxb]

308 Winchester Prvi Partizan Brass

High pressure has been seen a few times in 308 Win. Prvi Partizan Brass using starting loads. Becareful, start low on the powder charge and work up, always. Here is a link to one with photos. https://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=501655

 

[grubbylabs]

I am new to reloading as well, but I have had really good results from loading 43 grns of IMR 4064 under a 165 grn BTSP I am using the Speer #13 book. It does not list this load as becoming compressed but it only goes up to 45 grns.