Could I use leverevolution powder in .308 win? I have some and would like to try it just out of curiosity. I have read (dangerous for me) that it is almost a substitute for varget. I haven't found any published data but is there a safe way to approach this? Does anyone have experience with it?
.308 with leverevolution
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jwrowland77
Member
If there's no data, you can email the powder manufacture. It may be that there's no data, because the powder isn't suitable for the cartridge.
If the powder manufacture doesn't have data, I'd suggest looking for a different powder.
Then you'll have an excuse to go buy another rifle that can use lever evolution. [emoji16]
If the powder manufacture doesn't have data, I'd suggest looking for a different powder.
Then you'll have an excuse to go buy another rifle that can use lever evolution. [emoji16]
gotboostvr
Member
If it's in a bolt gun, I'd say you could probably find a usable load with it. Start low and work your way up.
If it's a semi auto, I'm not sure if I'd bother.
If it's a semi auto, I'm not sure if I'd bother.
jwrowland77
Member
With the data you can find!
W.E.G.
Member
YES.
It will work.
Its slower than Varget, and faster than IMR 4350.
Load for Varget: 150-grain bullet, 45.0 grains = 50,000 PSI at 100% loading density
Load for IMR4350: 150-grain bullet, 46.0 grains = 40,000 PSI at 100% loading density
You do the math.
Basically, at 100% loading density (bullet touching the powder), you're going to be at about 45-46 grains of Leverevolution.
Probably gets around 2500 fps with a 150-grain bullet.
I don't think its possible to load enough Leverevolution into a .308 case to do the gun any harm. Biggest issue you will have is slow velocity. A 150-grain bullet at 2500 fps is nothing to sniff at, but you can definitely get more velocity with a faster powder, and still be within safe pressures.
The only reason why you aren't finding any "published" numbers for Leverevolution in the .308 is because the manufacturer would rather sell you a powder that will deliver better performance in the .308.
SAAMI max for .308 is 60,191 PSI.
Remember, its "LEVER"evolution.
Well suited to give good loading density in bottleneck-cartridge LEVER guns that are usually designed around lower-pressure cartridges.
A full case of Leverevolution with a 150-grain flat-base bullet in a 30-30 is almost right on the button for correct SAAMI pressure.
That Leverevolution is not ideal for .308, by no means signifies that it is incompatible, or that it cannot be used.
I would start with 45.0 grains, and a 150 grain bullet.
If it shoots acceptably, you need look no further.
It will work.
Its slower than Varget, and faster than IMR 4350.
Load for Varget: 150-grain bullet, 45.0 grains = 50,000 PSI at 100% loading density
Load for IMR4350: 150-grain bullet, 46.0 grains = 40,000 PSI at 100% loading density
You do the math.
Basically, at 100% loading density (bullet touching the powder), you're going to be at about 45-46 grains of Leverevolution.
Probably gets around 2500 fps with a 150-grain bullet.
I don't think its possible to load enough Leverevolution into a .308 case to do the gun any harm. Biggest issue you will have is slow velocity. A 150-grain bullet at 2500 fps is nothing to sniff at, but you can definitely get more velocity with a faster powder, and still be within safe pressures.
The only reason why you aren't finding any "published" numbers for Leverevolution in the .308 is because the manufacturer would rather sell you a powder that will deliver better performance in the .308.
SAAMI max for .308 is 60,191 PSI.
Remember, its "LEVER"evolution.
Well suited to give good loading density in bottleneck-cartridge LEVER guns that are usually designed around lower-pressure cartridges.
A full case of Leverevolution with a 150-grain flat-base bullet in a 30-30 is almost right on the button for correct SAAMI pressure.
That Leverevolution is not ideal for .308, by no means signifies that it is incompatible, or that it cannot be used.
I would start with 45.0 grains, and a 150 grain bullet.
If it shoots acceptably, you need look no further.
MarshallDodge
Member
Excellent post W.E.G! Like you said, it isn't the optimum powder but it will give good enough performance if nothing else is available.
GooseGestapo
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Look at the .308Marlin Express data.
Consider start loads as bare minimum and work up. The Marlin cart has a slightly smaller capacity so you won't get in trouble using its data.
LVR is best at lower pressures so won't quite match others such as BLC2, to which it is a close fit. It's perhaps a tad slower than BLC2 so you won't get in trouble using BLC2 starting loads.
Oddly enough, I've seen data for the .308 TC AND .338Fed using LVR.
For its intended purpose it's unexcelled.
Consider start loads as bare minimum and work up. The Marlin cart has a slightly smaller capacity so you won't get in trouble using its data.
LVR is best at lower pressures so won't quite match others such as BLC2, to which it is a close fit. It's perhaps a tad slower than BLC2 so you won't get in trouble using BLC2 starting loads.
Oddly enough, I've seen data for the .308 TC AND .338Fed using LVR.
For its intended purpose it's unexcelled.
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