7.62x51 nato reloading

[lx2008]

hello,

i just bought my first .308 ar. have a few of the 5.56 ar`s but i have never loaded the " .308"

is there a link in this section to loading the nato round in here?
if so, can someone lead me to it?

i have several current load manuals and want to duplicate the m852 using a matchking 168gr bullet. i`m assuming that blc-2 would suffice since i don`t have any mil-surp powder. ( i know they are pretty much the same )

i could just go to my manuals unless one of you guys can reply with one or two of your favorites. i`m not sure of the document # of the miltary load data for the above so if you would know that "TM-" number, i would appreciate that too

thanks for your time!

 

[NuJudge]

Some links

The New Jersey HiPower site has a "Reloading Stuph" tab with a lot of match loads in .223, .308 and .30-'06:
http://www.njhighpower.com

US Army Ammo Data sheets:
http://www.ar15.com/content/webPDF/TM43-0001-27.pdf

 

[medalguy]

Even if you locate the mil spec sheet for 7.62mm NATO ammo, you need to be aware that the load indicated is simply a reference notation. Military powder is made in large lots and each lot is tested to determine the burn rate and the load is adjusted to achieve the desired velocity. With canister grade powder that we used to buy at the local store when we could find it, our powder is adjusted with additives so that every lot of powder has virtually the identical burn rate.

Bottom line: milsurp powder varies from lot to lot and you have to work up a satisfactory load with every lot, and sometimes with each jug. Just so you know.

 

[redbullitt]

Any reason you are looking to duplicate the m852? Chances are you could work up a load that performs better in YOUR rifle.

Win 748, BLC2, CF223, Varget, and many others should do well.

Varget has performed well in every bolt action and semi I have shot with 168 and 175 class bullets. Velocity ranges from 2450 to 2750 depending on rifle setup.

MY 308 gasser gets 42.5g target with 175 class bullets. The bolts usually wind up around 43.2g with 175 class bullets. I have never bothered to shoot any other powder or bullet through it...

Generally the gas rifles seem to like less powder than the bolt actions.

 

[lx2008]

no particular reason to replicate, i just want to.

i have on hand, blc-2, 8208xbr, 4895, and reloader 15.

i believe these should be good enough. i`m sure i could work up a better load
than the military standard but just wanted a good starting point.

 

[W.E.G.]

41.5 grains IMR 4895 with Sierra MatchKing 168 will very closely duplicate military M852 "match" ammo.

 

[judgedelta]

Or 42.7 grains of IMR 4064... But I have used the 41.5 of IMR 4895 a whole bunch in AR's or M1A's.

Depends of what you have or can get.

 

[lx2008]

thanks guys,

appreciate the links and the info!!

 

[30Cal]

Be aware that unlike the 223, you'll generally have to reduce 308 loads by 1-2grs when using surplus mil cases. Same goes for 30-06.

 

[medalguy]

Interesting since I use 41.4 gr of IMR4895 in my M14 and it seems to like that load best for 168 gr. HPBT. I think the load of 41.4 or 41.5 should be the sweet spot for you.

 

[stubbicatt]

I understand OP's question differently maybe than some.

I sometimes put a military scope on my EBR which has a bullet drop compensator built in. I tried to match the velocities of 147 grain ball military ammo so that it will (in theory) work according to plan. Never did verify drop by shooting at distance.

In the end I found that 155 Amax shoot lights out, so at some point I'll need to make different reference marks on the elevation turret next time I get a chance to shoot out to 600 meters.

 

[lx2008]

that brings up a good question then... i planned to put on a M-308 from
Nikon w/ BDC reticle. i really like the M-223 i have on one of my ar`s.

the BDC work perfectly w/ 55 fmj`s when i load it to the original FPS. spec.

would like to do the same w/ the m 308 loaded to the correct velocity.

ANY THOUGHTS?

 

[rduckwor]

I recently shot a friend's Bushmaster with this scope. The eye relief and exit pupil were horrible at high mag. Look it over carefully before you buy.

RMD