748 in .308 for an M14

[Adventurer_96]

I've come to the conclusion that I'm kind of lucky. A friend of mine a couple of years ago gave me three or four cans of 748, even though I wasn't a rifle reloader. Lo and behold, I find myself getting ready to reload match rounds for an M14. (Not a real, Class III one, but an Armscorp)

So, I have all of this 748 on hand, and some 168gr HPBT bullets, and a strong desire to load some target rounds. Am I on the right track? I'm hesitant to load anything for a gas gun until I learn more about the powder burn rate, but what I've read so far says that 748 is a close match to military powder. So, I should be OK to use it up, I'll just need to figure out what the rifle likes. Another bonus is this is the bullet I'm planning on using in my bolt gun, so a nice load that works in both would be excellent, but I don't know if my luck will hold out that long.

Also, I'm looking to buy new USGI brass, or once-fired Match brass. I've found www.gibrass.com as a source, does anyone have any other recommendations? I figure if I'm going to load match ammo I might as well go ahead and spend the money for quality brass.

Any tips, advice, or experience?

 

[Bacchus]

I use 748 for 308 loads and love it. I started at the lower levels and increased charges by about 1 grain. My best loads have occurred in the middle of the range (I don't remember the exact charges). Very good accuracy. I got a bona fide .65" 3 shot group at 100 yards with a stock rifle.

 

[Wil Terry]

748 AND 2520 ARE THE PREFERRED PROPELLENTS FOR MY

NM M14 RIFLE.
It shoots every thing well but for some odd reason it does it's absolute best with Nosler 150gr Ballistic Tips at 2800FPS.

 

[Gordon]

My NM m-14 (mostly GI) dotes on 748 and 168 Sierra Match kings. Mine likes 47.8 grains (mine is NOT yours) and gives about 2500fps and 1/2MOA groups if I am having a real good day. My HK-91, and metric and inch FNFAL's and my old Valmet can not come close to that.

 

[Adventurer_96]

Thanks for the replies.

I hope to have the rifle this week, and I'll load a couple of test rounds after checking accuracy with Federal match ammo.

 

[uglymofo]

http://www.gun-tests.com/performance/dec96reloadrecipes.html

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

Read up on high primers, headspacing and slamfires here.