Normal powder position of IMR 4064 in .308 case

[Redneck with a 40]

I'm loading 168 gr Matchkings, Federal gold metal brass, at 42.5 grains, the powder is up into the neck, halfway to the top, well above the shoulder. Is this normal, because its making me nervous. I double checked my scale, its right on. Hodgdon list's the max at 45.9, which is compressed. Based on what I'm seeing here, I don't think I could get 45.9 grains in the case.

 

[NCsmitty]

Many of the 308 loads with several powders will be compressed loads and this is normal. Different brands of brass have minutely different case capacities.

NCsmitty

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Ok, cool. Next time I'm gonna run 44.5 grains, keep the velocity near 2700 fps.

 

[bfoosh006]

If you are having trouble fitting all that propellent into the case...you need what is called a "drop tube"...it helps "pack" the powder.

 

[Redneck with a 40]

Just did a little experiment, figured out my Federal cases have less capacity than my Winchester cases. 44.5 grains in the Winchester, gives the same powder level as 42.5 grains in the Federal's. Good thing I didn't try to pack 44.5 grains in the Federal case, that could have been a bad deal.