Reloading M-160 (frangible) bullets for .308 question

[TonyDedo]

I'm trying to get some inexpensive (relatively) trigger time on my new M14, so I've been cruising the reloading components. I came across some super cheap M-160 108.5 gr bullets (green/white tip) which I think may do the trick. The problem is, I can find very little information on reloading these bullets, no one seems to have much experience with them, and the only reloading data I can find uses bulk surplus powders I can't find.

Can anyone offer some insight on reloading/shooting these bullets? I'm looking for reloading data, accuracy expectations, cautionary tales - anything you've got.

I'm primarily looking for something I can shoot indoors over the winter, so accuracy is only needed to 25 yards, and maybe 100 yards every once in a while. Plus the idea of a lighter bullet/lower recoil is appealing for new and smaller shooters. And I'd imagine low velocity frangible bullets may be better for certain indoor ranges.

Thoughts?

 

[rcmodel]

I would think you could use any 110 grain bullet load data with them. Any reloading manual will have .308 110 grain data in it.

Speer lists 26.0 grains of IMR-4198 as giving 1,927 FPS as a starting load.

I have no idea if they would cycle the action on an M1A but I kind of doubt they would.

 

[NCsmitty]

I would guess that a light pistol powder load is what you are looking for.
10 gr. of Unique will give you around 1600 fps. There are several fast burning powders that will work for you. A Lyman load manual would be a good reference.
It certainly won't cycle your M14.

NCsmitty

 

[rcmodel]

I have no idea what the bore friction of the frangable bullets would be like.

That is why I did not suggest using light pistol power cast bullet data.

You don't want to stick one in the bore of your new M1A I betcha!

 

[goon]

I'd also go with standard loadings for a 110 grain bullet and carefully work up from there.
I had some frangibles that I also loaded up and shot one time. I'm out of them now and don't have a use for anymore but IIRC, they shot fine from the FAL I used them in at the time.

 

[springymf]

These m160 projectiles seem to be an aluminum alloy. Soft as all get out. I carve little figurines out of them with my pocket knife. The army manual states a 1300 fps speed, which keeps them from melting when fired. I shot some at 2200 fps, at a target at 50 yards, and never figured out where the bullet went. If you use 110 gr bullet data, you're going to be pushing 3000 fps, plus the bullet will be way down in the case where a 110 wouldn't go, upping the pressure even more. I've got an email into IMR to see if they have any suggestions - powders. The army loading is 105 gr of SR 8074. That is a huge weight of powder for a 308. Be careful. I'll post any info I get on these bullets.

 

[NCsmitty]

I've got an email into IMR to see if they have any suggestions - powders. The army loading is 105 gr of SR 8074. That is a huge weight of powder for a 308. Be careful. I'll post any info I get on these bullets.

NCsmitty