Whoops, wrong bullets. Still usable?

[Mr. Rowdy]

Did a search already, got some info. But need some further clarification.

Loading for my .308 Win. While dealing with two kids, a feeble shop owner and a guy that wouldn't stop chatting my ear off, I managed to bring home Hornady 160 grain FTX bullets meant for a 30-30.

After searching here I found at least a couple people who have made a similar mistake and claim to have still used them.

Now, the cannelure on these bullets is quite high toward the ogive. No big deal, don't really need that anyhow. Figured that I would just start with 165 grain load data and work up. After taking some measurements and pushing a bullet into an empty case, I don't think this is going to work unless I really short up the COL.

These bullets are boat tails. After seating to 2.8" COL I measured what of the bullet stuck out of the case to see how much was actually being held by the case neck. Came up with .12", not enough due to the boat tail. If I was to seat to a COL of at least 2.700" I would feel better.

Can anyone out there give me some feedback on this?

 

[Joe's]

Rowdy,
They will definitely work. What you'll need to do is get a hold of the newest Hornady manual or look on their website for loading specs.

The FTX bullets use a shorter case length and a different COL.

Excellent bullet if you load them correctly.

Be Well,
Joe's

 

[Mr. Rowdy]

Downloading from Hornady as we speak. We shall see. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[FROGO207]

That should be no problem to use them. You are correct in using next heavier load data and working up. The rule of thumb is to load with at least one caliber of length inside the neck (making contact) to get good neck tension. With your firearm being a 308 you may have to load even shorter due to the blunt nose of that bullet hitting the rifling when long loaded. I would make up a test round with a bullet and no primer/propellant to make sure it fits first thing then do your load work up. I NEVER crimp my bullets in rifle rounds unless they are used in tubular fed firearms. They are more accurate that way I have found in my firearms. Be aware the 30-30 bullets will expand at lower velocities as they are designed to do that but should work well otherwise in a 308.

 

[Mr. Rowdy]

After a lot of reading and making a couple dummy test rounds like you said, FROG, I loaded to 2.700". This was a little shy of 2.750" which is what was listed for 165 grain rounds, but seemed to give me good bearing surface. I loaded a little lighter than starting loads for the 165 grain due to the shorter COL.

These bullets are listed up to 2600 fps. Going to work the load up to around 2500.

They look a little silly with the cannelure being so far above the case neck, but who cares? I did crimp them using a Lee Factory Crimp Die. Mainly because of the slightly short bearing surface and because they will be used in a Zastava M77 AK variant.

I'll report back after I shoot them today, but thanks for the help.

 

[FROGO207]

FWIW the OAL listed is usually the MAX length. You can load shorter but then the pressure will be higher at the MAX load so one has to work up carefully to just below it. Using the next heavier bullet weight will keep pressure low as well. I once used up a box of 170 grain 30-30 bullets in my 30-06 because that is what .308 bullet I had on hand to load that week and wanted something to shoot at the range.

 

[Rogerl830]

I have been thinking of buying a That exact same gun ( Zastava M77). Did u get the stock adapter for it? How are liking it?