compressed load

308Loader

New member
Looking at my hornady book for 125 gr sst load, it shows 46.4 gr of imr 4895 @2900 fps. Pretty Shure that will be squishing down on the powder when I seat the bullet. Any thing I should know before trying this out? I will be using lc brass, cci br2 primers 125gr sst bullet. shooting out of rem700 26in heavy barrel, 1-12 twist. hogdon site shows up to 48gr, I don't know that all that will fit on the case! I tried this with up to 44gr, so far no overpressure signs. The bullets start drifting to the right @200yrds as the powder charge goes up is this normal?
 
I assume you are talking about .308 Wins of course. Otherwise you would have changed your forum name to something like .30-06Loader or as appropriate. :) But yes, 46.4 gr is pushing max if that is the way you want to go. The Lyman 49th shows 47gr 4895 as max with a 125 but is not quite near the highest psi of the bunch. The 47gr charge is not shown as compressed.
 
Last edited:
Drop tubes help. Be aware that bulk density of powder varies from lot-to-lot and with how much vibration it has been subjected to in transport.

droptube_zpsd1504b97.jpg
 
>Pretty Shure that will be squishing down on the powder when I seat the bullet. Any thing I should know before trying this out?

Compressed powder is not an issue, though the manual should note that it is compressed load.
First, work UP to that load from the starting load. If the manual only lists max loads, reduce the charge by 10-12% for a start load. Check several other manuals and start at the lowest starting load you can find. Never ever assume that any load is NOT a misprint--you can always call the bullet and powder manufacturer for verification/load recommendation. Use a drop tube, if you need to.
 
What I do when wondering if powder will fit . I poor 46.6gr of powder in a case and see if it fits . I'll grab a spent primer and re-seat it in a sized case .

Compressed loads are not a big deal but you can bulge the brass if you compress to much or the bullet could work it's way out a tad do to the compression . Both of those would need to be very compressed for that to happen though .

I was loading 190gr smk in a 308 case using 4350 . Every time I sat the bullet I could hear CRUNCH inside the case . I gave up on that combo but do plan to try again with even a heavier bullet . 208gr A-Max :eek:
 
There are a lot of powders out there. Why not look for a powder with lower pressure and with the velocity you are looking for with a better fit. You can use the long drop tubes but pour slowly and tap the case to help settle the powder. It sounds like you might be trying to get the highest velocity. What good is velocity if you don't have accuracy.
 
Back
Top