Stuck at low velo for .308

Nik, it depends on your bottom metal. If its steel, you might want to see 60 inch pounds. Mine is aluminum, so Im using 13 inch pounds. Its enough to where I don't have to re-sight when I put the action back in and it seems sturdy enough to hold it.

Have not figured out the deal on Reloder 15 availability. Ive never had an issue in finding it, but some areas don't seem to want to stock it.
I started out with BLC and 4064, both of which work for me, but I got to talking with my supplier who used to compete and he suggested I try it. I had been using Reloder 12 but its long gone. He thought it might work in a longer barrel and turns out he was right.

One of the things he taught me was to look at the recommended powders for the caliber I am loading for, and pick the 3 with the highest starting velocity. One of them will work best for you and the other two wont be bad. Why that is, I have no clue, but that advice has served me well for many years in a number of calibers.
 
@ David N- I assume by bottom metal you mean the bedding block? If that is the case I believe that mine is Al as well.

I also have a question about the "highest starting velocity" statement. Is starting velocity the lowest recommended for that powder and bullet combo? For instance Sierra recommends a starting load for their 168 SMK over 38.8gr of RE-15 for a muzzle velocity of 2400fps. However for BL-C(2) they don't list a weight for that velocity, instead the starting load for that powder is 42.7gr for a velocity of 2500fps, 2400fps isn't even an option.

Is this what you mean by highest starting? I would pick the BL-C(2) over RE-15?
 
Why do we ask?

55.2 Gr. of IMR4064 in a 308 case, did you realy do that.
Click to expand...
- Yes. I did. Hodgdon lists maximum load for 308 to be 55.6 for the 175 SMK and 55.2 for the 180 SMK. I really didn't see any pressure signs on the cases as I have with other powders.

Why do you ask?
Click to expand...

I think he asks because he wants to know, and so do I, HOW DID YOU GET 55gr of IMR 4064 INTO A .308 WIN CASE????

Something is not adding up to me. I thought your load must have been a typo, but you repeated it a couple times, so....How did you do it?

I've been reloading the .308 Winchester since 1973, and no case I ever used, military or civilian would hold that much powder. 52-53grs fills them up to the case mouth.

I will admit I have not looked at current Hogdon data, but in 30 years of reloading the .308 WIN, NO maker I ever heard of ever listed a load like that. Did they change the weight of IMR4064? I just don't see how it can be anything but a mistake...

55grs of IMR4064 with a 175/180 is 10 grains OVER listed maximums I have used for 30 years (45gr+/-). Not only will it not fit in the case (without some magic I am unaware of (and I know about tapping and long drop tubes)), but it is about 25% above every safe working max I have ever seen. It is above the listed max for the .30-06 loads by about 10%! :eek:

So please, inquiring minds want to know, how did you do it? And with no pressure signs?
 
Annnnndd... my typing/proofreading skills have embarrassed me yet again. Focused on the ones and tenths digit of the number not the tens... no. I didn't load 55.2gr. It was 45.2 and I apologize for the misinformation.

I assume I would be wearing part of my receiver as a forehead hood-ornament had I packed that much powder into a .308 case. I am much more careful when reloading than I am posting.
 
its ok nik, it could happen to any of us. But it does illustrate a point, and that is to NEVER take loading data on the internet at face value.

Always cross check it against at least one printed source. And then, check it again!
 
Nik, by bottom metal, I'm referring to the floor plate. If you have one which you can open from the bottom and remove the cartridges in the magazine without having to cycle the bolt-called a hinged floor plate. If its stock Remington, its aluminum. Some folks like the steel floor plate for the strength.

Starting velocity is indeed the lowest powder charge for a given bullet/powder combination. That is where you start and work up from there. BLC-2 is one of the original powders for the 7.62x51 cartridge and is a good powder if you like ball type. Starting load, according to the on line H manual is 44 grains behind a 168 grain SMK.
 
60-65 IN/LBS for the action bolts. Looks like you 2.83 load was the best OAL for that run. What was your charge weight and velocity?

I am running the 175 SMK and the 175 Berger OTM at 44.4 and 44.6 in Lapua brass without pressure issues. 2677 for the SMK'S and a bit slower for the Bergers.
 
@David N- Oh I've never heard it called that before. Yes its stock Remington so it is Al.

@rduckwor- I'm going to try to be really careful here because I have gotten myself in trouble before with my stats... I am seating a 178 A-Max over 45.2gr IMR 4064 in Lapua brass with a WLR primer and I will probably start to play with the 2.83" and the 2.86". I have a friend with a chrono but he wasn't at the range last weekend when I went so I can't tell you my velocity. Based on the info from Hodgdon's site I expect the velocity to approach 2700fps but won't know for sure until my friend shows up.
 
Nik f.

With your original OCW workup you didn't see a huge shift in center of group between groups, so that is a good sign to me.

If you don't mind indulging my hunch, try 43.5, 43.8, and 44.1 grs of 4064, OAL 2.85" and see how they group at 200 for you. Load 5 of each.

Jimro
 
44 AMP thanks for the follow up

nik f. Reloading is a safe hobby as long as you double check all you do. Watch your numbers. I target shoot only 200 yards, max for LI NY. IMR 4064 works for me 42.0 Gr OAL 2.800 Remingtons have alot of free bore. at 200 yds 3/4" average group. I would like to try longer distances but it's to far to travel. nik.f don't scare me with your numbers, be safe. Chris
 
Jimro- I'm game. I haven't loaded my rounds for the weekend and I will give those a try and let you know what I find.
 
@Jimro - Sorry it has taken me so long to get back with my results but August has been pretty busy for me so far.

I attached an image of the results of the loads you mentioned in your hunch. Nothing really stood out for me but maybe you have some insight. The targets below are in order of power, starting with 43.5 in the lower right up to 44.1 in the upper left.

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0314.jpg
    IMAG0314.jpg
    131.5 KB · Views: 43
nik, Have you had someone else shoot those same loads on a one of your trips to the range. It happens to us all that we just get into a slump now and then and are unable to group well. Just a thoughtful reminder of something else to do or you could just be spinning your wheels.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top