I am working up a load for my .308 F-TR rifle. At present I have a fair amount of IMR 4064 so I am using that as my base powder. I know that it is more temperature sensitive than Varget but I am going to stay with it as I have it here. I am using new Lapua brass, CCI BR-2 primers, and Sierra 155 Gr Palma Match bullets (#2156). I am loading these to a COAL of 2.800". At present I am at 45.0 Gr. What is surprising me is that the powder is into the case neck a small amount. Every manual I look at indicates that compressed loads with 4064 begin at a higher grain weight than 45.0. I have checked powder weights on both a digital and balance scale and I have those correct. I use a Redding Comp Match seating die and these dies don't like compressed loads. I assume that the case fill I am seeing is due to the thicker brass leading to lower powder capacity? If you have experience with this I would appreciate hearing your thoughts. I have been reloading for 45 years and still need help from time to time. My Dad was my go to guy and an national class competitive shooter. He passed away last August 10th so I am interested in your thoughts on my question. Thanks for reading and any comments you may be able to share.
.308 Reloads with IMR 4064, Lapua Brass, and Sierra 155 Gr Palma Match (2156)
- Thread starter Gun Guy
- Start date
I have been using IMR 4064 for a year now in my Palma rifle and have been happy with it. Yes it is a bit temperature sensitive but I found that it has a wide pressure band that gives good accuracy and velocity. With Lapua Palma brass I use 46.3 gr. with both SMK 2156s and Berger Fullbores. At 50ºF it gives me an average of 2970 with SD of about 10. At 85º velocity comes up to 3010 with the same SD. I have had no pressure signs with this load so far in any temperature up to 90º. Since you are using the LR primers I would drop my load to 46.0 and call it good. Even though this powder is a tad dirtier I have had no accuracy issues (beyond my lack of wind reading skills) over a long weekend of shooting several hundred rounds. Try a drop tube to compress the powder a bit before seating. Even without that I have had no problems seating my bullets to jump .025" with a Fullbore chamber.
Turn your vibrating tumbler on and while holding your finger over the powder filled case lit it vibrate on top of the lid for a couple of seconds. It will settle in the case. Sounds stupid but I had a bunch of Lapua brass for Palma loads that did the same thing. After the first firing it was not an issue.
4064 is the my favorite powder for 308win, i started using a electric toothbrush to vibrate my powder. Place a bullet on the top of the case while in the press and vibrate away.
Also if you can find any CCI200 primer they have paired up really well with IMR4064 in my experience
Also if you can find any CCI200 primer they have paired up really well with IMR4064 in my experience
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