Reduced load 308 & IMR 4064

[mikeinct]

I'm trying to put together a reduced load for the 308 win. in a light weight sporter. I'll be using the Sierra 125 grain spitzer bullet. I'm liking about 74% of Max load in three dif. Manuals. I'm coming up with 34.5 to 36.5 grains of IMR 4064. Does that sound right to any experienced reloaders ? Mike in Ct

 

[corning]

I've never done a reduced load with 4064. When I started competitive High Power Rifle, I practiced with a reduced load of 3031. After my first match, I recognized that that was not one of the best things I could have done for the following reasons: 1) recoil was very different with my competition load, 2) zeros were useless going between the two loads. 3) because of 1 & 2, I was pretty much at ground zero for my first match. I recognized the error of my ways after my first shot. What an eye opener that was.

My recommendation would to be use a "full" load. It will be what you practice with, and what you use for whatever you intend to use it for, unless of course, it will be your "all around" load. In that case, ignore my comments.

 

[mikeinct]

It will be for the ladies/the kids too !! [using a Lt Wt sporter] to practice on steel offhand 200 & 300 meters Plus plinking & maybe close range deer hunting. thanks ,mike in ct

 

[RegionRat]

https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/h4895-reduced-rifle-loads.pdf

https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/trail-boss-reduced-loads-2018.pdf

See if there is something you can use in these pointers from Hodgdon.
Not all powders are safe for underloading, so don’t make any assumptions without some good research from trustworthy sources.

 

[watercam]

I agree, you may as well get used to what you are going to feel in competition. Not to mention the full load will probably be more accurate to boot assuming you are using bullets in the 155 - 175 gr. class.

 

[chkunz]

Also, do not go below the minimum load in the manual. For some slow burning powders this is a big (KABOOM) problem. Be sure you research carefully before getting into that possibility.

 

[divingin]

Not that you should, but I've been shooting 37 to 38 grains of IMR 4064 behind a 175 SMK. 37gns last weekend had a pair of consecutive 5 shot groups about a quarter inch CTC.

 

[chromatica]

H4895 is the go-to powder for reduced loads. For .308 Winchester, the Hodgdon Reloading Manual gives a load range of 45.0 to 49.0gr of H4895 for 125 gr Sierra SP. Take 60% of the max load as your starting point. Expect a velocity around 1800 fps. Work your way up looking for accuracy nodes. This only works for H4895!

 

[JFrank]

Yo
Uncle mike”

FYI
I’m running 44.2 gr H4895 under a 155 Lapua Senar At way over 2800 FPS in my Tikka 308.
Kicks like a small mule.

Don’t be a stranger call once in awhile
Jim

 

[K22]

I use 40.0 grains of H4895 with a Nolser 125 BT - light recoil and very accurate in my Rem 700. The Hornady 125 SST is also very accurate with this powder charge. Both Clock about 2600 f/s which is adequate for deer out to 200 yards.

 

[littlebuddybr]

H4895 is the go-to powder for reduced loads. For .308 Winchester, the Hodgdon Reloading Manual gives a load range of 45.0 to 49.0gr of H4895 for 125 gr Sierra SP. Take 60% of the max load as your starting point. Expect a velocity around 1800 fps. Work your way up looking for accuracy nodes. This only works for H4895!

This is what you want. I did the same thing you're after 25 years ago when I was playing with the 308. I know I was on the lower side with the 4895.
I also shot some really small groups with the 125gr ballistic tip.

 

[chkunz]

H4895 is the go-to powder for reduced loads. For .308 Winchester, the Hodgdon Reloading Manual gives a load range of 45.0 to 49.0gr of H4895 for 125 gr Sierra SP. Take 60% of the max load as your starting point. Expect a velocity around 1800 fps. Work your way up looking for accuracy nodes. This only works for H4895!

60% of the max load is below, way below, the Manual minimum load of 45.0.

 

[riflewoman]

The “KABOOM” problem with slow powders is kinda limited to big cases and small bores like the 270 Weatherby and 7mm Magnums. 308 isn’t generally affected.

That said, it is a real concern but 4064 isn’t a slow enough powder to give the problem. However, 4064 isn’t a powder that has given good results in reduced loads either. 4895 and particularly H4895 does give good results as would 4227 within their limits.

 

[cw308]

I'm using a mild load 40.8grs of IMR 4046 with a Sierra 168MK . It's my 200 yard load . Even though it's a mild load the powder fills the case to the base of the case using Federal brass .

 

[lb-ft]

I’ve shot 308 for years. Love it.

Didn’t think it could get any better. Then I tried two things.

Vv135 or 748 or H322 or RL10x with 125 TNT. Though “full power” loads, recoil is GREATLY reduced. An unexpected bonus is that this load, even with the BC of a kitchen toaster, knocks down the rams @ Raton with great regularity.

H322 with 150/155 class. Published data, my load is in neighborhood of 38 grs. EXCEPTIONAL accuracy (worst load during development was still under half MOA), plenty of power and no where near 168 SMK recoil. The faster powder really helps. After about 200 168s /175s in a weekend, I’m not having fun anymore. Not so with H322 and 150 or 155. I’ve burned through 300 in a weekend and regretted not having more.

I tried a third load too. 150 Berry’s plated FP 30-30 bullet with max charge of Trailboss. Recoil is literally nonexistent, accuracy is surprisingly good, it’s near impossible to heat the barrel, and it’s dirt cheap. 1,000 on sale are under $100 shipped. My 60# 8 yr old can’t get enough of these. Good out to 200 yards.

Enjoy. The 308 is supremely versatile. Heck, I’ve even shot .310 lead buck in front of pistol powder. Only other cartridge on the planet that might be more versatile is the ‘06.

 

[JackT]

My son and I have used 42 gn of RL 15 with a Nosler 150 BT and it felt relatively soft and had great accuracy (consistent sub 0.25" five shot groups off sand bags). Measured velocity was approximately 2700 fps. This is the starting load in the Nosler manual for the 150 BT using RL 15.


Note: I had reserve about the recoil of a 308 WIN after having heart surgery and gave the rifle to my son having decided that a 7mm Br would better suit me. We spent a couple of hours at the range when I decided to try the 308 WIN before saying adios and was surprised at how soft the recoil felt.

He brought it to Wyoming back in Sept and we both scored antilopes with the rifle using the load noted above.

I may go buy another Sako just like the one I gave him simply because I really like the soft recoil.

 

[Zero333]

If you're stuck with imr4064...

With the 125gr Sierra SP... Quickload shows 40 gr generates roughly 30,000 psi and 2,520 fps form 24" bbl, & 86% powder burned. 2.700" COAL.

I wouldn't bother trying anything less than 40 gr. for it will not burn clean and case will not seal so you'll get tons of soot in the chamber.

 

[AJC]

The lyman casting manual has the most reduced loads that i know of. I have the book and for the price may be worth your time to pick one up. Trail boss is the go to for everyone at my range when looking for very low recoil loads for the kids or just for fun. A 45-70 turns into a kitten with trail boss.

 

[topsail86]

When my son was young, I loaded a 125 Sierra over 20 gr 2400. Was good for deer to 150+ yards. No recoil.

 

[divingin]

60% of the max load is below, way below, the Manual minimum load of 45.0.

It is, but Hodgdon has a section on using 4895 for reduced loads.

It says:

Hodgdon Powder Company has found that H4895 can be loaded to reduced levels. H4895 was chosen because it is the slowest burning propellant that ignites uniformly in reduced charges. To create reduced loads, the 60% formula is recommended. Find the H4895 load in the Reloading Data Center for your caliber and bullet. Take the maximum H4895 charge listed and multiply by 60% (.6). The load may be adjusted up from there to achieve the desired velocity and accuracy. This works only where H4895 is listed. DO NOT use in a cartridge where H4895 is not shown. Example: 30-06 cartridge with 125 gr. Sierra SP bullet. Max load shown in the Reloading Data Center with H4895 is 53.7 grains. 53.7 X .6 = 32.2 grains. The shooter begins with this load, and may work up from there to obtain the desired velocity and accuracy for his reduced load. Call Hodgdon Powder Company if additional information is needed, 913-362-9455.