Reloading for .308 WIN

[KArthur]

Because I like to get as much case fill as possible (helps for ignition consistency), I wouldn't use a charge any less than 43 grs. I think you should focus on something like between 43 and 44 grs.

Those chrono numbers, especially the ES's, really don't tell you anything about the cartridge's performance. . . only about your cartridge prep and loading. Like, that ES of 123 and 92 says to me that something if very wrong with powder measurements. Make sure those things are as accurate as possible, or your OCW testing will be difficult to see which charges are going to work for you.

Here's some numbers to give you some idea of what you might see in velocities with cases being filled to different levels:

View attachment 1475956

 

[KArthur]

I can retest the 43gr. It could have been me, but I measured it out twice just to make sure. I can also test 44gr. but the case seemed pretty full with 43gr.

Does a longer barrel increase muzzle velocity our decrease it? Your latest chart is for a 24in barrel. Mine is 22in.

Thanks.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I can retest the 43gr. It could have been me, but I measured it out twice just to make sure. I can also test 44gr. but the case seemed pretty full with 43gr.

I guess only a picture can tell me what "pretty full" looks like. I used a case volume of 55.7 gr H2O, which is close to what I'd call normal for most cases. Some cases are ~1 gr less in volume, which would make the case seem more like you indicate, but still with plenty empty room left with 43.0 grs, and there's probably enough room up to 45.0 grs.

So . . . what brand brass are you using? This'll give me some idea what volume your fired cases have.

Does a longer barrel increase muzzle velocity our decrease it? Your latest chart is for a 24in barrel. Mine is 22in.

Thanks.

oops. Yes, the longer 24" does produce more velocity. So, here the adjusted chart:

 

[KArthur]

I guess only a picture can tell me what "pretty full" looks like. I used a case volume of 55.7 gr H2O, which is close to what I'd call normal for most cases. Some cases are ~1 gr less in volume, which would make the case seem more like you indicate, but still with plenty empty room left with 43.0 grs, and there's probably enough room up to 45.0 grs.

So . . . what brand brass are you using? This'll give me some idea what volume your fired cases have.



oops. Yes, the longer 24" does produce more velocity. So, here the adjusted chart:

I just loaded up 43 and 44 gr in a case. The top of the powder is right at the bottom of the case shoulder. That is about where the end of the 165 gr. bullet will be when seated in the case.
I am going to load up 45.6gr and see how close it is to your chart.
I am using Winchester cases.

 

[Straightshooter1]

I just loaded up 43 and 44 gr in a case. The top of the powder is right at the bottom of the case shoulder. That is about where the end of the 165 gr. bullet will be when seated in the case.
I am going to load up 45.6gr and see how close it is to your chart.
I am using Winchester cases.

Bottom of the shoulder is plenty of room for more powder. And given you're loading Winchester cases, they have thinner case walls the most other brass which gives ~2 grs H2O more case volume than the average brass. That the charge weight you used (like the 39 and 40grs) is below 90% fill, could be a factor in why you got such big ES's. So, additional case volume makes a substantial difference giving you plenty of volume to go up to 45.6 grs. In fact, because of that difference, here's an adjustment to that chart (keep in mind, these are nothing more that guideline numbers for velocity and pressure, but should give you some idea what you can or can't do).

 

[Ned Ludd]

I just loaded up 43 and 44 gr in a case. The top of the powder is right at the bottom of the case shoulder. That is about where the end of the 165 gr. bullet will be when seated in the case.
I am going to load up 45.6gr and see how close it is to your chart.
I am using Winchester cases.

This is a very bad idea. One should always work up to a high end/near MAX charge weight carefully, using small increments and checking for pressure signs. Never jump straight up to a high charge weight just because of a QuickLoad output. It may be safe, it may not; why find out the hard way?

 

[lotech]

I just loaded up 43 and 44 gr in a case. The top of the powder is right at the bottom of the case shoulder. That is about where the end of the 165 gr. bullet will be when seated in the case.
I am going to load up 45.6gr and see how close it is to your chart.
I am using Winchester cases.

If you have a decent handloading education (not a YouTube degree), competency, experience, safety awareness, and have manuals, you don't need QuickLoad to recognize that's likely too hot with any 4895 powder. QuickLoad isn't a substitute for the above-listed attributes.

 

[joshb]

I just loaded up 43 and 44 gr in a case. The top of the powder is right at the bottom of the case shoulder. That is about where the end of the 165 gr. bullet will be when seated in the case.
I am going to load up 45.6gr and see how close it is to your chart.
I am using Winchester cases.

Do you have good enough medical insurance to do that?
You’re not adding salt to a bread recipe. You’re literally playing with fire. Learn what “pressure signs” look like and move your loads up carefully in .3 grain increments to find an accurate load below the book Max. Your rifle may show pressure signs before you get there!
If you need some incentive for being careful, search “gun blows up, shooter injured” on Google.

 

[Bill Norris]

Do you have good enough medical insurance to do that?
You’re not adding salt to a bread recipe. You’re literally playing with fire. Learn what “pressure signs” look like and move your loads up carefully in .3 grain increments to find an accurate load below the book Max. Your rifle may show pressure signs before you get there!
If you need some incentive for being careful, search “gun blows up, shooter injured” on Google.

ABSOLUTELY truth.

 

[KArthur]

Guys,
I totally understand the dangers of pressure. I have already tested up to 43gr and did not see any issues at all. I was planning on starting there and working my way on up. I may not even make it up to 46 gr.

I know that is not what I wrote earlier, but I wasn't going straight to 46gr.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Varget, BLC2, x-terminator has always shot well with 308 size case and 150-165 gr bullets. Sounds like this will be a hunting load, so let your target guide you. Deer will not care if the load is a low,mid, or upper range charge. SST is tolerant of velocity.

 

[Charlie-NY]

I just gave RE15.5 a try under the 168 TMK. It's a bit bulky but 45.0gr seemed ok without too much compression. I was getting 2,775 from a 22"bbl and dropped 3 into 2" at 420yds. For what it's worth, I was using Lapua cases and Fed 210M primers.

I might try this on whitetails this year.

 

[Texas Solo]

Does a longer barrel increase muzzle velocity our decrease it? Your latest chart is for a 24in barrel. Mine is 22in.
Thanks.

Yes, longer tube = more velocity...
generally. I use 42.0 imr4895 from a 1/10 twist 30" with Lapua 185gr.
I get 2650fps with an ES of 8.

 

[nakneker]

I don’t know if you’ve read the 308 cartridge guide here on the main site but it has a lot of good info for the 308, it’s been around for years but still good info.

You are being redirected...

 

[D-4297]

A few years back ; when we had H-4895 ,I was running 43.1gr in a 30" Bartlein , using the 185 Jugg OTM , and getting 2660 - 2665 . With your shorter barrel , you'll get lower velocity . There were no pressure issues , and the load shot very good . Mid to high nineties , at 600 . Speed isn't always the answer to accuracy . Sometimes ; finding the "Lower" node will be more accurate .

 

[dryhumor]

Picture of subtle increases of pressure. 33” barrel. Long bearing surface. I’d have to look, but the charge was not near max.