RL-15 Load Recommendation for 308

[MVW]

Guys:

I have been running 44.8 GN Varget behind 175 GN bullets and Lapua brass out of a 30" barrel. I have been getting about 2,800 fps.

I have a pound of RL-15 to try and I was wondering if anyone can suggest a realistic top end load. I'll work up, but I don't have Quickload and it seems like the reloading manuals are all over the map with recommendations.

Thanks, Mike

 

[DogPatch06]

This 308 load map halfway down the page helped me:

http://www.6mmbr.com/308win.html

 

[DennisH]

You are almost at the "MAX" with the load you are using now. In fact that would be to hot in my 308. My max is about 43.5. I have gone higher but with pressure signs! In fact my gun has two nodes. I will shoot 41.1 grains just as well as 43.5 grains. 41.1 definetly saves barrels and brass! JMO

 

[MVW]

No signs of pressure at 44.8 - most manuals suggest 45 GN of Varget as a top load except when using Federal Brass.

Turns out to be a nice node and keeps the speed up at 1K.

 

[Erud]

175 SMK with 44.0 grains of Reloader-15 shoots well in every .308 I own.

 

[bugman]

+1 on the 44.0 grains and 175 SMK in lapua brass. In MY rifle that is on the edge of being too hot, but I needed the velocity to stay supersonic. I have shot a lot of varget and re 15 in a .308, and MY experience has shown.......re15 will go from no pressure signs to concerning pressure much quicker than varget.....re 15 gave more velocity than varget when the charge weights were similar. Someone has to say it....every weapon is different, use due diligence, work up slowly, blah,blah,blah. Case capacity really matters with near max loads...Lapua will not be the same as winchester.

Jack

 

[MVW]

Thanks for the suggestions I was going to work up from 43 with a ladder, so I'll be careful as I approach 44, but it is nice to know where the top is. I use Lapua brass so I should be in the ballpark.

Mike

 

[Billch]

43 gr. of RL-15 and a 175 gr. MK has been the standard I measure other loads by. The target below was the last I shot of them before I retired the barrel. At 3000 rounds the groups were starting to open up a little. IIRC the chrono said about 2680 FPS from my 30 inch barrel.

B

Top right corner.

 

[Alaska Bush Man]

Guys:

I have been running 44.8 GN Varget behind 175 GN bullets and Lapua brass out of a 30" barrel. I have been getting about 2,800 fps.

I have a pound of RL-15 to try and I was wondering if anyone can suggest a realistic top end load. I'll work up, but I don't have Quickload and it seems like the reloading manuals are all over the map with recommendations.

Thanks, Mike

45.0 of Varget
CCI BR2 primers
WW Brass
175 MK
Very good load in the 308 Win