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rescuemedic Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 23, 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Dallas TX
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:44 pm Post subject: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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I'm new here, and this has probably been asked/answered 10k times - sorry. I shoot a standard SA M1A. I'll be using my resized mil brass and Sierra matchking 150 gr. I have IMR 4895 and Varget on hand, but will try anything. I dont need a hot load, and use iron sights. I have reloaded handgun for years, but am new to CF rifle. I know that mil brass has less capacity and will reduce starting loads accordingly to avoid hi pressure. lastly, I have heard/read that I should full length resize cases for semi auto for feed reliability. Thanks for your help. rm
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Grumulkin Super Member
Joined: Apr 16, 2007 Posts: 365 Location: Central Ohio
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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1. You should full length resize.
2. I use IMR 4064 with 165 and 168 gr. bullets. My bullet of choice is the Sierra Match King. Varget would also probably be a good choice though I've never tried it in my M1A.
3. Consider mil spec primers. There are stories about slam fires in M1As and M1s. In shooting bunches of standard primers, I've never had a problem but I think there is probably something to the rumors.
4. The Hornady manual has loads especially designed for the M1A.
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rescuemedic Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 23, 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Dallas TX
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 8:14 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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Thanks for the info. I have CCI M34 mil primers, I will use them. BTW, what brand and model of powder throw do you use? I've been looking on the Sinclair site at the Harrell, but its kinda pricey. rm
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Pumpkinslinger Super Member
Joined: Sep 22, 2007 Posts: 5002 Location: NC foothills
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:14 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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I've used the same RCBS powder measure for about 30 years now. I will say that spherical powders meter a whole lot better.
_________________ Mike
"I ain't no better than anybody else, and there ain't nobody better than me!" Ma Kettle |
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shrpshtrjoe Super Red Neck Member
Joined: Jan 26, 2005 Posts: 2965 Location: Maryland
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 5:31 am Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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This is the load I use in my .308 Bolt. 45.5 grains of Varget ,150 grain Nosler Accubond, CCI BR#2 primers, Fed Brass. I use the RCBS powder measure. It works great
Joe
_________________ "MOLON LABE"
P E T A
People Eating Tasty Animals |
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SwampFox Super Member
Joined: Jul 15, 2005 Posts: 1040 Location: Destin, Florida
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 11:25 am Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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rescuemedic,
Welcome to the site. What kind of rescue medic are you, military or civilian?
My load for my AR-10T is 42 gr of H-4198 under a 168 Hornady HPBT Match bullet with Federal 210 Primers and Remington Brass. The load does 2,517 FPS which duplicates the specs of Federal Match ammo for the 308. The load shoots dead on out to 500 yards using the Springfield Armory pre set scope once sighted in at 100.
Best,
Ed
_________________ The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of the blessings. The inherent blessing of socialism is the equal sharing of misery.
-Winston Churchill |
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Dawgdad Super Member
Joined: Feb 08, 2006 Posts: 1065 Location: On the Prairie
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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rescuemedic wrote: |
I'm new here, and this has probably been asked/answered 10k times - sorry. I shoot a standard SA M1A. I'll be using my resized mil brass and Sierra matchking 150 gr. I have IMR 4895 and Varget on hand, but will try anything. I dont need a hot load, and use iron sights. I have reloaded handgun for years, but am new to CF rifle. I know that mil brass has less capacity and will reduce starting loads accordingly to avoid hi pressure. lastly, I have heard/read that I should full length resize cases for semi auto for feed reliability. Thanks for your help. rm |
Are you going to be shooting Highpower matches or just shooting the SA for hunting and plinking? There are a few forums strictly for competetive M1A shooting and reloading. Nationalmatch.us and ODCMP.org will have a wealth of information too.
_________________ Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency... |
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Crackshot Super Member
Joined: Oct 23, 2005 Posts: 1693 Location: Mich
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:49 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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41.5gr IMR 4064 in Federal Match brass. Federal match primers, 168gr BTHP match.
Shoots great in my M1A Super match.
_________________ The human mind is the weapon, the gun is just one of its tools. |
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Grumulkin Super Member
Joined: Apr 16, 2007 Posts: 365 Location: Central Ohio
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 6:35 am Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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I use a 20+ year old RCBS powder measure. It's true that IMR 4064 doesn't meter as well as a ball powder but I just use the powder measure to get close as a weigh all my charges and do fine adjustments with a powder trickler.
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wncchester Member
Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:50 am Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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"...pet load...I know that mil brass has less capacity and will reduce starting loads accordingly to avoid hi pressure."
I could give you my "pet" load but if you duplicted it you would only be loading for my rifle! And then you recognise that you would have to change it anyway?
The idea of shooting other people's "pet loads" is largely spinning your wheels. Just go shoot a bit and find your own, one that will actually shoot well in YOUR rifle. And have fun doing it!
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PaulS Super Member
Joined: Feb 18, 2006 Posts: 4330 Location: South-Eastern Washington - the State
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2009 10:52 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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When you look at a number of different "pet loads" you will recognize that a "short list" of powders appears. Having those powders and the range of loads that are accurate for others is a great starting point to find a loads that is exceptional in your own rifle.
I use 45.4 of H335 with a Sierra 150 grain bullet (2130)
_________________ Paul
__________________
Speer, Lyman, Hodgdon, Sierra, and Hornady = reliable loading data
So and So's pages on the internet = NOT reliable loading data
Always check data against manuals
NEVER exceed maximum listed loads |
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rescuemedic Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 23, 2009 Posts: 12 Location: Dallas TX
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Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:42 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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Thanks for the great input. Y'all have given me a starting place to work up loads for my DPMS 308 and SA M1. I was interested in seeing what powders/primers etc folks are using, since the reloading manuals have too many choices for powders. (not necessarily duplicating your loads for your particular rifle) I'm just an informal shooter. BTW - as long as someone asked - I've been a civilian FF and medic for 20 years. Thanks. rm
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RePete Super Member
Joined: Aug 15, 2005 Posts: 1035 Location: Gods Country
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Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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rescuemedic wrote: |
Thanks for the great input. Y'all have given me a starting place to work up loads for my DPMS 308 and SA M1. I was interested in seeing what powders/primers etc folks are using, since the reloading manuals have too many choices for powders. (not necessarily duplicating your loads for your particular rifle) I'm just an informal shooter. BTW - as long as someone asked - I've been a civilian FF and medic for 20 years. Thanks. rm |
You have e-mail.
Sent it a couple of minutes ago.
_________________ Proud member of the WTFDTSG Club.
Stercus Accidit = Sh*t Happens in Latin.
Nice try = You Suck spelled different.
My parents spanked me as a child. As a result, I now suffer from a psychological condition known as RESPECT FOR OTHERS. |
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harrys Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 19, 2009 Posts: 16
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Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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I agree with Grumulkin imr 4064 is awesome with 165 and 168's I get great accuracy with 44.5 grs
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fnuser Super Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2008 Posts: 914 Location: S.W. Missouri, U.S.A.
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Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:46 pm Post subject: Re: newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?) |
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lapua brass, fed 210m primer, 43g. Rl15, 168 smk
_________________ N.R.A. Endowment Member |
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