newbie looking for 308 pet load (yawn?)

rescuemedic

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

Grumulkin

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.

rescuemedic

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

Pumpkinslinger

I've used the same RCBS powder measure for about 30 years now. I will say that spherical powders meter a whole lot better.

shrpshtrjoe

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

SwampFox

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

Dawgdad

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.

Crackshot

41.5gr IMR 4064 in Federal Match brass. Federal match primers, 168gr BTHP match.
Shoots great in my M1A Super match.

Grumulkin

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.

wncchester · Member Joined: Apr 08, 2006 Posts: 160

"...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. Smile

And have fun doing it!

PaulS

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)

rescuemedic

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

RePete

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.

harrys · Rookie Member Joined: Jan 19, 2009 Posts: 16

I agree with Grumulkin imr 4064 is awesome with 165 and 168's I get great accuracy with 44.5 grs

fnuser

lapua brass, fed 210m primer, 43g. Rl15, 168 smk