178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

[curlywolf]

Most of my recent loads have been with 4064 or Varget. They fill the case well, but in trying to load with Tac, which is <span style="font-weight: bold"> </span> VERY <span style="font-weight: bold"> </span> fine, it seems to me that there is too much room in my Lapua cases even though they are trimmed to 2.000. How much space should there be? My starting load (38.3gr) is about 3/8" below the shoulder. I have heard (or read) that if the case is not full enough, erratic ignition or other dangerous conditions may occur.

The Lyman manual lists 38.0-42.3gr. as a range for this bullet. I am building a ladder in .2g increments from 39.3- 42.0, which seemed a safe midrange to use.

It also says to seat them at 2.780 OAL, which seems weird to me. Is this because the bullets are longer? I seat my 168 A-max rounds at 2.870 since my Howa is pretty long throated. To me, it seems that the same LOA would make sense, but then there’s the case capacity problem

Can someone who is far more knowledgeable than I please address this issue? I've searched all over the reloading sites I know of, but can't find any information on this combination of bullet and powder

 

[BCP]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

I noticed that in my lyman book too, doesn't make sense. Ramshot says 43.5 witha 175 at 2.8 overall, I would use that data instead.

 

[dmg308]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

43.3 with 175 smks shoots very well.The 178s are supposed to be very close with load data.I'd start around 43grs and go from there.

 

[RobertB]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

Yall are talking about a .308 right?

 

[BCP]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RobertB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yall are talking about a .308 right? </div></div>

Yes, us'all are.

 

[RobertB]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

No input to give. Just curious about that combo.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: curlywolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It also says to seat them at 2.780 OAL, which seems weird to me. Is this because the bullets are longer? I seat my 168 A-max rounds at 2.870 since my Howa is pretty long throated. To me, it seems that the same LOA would make sense, but then there&#146;s the case capacity problem
</div></div>
I have been down this trail before...most of the manufactures load their 308's around the 2.780 mark while most manuals say 2.80. With that being said, most of the reloaders try to work their magic close to or near the lands which normally, depending on where the barrel sits in the action, is around the 2.870 mark for a 168 or 178 AMAX (it is in my GAP). It interests me that Federal Gold Match is the standard for which I reload to beat but they load their 168's BTHP's at 2.785. I have a big jump in my rifle with a FGGM round but it is accurate. I asked this question before but never really got an answer on why they load below the 2.80 mark. in other words, am I wasting my time looking at loading close to or near the lands.

 

[curlywolf]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

I did what I should have done in the first place...downloaded the new Load Guide from Ramshot (edit. 4.3) They list a load for Tac for 175 SMK HPBT. I am going to translate a little bit..175gr to 178gr and HPBT to A-Max.

All the other criteria they stated (Barrel length, twist rate and primer type) are the same as mine.

Their starting load is 39.2 and max is 43.5 seated at 2.800. I'm going to start at 41.2 and go to 43.0, seating at 2.870. I'll watch my case capacities carefully, and watch for any other negative signs as well.

I think/hope this solves my problem, I really appreciate all of your input.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Please</span> <span style="font-style: italic">if anybody sees a problem I have missed, please post it in the next day or two.</span>

I'll report back with results and pictures next week when I am able to get some range time.

CW

 

[curlywolf]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

Sort of a Range Report:
1. I didn't blow myself up.
2. My results were "adequate" but nothing special.
3. The trigger on my rifle "malfunctioned". It was VERY swiftly replaced by a "New and Improved" model from Rifle Basix. (Outstanding Customer Service BTW) But I was unfamiliar with it, so my trigger work was not the best.
4. Best groups came with 42.2 grains and 43.0 grains. I was happy but not satisfied. There will be more tests, but I think Tac with 178 A-Max is a success. Thanks to all who contributed.

CW

 

[shooter308]

Re: 178 A-max with Ramshot Tac

Curlywolf

I went down the same road all last fall with TAC in my new 308 and 2 .223s i loads the ladder all the way to 39-44.2 but dont quote me with the 308 and never got better than 3/4 inch groups with the occasional 1/2"er It Metered GREAT! I loved that but at the same time i was testing rl-15 42.2 with a 168 and that made my mind up quick or 45.5 of varget with a 168 gr with 1x12 twist. however now all the TAC goes in 55gr and 75 gr 223 loads where they are 1/2 always. hope you have better luck in the 308 with it.

 

[JeffLebowski]

I know this is an old thread, but I’m looking for load data on 178 ELXs and Tac in .308.

 

[buffybuster]

In my experience TAC likes to be near the max charge and a hot primer which is about 43-44gr with a 178

 

[JeffLebowski]

Load data?

My best 308 Winchester five shot groups with 178 gr ELD-M, Ramshot Tac powder, FGMM case and primers.
View attachment 6964811View attachment 6964812

 

[1jonathan1994]

Are you guys throwing TAC with chargemaster or mechanical thrower?