308 load question

[robtech]

i've read a lot of similiar loads and i'm thinking i'll use it for my first base load when my reloading stuff gets here...

178 amx
43.5 varget
fed brass
fed 210 primer

here's my question...in all my reload reading i've read many times that you should start low and work up on the power load...should i start lower than 43.5 or should i just load some at 43.5 and rock n roll? rifle is a r700 aac-sd

 

[B3dlam]

Re: 308 load question

The Hornady reloading manual lists 43.2gr to be the MAX load for Varget whereas the Lee Manual lists 45gr as the mas for varget pushing a 175gr bullet I would recommend reading TresMons threads that are stickyed here in this forum. Specifically the powdering it thread.

The short answer to your question is I would not start with that load as it is above the published safe maximum Normally you want to start at the min and work up to the max using 10% of the max load increments then you will usually load a few rounds over the max and then you fire starting at the lowest and working up but paying very close attention looking for any sign of overpressure which if you aren't familiar with the signs to look for you need to read up on them and stopping once you see any signs of overpressure that's how you determine the max load for your rifle.

But like I said TresMons has a huge amount of great info in his threads here if you follow his instructions start to finish you should have no problem developing a safe accurate load.

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: 308 load question

It would be wise to get a good manual (like Lyman) and read it a couple of times before loading any ammo.

 

[Beef82]

Re: 308 load question

Consider the Hornady 178BTHP if you haven't already bought the Amaxs, it has a better BC.

Definitely get a manual or two if you don't have one. Personally I like to check a few sources, everyone is different, the 178 won't appear in many, if any, outside Hornady's own, in the interest of safety I start development at least a couple grains below the lowest published max I find, then work up watching for pressure. So according to what B3dlam listed, drop it down some, your best accuracy may be lower anyway.

 

[Bob 964]

Re: 308 load question

The Hodgdon manual recommends a maximum of 45.0 gr. (compressed) for Varget and 175 grain bullets. I would start at 10% below the maximum recommended by the powder manufacturer (I have more confidence in what the powder maker recommends) and slowly work my way up toward the maximum, looking for pressure signs along the way. Reading the threads prepared by TresMon is good advice.

 

[recarga]

Re: 308 load question

Look on the net for ladder test (reloading)

I can explain how is done but this testing everyone does it differently
There is the extreme of 50 shots to 15 shots you make the call.

But the most important one that you don't want to skip is the pressure ladder
Just get 5 rounds loaded from the highest to the lowest.

Start with the lowest to highest and STOP WHEN YOU SEE ANY SIGN OFF HIGH PRESSURE..

 

[robtech]

Re: 308 load question

Thanks guys, thats pretty much what i figured...thought id ask since ive seen so many using the same load

 

[robtech]

Re: 308 load question

And yea ive read tresmon several times...very informative