.308 load work-up Varget/165gr BT

[mn_308]

Had a 308 load set-up with the Combine Tech. 168gr BT bullet over varget in Win nickle brass.
Couple rifles just loved this, but a new one isn't liking it at all...

Trying to work up a similar combination but using the Nosler 165gr BT bullet and LC brass this time.
I'm already hearing the powder crunch when seating and I'm only 1.5 gr of powder above starting load.... Is this normal and due to the LC brass?

Don't remember hearing it on the Win loads which were running a much healthier charge, but last big batch of that I threw together was ~2 years ago so maybe didn't notice it.

Thanks.

 

[M14 Shooter]

Re: .308 load work-up Varget/165gr BT

There is a big difference in case capacity between LC and Winchester.The LC has less case capacity than Winchester.Most re loader's will reduce charge weight when using Military and LC Brass.

Regards,Mike

 

[redbullitt]

Re: .308 load work-up Varget/165gr BT

Definitely knock those charges back for the LC brass. Much thicker walls on that stuff. Winchester has higher case capacity than most brass, and LC has much less = big difference.

You probably should work up a load using the LC brass to be on the safe side AND get the best results.

 

[BCP]

Re: .308 load work-up Varget/165gr BT

Crunching isn't a bad thing varget can be compressed. 44 in LC brass is what I'd use with that bullet.

 

[30SMK]

Re: .308 load work-up Varget/165gr BT

Varget loves to be crunched in a case. Just watch out for pressure signs and you will be fine. Varget is pretty hard to get over pressured in a 308 case so you will be fine. Just sounds like the tune of this new rifle is different than the others, just tune the load for the rifle.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: .308 load work-up Varget/165gr BT

Crunching with Varget is quite common. Not all bad though as it's a powder that likes to work in a full case. Some of the "crunch" is caused by the BT pushing powder out and up into the shoulder area of the case. I started loading my .308's .020" longer as they performed better yet still fit in the magazine. This small amount was enough to stop the crunch in my cases.