308 tracer loads

[jonaddis84]

I have 100 30 cal tracers Id like to load up for 308. They appear to have a nominal weight of about 137-138 grains. My issue with them is that they are probably longer than a 220gn bullet due to the powder cavity.

From what Ive found so far there were only 142 and 145 grain US military tracer bullets, and those both ignited 70-100yds beyond the barrel. Would anyone happen to know where these may have come from? And where they ignite in relation to the muzzle?

Also Id probably load Varget behind them in Lake City brass so if anyone had a recipe for charge weight and COL thatd be sweet.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: 308 tracer loads

An number of countries could have manufactured .30 caliber tracer BHs. While I am no means an expert; I have loaded and fired tracer bullets. I also set the farm on fire when doing so, but was able to extinguish the fire before it got out of control.

Load them with 145-150 gr data. Have fun, just be very careful where you fire them.

Good luck

Jerry

 

[gcoulsey]

Re: 308 tracer loads

+1 I set a grass field on fire with a single .223 tracer round this year, but luckily we contained and extinguished it.

They are now in storage until middle winter

 

[BillCominos]

Re: 308 tracer loads

I also have to plead guilty to igniting a field fire w/.223 shooting at steel & needed help to extinguish as it was a windy day... Use caution with these as Fall is here! My incident was mid summer, but about 2 weeks after the range was mowed.... The rest of mine are now in my SHTF kit as I won't take that chance again.

 

[Wild_Bill]

Re: 308 tracer loads

ok for load data Varget is actualy a little slow because of the projectile weight and case capacity if you use 45gr that will get them going in the LC brass but if you have Benchmark or h4895 it would be better as the projectile is light and the case capacity is smaller than say a win case but the Varget will work if you already have it.

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: 308 tracer loads

Thanks Bill for the advice on the load data and not about preventing wildfires. I have varget on hand, I also have a bunch of Ramshot X-Terminator, not sure if thats a fast or slow powder or if it would even be possible to use it in 308 or not.

 

[pjparker]

Re: 308 tracer loads

I don't have any info on how far downrange the tracer becomes visible other than it's "not too far". 7.62 NATO fired from an M-60, as I recall, seemed to appear around the 50yd line, of course that is purely subjective.

Use Varget and a charge weight appropriate for 150gr (+ -) bullets and seat to the cannelure, which will take care of COAL concerns. These are not going to be accuracy loads!

As others have mentioned, the danger of setting fires is real and a great concern.

Fire danger and tracer bans have caused many a grunt to have to sit down and de-link all his belted MG ammo and to remove ALL the tracer rounds (every 5th round) and link it all back together just for Annual Qualification training. Try firing full auto with no tracers - not real good for gunnery scores.

Have fun and be careful.

Paul

 

[Suasponte]

Re: 308 tracer loads

All my tracer tips I load I take a Needle and poke a small hole in the cup in the base of the round! My 308 tracers light right at or between the 100m and 200m burms.

Terry

 

[Guest]

Re: 308 tracer loads

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pjparker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't have any info on how far downrange the tracer becomes visible other than it's "not too far". 7.62 NATO fired from an M-60, as I recall, seemed to appear around the 50yd line, of course that is purely subjective. </div></div>
Uncle had two types of 7.62x51 tracer, Red tip for close range over head fire, an Orange tip for long range.

As far as loading 46grs of BLC2 works just fine.

If your wanting to really light up the enemy, punch the base fuse on the Orange tip, makes a great fire starter for burning down Hooch's, saw or elephant grass. You can mod the Red also but the Orange burns longer, play nice.