In the winter I only go to the range twice a week, so sometimes it take time before I get to shoot a given project.
I once bought several thousand 150 gr plated 308 bullets. They are a round nose shape. I was hoping they would make good short range plinkers. Something good for 100 yards.
A few years ago I tried them in a 30-30. I used a short cut version of 4198 and loaded a survey of 20 to 30 gr in 0.5 increments. 23.5 gr turned out to be the best load. I only have 3 rifles in that caliber (Marlin, M94 and a Savage pump). All were best with that load. That was a happy, but strange thing. Usually each gun has its own preference.
I subsequently used the 30-30 in a 100 yard match. It did well, except on the mover. Velocity was low and I needed a lot more lead than usual. I have not loaded for the 30-30 since, I did not Chrony it. I am guessing around 1800 fps.
I have very little experience with plated bullets. Used a few times in handguns, but these are the only plated rifle bullets I have every owned, loaded, shot. In the 30-30 test I found that the hotter loads were a disaster. I am guessing that the plated bullet has a speed limit.
Last week I was trying to fire form some Lapua 308 brass that I had accidently over sized. The case shoulders were set back 150 to 20 thou. The firing pin did not reach the primer on some cases. So I dug out the plated bullets (cheapest bullets I have in 308 - around $6.50/100) seated them real long, so that the case head was firm on the bolt face, and fire formed my brass.
I decided to use the opportunity to do some load development, too. I loaded 10 each in 23 to 32 gr. Turned out that 24 gr shot a nice group, and the hotter loads opened up real bad.
Delighted to find that I can probably develop a load for these bullets in a 308. As it happens, when I surveyed my powder bunker, I chose the same 4198 SC that I had used for the 30-30, so when I was making the log book entries, I discovered that both the 30-30 and the 308 used about 24 gr of the same powder. Logic says the 308 should have needed more, since it is a bigger case. maybe the bullet in the rifling raised pressures?
This got me thinking about my LeeEnfiled #1 sporter. It is a 308 barrel chambered with a 303Brit reamer. I intended it to be a fun plinker using 308 bullets, since I have lots of them (and not many 312 bullets).
So I loaded a survey of 21 to 26 gr of that 4198SC powder and the 150gr plated bullets. 24gr shot best.
I have never had 3 different calibers shoot best with the same load.
Although the plated bullet might shoot best at a certain velocity, the same powder charge in difference sized cases would produce different velocities.
Anyway, it was a good day. I got a plinker load for my 308Brit and the 3 223s I was sighting in all shot well under an inch.
I once bought several thousand 150 gr plated 308 bullets. They are a round nose shape. I was hoping they would make good short range plinkers. Something good for 100 yards.
A few years ago I tried them in a 30-30. I used a short cut version of 4198 and loaded a survey of 20 to 30 gr in 0.5 increments. 23.5 gr turned out to be the best load. I only have 3 rifles in that caliber (Marlin, M94 and a Savage pump). All were best with that load. That was a happy, but strange thing. Usually each gun has its own preference.
I subsequently used the 30-30 in a 100 yard match. It did well, except on the mover. Velocity was low and I needed a lot more lead than usual. I have not loaded for the 30-30 since, I did not Chrony it. I am guessing around 1800 fps.
I have very little experience with plated bullets. Used a few times in handguns, but these are the only plated rifle bullets I have every owned, loaded, shot. In the 30-30 test I found that the hotter loads were a disaster. I am guessing that the plated bullet has a speed limit.
Last week I was trying to fire form some Lapua 308 brass that I had accidently over sized. The case shoulders were set back 150 to 20 thou. The firing pin did not reach the primer on some cases. So I dug out the plated bullets (cheapest bullets I have in 308 - around $6.50/100) seated them real long, so that the case head was firm on the bolt face, and fire formed my brass.
I decided to use the opportunity to do some load development, too. I loaded 10 each in 23 to 32 gr. Turned out that 24 gr shot a nice group, and the hotter loads opened up real bad.
Delighted to find that I can probably develop a load for these bullets in a 308. As it happens, when I surveyed my powder bunker, I chose the same 4198 SC that I had used for the 30-30, so when I was making the log book entries, I discovered that both the 30-30 and the 308 used about 24 gr of the same powder. Logic says the 308 should have needed more, since it is a bigger case. maybe the bullet in the rifling raised pressures?
This got me thinking about my LeeEnfiled #1 sporter. It is a 308 barrel chambered with a 303Brit reamer. I intended it to be a fun plinker using 308 bullets, since I have lots of them (and not many 312 bullets).
So I loaded a survey of 21 to 26 gr of that 4198SC powder and the 150gr plated bullets. 24gr shot best.
I have never had 3 different calibers shoot best with the same load.
Although the plated bullet might shoot best at a certain velocity, the same powder charge in difference sized cases would produce different velocities.
Anyway, it was a good day. I got a plinker load for my 308Brit and the 3 223s I was sighting in all shot well under an inch.
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