Hey guy i am just getting into reloading .308 win for my m14 nornico rilfle and i have imr-4350 smokeless power but can't seem to find any load date for that power for a 168 barnes 168 bt bullet might be a hpbt were it has the hole in the top. cci no.200 large rifle primers any help would be great thanks.
Need help reloading
- Thread starter saders
- Start date
The gas action of your M14 rifle is sensitive to different powders and needs one with a medium burn rate. I do not believe IMR 4350 is a good choice for your rifle. Also really heavy bullets (175gr +) are not recommended for normal loads. The 168gr is perfectly fine with the right powder and many people shoot HPBT 168gr match bullets from M14 and M1s.
It is generally recommended to load between 147-173gr bullets for the M14 using standard jacketed bullet loads.
A powder in the suitable burn rate range for the action of this type of semi auto gas rifle such as IMR 4895, H4895, AA 2495, BL C2, H335, Win 748, IMR 4064 (and there are others).
An example load for a Sierra 168gr HPBT from Hodgdons website;
168gr SIE HPBT IMR 4895 .308" 2.800" OAL 41.0gr start 2447fps 39,700 PSI 45.4C max 2758fps 58,000 PSI
It is also important with this type of rifle to make sure the primers are fully seated (just below flush with the case bottom) to lessen the possibility of a slam fire.
It is generally recommended to load between 147-173gr bullets for the M14 using standard jacketed bullet loads.
A powder in the suitable burn rate range for the action of this type of semi auto gas rifle such as IMR 4895, H4895, AA 2495, BL C2, H335, Win 748, IMR 4064 (and there are others).
An example load for a Sierra 168gr HPBT from Hodgdons website;
168gr SIE HPBT IMR 4895 .308" 2.800" OAL 41.0gr start 2447fps 39,700 PSI 45.4C max 2758fps 58,000 PSI
It is also important with this type of rifle to make sure the primers are fully seated (just below flush with the case bottom) to lessen the possibility of a slam fire.
the gunsmith i am dealing with picked the powder for me as i have no idea yet about powders and juts going by what he said and that what they ordered for me.Said that it would work fine with my gun and the bullet i have at 46gn to 49 max.From the book they have
back40sniper
CGN Regular
- Location
- South east Sask.
Saders, find a new gunsmith NOW!.. and then get a copy of Hornady's new reloading manual, there is a section in there for military reloading.
4350 powder is better for 30-06 rather than 308 win? 4895 would be better
I just had a look through speer # 10 reloading manual an older book and they list imr 4350 for a 165gr bullet from 48gr -52gr for a top load hodgdon 4350 will have a bit diferent burn rate than imr .
you can always try it out if you already have it I would ,but like some have said it may not cycle properly and then again it might.
I think 4350 is also a bit slow for a 22-250 .
you can always try it out if you already have it I would ,but like some have said it may not cycle properly and then again it might.
I think 4350 is also a bit slow for a 22-250 .
from what i am being told in the battle rilfe fourm were all the m14 crazy hang out imr 4350 can damage the m14 op rod so i wont be using that power.Going to get IMR-4064, IMR-4895, and their Hodgdon equivalents is what i am going to get see how that works out were alot of those guys use that.
saders, are you sure he understood that? If so, you need to run, not walk, as far away from him as you can! You need to be using a medium burning rate powder.
Whatever he is, he is NOT a gunsmith. A gunsmith would know better than to recommend a slow burning powder for a gas operated rifle.
Ted
Your gunsmith has no clue. You want Varget, IMR4064 or IMR4895 for your .308, with 150-175gr bullets.
Either 4350 is too slow for 22-250, I have had good results in mine with both IMR4064 and IMR4895 using 50-60gr bullets.
IMR4350 is also a good choice for the .338 Win Mag, mine likes it under 250gr bullets.
Mark
You made a good choice with that powder.
Even somewhat experienced reloaders may not be aware of the powder requirements of rifles like the M1/M14. Mybe they should be but many are not. Some peoples experience with years of bolt action, shotgun, or magnum revolver doesnt always help.
Then theres always the counter guy who doesn't know or care and just wants to make a sale. When I loaded my first .308 Win, the guy at the shop said take this H-4895. Turned out to be a good choice in general for .308 and later US gas rifles.
Even somewhat experienced reloaders may not be aware of the powder requirements of rifles like the M1/M14. Mybe they should be but many are not. Some peoples experience with years of bolt action, shotgun, or magnum revolver doesnt always help.
Then theres always the counter guy who doesn't know or care and just wants to make a sale. When I loaded my first .308 Win, the guy at the shop said take this H-4895. Turned out to be a good choice in general for .308 and later US gas rifles.
I like W748 for .308 loads. Look for a lighter bullet that will perform what ever function you have in mind. If you're killing paper look at the 155 gr options if it's moose think about the Barnes TSX bullets.
If you already have the IMR4350 keep searching for load data - you'll probably find something somewhere. Only load about 10 the first time to make sure they work.
If you already have the IMR4350 keep searching for load data - you'll probably find something somewhere. Only load about 10 the first time to make sure they work.
07blackwater
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Port Coquitlam, BC
Don't go making him spend a lot of money on premium bullets when he's learning! lol
I just started reloading this year and I've been throwing a lot of lead down range. Start with a good budget priced bullet until you figure out what you need to do to keep the loads reasonably accurate and consistent. Don't change loading components Willy nilly or you'll never figure out what YOU'RE doing wrong. Get consistent results...move on and up incrementally....repeat.
It took me a good 100 rounds or so to get the basics down. You will find out how much little adjustments here and there will affect success.
Reloading is one of the funnest and most rewarding challenges I've taken up in a while but it pays off big time in both pride of workmanship and fullness of freezer!
