Reloading .308 What powder?
- Thread starter mattf87
- Start date
I'd suggest you get a reloading manual and read manufactures webpages...
Varget is a cheap but solid runner. There are others but I'm not informed enough to make recommendations.
Always follow the books guidlines and start loads at safe levels (below book maxes)
Varget is a cheap but solid runner. There are others but I'm not informed enough to make recommendations.
Always follow the books guidlines and start loads at safe levels (below book maxes)
4895 was formulated specifically for the .308. So was BL-C(2). Primers I wouldn't worry about too much as you're not shooting 1/4" groups with an m14 anyway and won't notice the difference. As far as bullets go, hornady makes some nice, consistent, cost effective FMJs. When loading for my spanish mauser, i was shooting 7.62 nato "clone" loads. IVI brass, CCI #200 primers, 150gr FMJ, and 41 grains of BL-C(2).
is the M14 one of those semi's that gets bent outta shape if the pressures are wrong, as in too slow a powder for a full load?
I've read somewhere that one of those requires a specific pressure at the port to operate properly, without damaging the gun, but can't remember which model.
ETA: yup.. M14. it appears to be pressure specific, so requires more careful thought than a bolt gun et al
I've read somewhere that one of those requires a specific pressure at the port to operate properly, without damaging the gun, but can't remember which model.
ETA: yup.. M14. it appears to be pressure specific, so requires more careful thought than a bolt gun et al
I was reading my reloading manual I got and it says that .308 is good with IMR-4895,IMR-4064, Varget, Reloder 15. I am leaning to the 4895 by the sounds of it with some 168 grain bullets. Input? It would be cool too if I could use the same powder with some other reloads.
This is a little hotter than I use, but close. H4895 is more consistent than the IMR variant in the m14 in my experience. Try various 165-168gr tips depending on what you are doing. There are some good inexpensive fast expanding ones in that range if you want to hunt, or just buy 168 SMKs bulk if you are just plinking.
As others have posted, 4895 predates the 308 by several decades, so the fact that it works
well in the 308 is coincidental, not by purpose.
Regards, Eagleye.
Um, IMR 4895 was developed in 1941 and the .308 came out in the 50's while the 7.62 NATO was in development for quite some time. IMR 4831 was developed for the 20mm canon. That doesn't mean you can't use it successfully in anything else...
41.5 grains H 4895 with 168 grain bullet is a fairly standard accepted load for the 7.62 NATO round. IMR is pretty close 40 - 42 grains. I use 42 grains IMR 4895 wtih good results.
Give this a read - definitive on M14 function and loads:
http://www.zediker.com/downloads/14_loading.pdf
Last edited:
Missing Something
Regular
+1 very accurate
4895 could be purchased milsurp just after WW2, and had been in production for military ammo long before the public could purchase it. It was developed either for the 30-03 or the 30-06, can't remember if it was used in the 30-03....
It most definitely was not developed for the 7.62 NATO round, it had been in production for years when that round came out. In 1941 it was designated Improved Military Reloading by DuPont which had been making the powder since the 30's. Some sources date the powder as being made in the 20's or earlier, just never offered to the civilian market until post WW2.
It most definitely was not developed for the 7.62 NATO round, it had been in production for years when that round came out. In 1941 it was designated Improved Military Reloading by DuPont which had been making the powder since the 30's. Some sources date the powder as being made in the 20's or earlier, just never offered to the civilian market until post WW2.
