308, 173gr RNFP cast GC, H4895.

[Receipt]

Just wondering if anyone has hands on for 308 with 173gr cast RNFP using H4895? Or similar.



Loaded some with 35gr, significant soot around bottleneck area, minor soot in barrel. ES of 250 on chrono. AVG 2380fps. Seemed on hotter end of where I think I'd like to be with a softer gas checked cast projectile.
Loaded another batch with 33gr, bottlenecks significantly cleaner, almost spotless barrel. 2116fps AVG ES:72. Blew right through 20l frozen solid watercooler jug. Doesnt penetrate an 8" tree to completion.
I know. Very scientific.


Just looking to poll the audience and get a feel for what you guys deem acceptable performance on cast loads, this is all new to me.
Or just what you tend to use.


Appreciate it.

 

[fingers284]

what are you lubing with, at that velocity with a "softer bullet" that you say you are using I would strongly suggest you visit the "making bullets" forum here and also visit "Castboolits alternative coatings" read everything you can on powder coating and give it some some real consideration.

I have had some excellent results (although I'm not pushing them as fast) with the same bullets, powder coated with no gas check applied in a 30-30.

 

[Receipt]

I was told its beeswax.

 

[brewmech]

In my no4 mk1 29 gr of h4895 gives enough oomph to expand the bullet and seal in the bore. These are 185 gr cast from she'll weights with a gas check. You can reduce loads with h4895 easily and still get good results.

 

[hometownhero]

I would almost consider getting some trailboss for those. You would really load them down then

 

[Receipt]

I do have a full container of trailboss on shelf. Was hoping to use 4895 as I've got an abundance for other loadings and its commonly available. Haven't seen trailboss available anywhere I frequent in a year or two.

My ideal use for this round would be able to use it for deer, coyotes, and plinking with 30cal on the cheap.

Looking for reasonable penetration and consistent performance.
What velocities do you figure your running to get consistent and not too explosive on impact?

 

[hometownhero]

I load 30-06 with trailboss. 14gr gets me 1280fps with 165's at 200 yards it is 450ish ft/lbs.

 

[Receipt]

Did some more load testing today.

31gr H4895 - 2035fps AVG. Grouping seemed very acceptable 1 - 1.5moa.
29gr H4895 - 1920fps AVG. Grouping seemed to be opening up, 2moa.

Really connects with the gong and gets it swinging.

 

[Andy]

Soot and high extreme spreads are signs of operating at too low a pressure for that powder. I have never had good results with H4895 at cast bullet pressures. The slowest powder I now use is H4198. Using Trail Boss is practically at the other extreme (fastest).