308 Loads for Kids

.308 load

C Broad Arrow said:
I am starting my 13 year old off on a 308. Does any one have a good light load that they would recommend?
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My sons shot Hunterclass targets with 39gr H4895 and 168gr Sierra's extreemly good 100 yard load, just change to 165 gr Noslers to hunt with
 
If you have the latest lee manual they have lots of cast bullet loads with hodgeson powder. Cast bullets require the pressure to not exceed the strength of the bullet. So there is literally hundreds of reduced pressure loads in the manual.
 
You'll likely find he'll be fine with any ammo. Depends mostly on the rifle though. The stock has to fit him properly.
You could work up a load with 125 or 130 grain bullets. Or a cast bullet. You'll have to work up the load anyway.
 
I tried cast last summer through my 308, and a light load of Varget (i think, been a while) and a cast/ gas checked bullet were fun to shoot, even cycled the action.
 
My dad uses IMR SR4759 in his 308's. He teaches Hunter Ed classes at his range and thats what all the kids shoot. Its a pistol powder but works excellent as a reduced load powder in the 308 because it is so bulky and takes up the extra space.

I believe you can find reload data for it in the speer manual and a few others. If you decide you want to give it a try I can provide you with some data, I know I have it in a few of my books.

Probably the lightest load you will find for a kid, no good for hunting though.

Dave
 
Hodgdon used to list Youth loads on their website. I haven't checked lately, but IIRC it was to use 60% of max load for any bullet that H4895 was listed for.
 
39 gr of H4895 is still going to have a fair bit of recoil, I would also go with IMR SR4759 it is a great powder for reduced loads and is a excellent powder for cast bullets loads.

For 150 grain Jacketed bullet try 25 grains of SR4759 for approx 2200 fps.

For cast 180 gr gas checked try 20 gr SR4759 for about 1800 fps.

Both loads will be easy on the shoulder and should be accurate.
 
I agree with the above....185 gr. cast gas check bullet....19.5 grs of 4759 is a nice light load and also is the most accurate in my .308 benchgun with many groups under 1/2" at 100yds.
 
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