308 Norma mag load suggestions

[Saleen84]

Good day,

Now that I finally figured out how to start a thread, I have an old Marlin 455 (rechambered from 308 Winchester to 308 Norma) that was my grandfathers. It’s kind of an interesting rifle to read up on with a K98 action and micro groove barrel (not sure of twist rate). Anyway I will certainly be reloading for this rifle as most factory ammo seems to be $6.00 per trigger pull. Any recommendations out there for a good projectile and powder to try out? This will mostly be for bench rest shooting.

Thank you.

 

[rokoro]

You haven't told us what components you plan on using . Original Norma brass that has re stamped on the case head is heavier than new Norma brass and the re cases have less case capacity. Max loads with the re cases are about 2 grs less than newer brass. You can also use 338 Win brass run through your FL size die and fireformed. What bullet weight are you planning on using ? 180 is hard to beat. I have found IMR 4831 with 180 gr bullets and CCI 250 primers work well together. I would suggest you start at about 67 grs and work up 1 gr at a time paying attention to signs of excessive pressure like flattened primers, sticky bolt lift etc. There are a wide variety of throats and different amounts of freebore so there is a big difference in the max load from one rifle to another. Pay more attention to good groups NOT achieving the highest possible speed. I have also found seating bullets out as far as your magazine will allow often produces better groups. Hope this helps

 

[Eagleye]

I have been working with the 308 Norma Magnum since 1967. It is my favorite 30 cal Magnum.
The suggestion of 180 grain bullets is a good one, as is H4831 as a propellant.

Other stellar performers in the 308NM with 180 grain bullets are the following: Reloder 22, IMR 7828,
Norma MRP [Factory powder in this chambering] IMR 4451, H4350, Reloder 19, Norma 204, IMR 4831.

Since that K98 action may limit OAL of your load, Nosler makes a 180 Partition in the Protected-Point
configuration, which will allow seating out a bit closer to the lands. This may improve groups a bit.

Your Marlin will have a 1-10" or possibly a 1-12" twist. Matters little, since either will work just fine
with bullets up to 200 Grains. Enjoy your 308NM, its a great performer. Dave.

 

[mbogo3]

RE#19 is a winner too with the 180gr I use IMR 4350 with the 150gr and it shoots very flat...........deer do the bang flop with hair in the breeze.I shoot a Browning FN Safari 1-12".......as stated .338 win mag can be FL sized but will end up a little short in the neck.It is of no consequence.I FL size and trim range .300 win mag.

 

[Saleen84]

Thanks guys, I've tried some new production Nosler 180gr out of the rifle and it shot well. There's some old reloads that came with the rifle that I don't trust so I'm going to pull them apart. The new reloading brass I have is branded Norma on the bag. I have IMR4831 but might pick up some 4350 and try them both out. I still need primers and the bullets. I'm definitely going to try the 180gr, is there any lighter rounds that perform well for accuracy with the norma mag?

 

[mbogo3]

Mag primers

 

[rokoro]

I have never found 150 gr bullets to be as accurate in any of the 300 mag calibres. Also meat damage increases when velocities get up there. I have found the 165 gr to be the lightest that I care to shoot.

 

[mbogo3]

With 150gr bullets likely your gun's twist or loads mine makes one ragged hole with 1-12"

 

[Saleen84]

Well I picked up some cci 250 primers and noticed I already had some federal match magnum primers at home. Also grabbed the IMR4350 (already have the 4831). For bullets I had some 168gr Hornady Amax so I bought some Nosler 180gr Etips lol but then I remember having issues with polymer tipped 44mag so I pulled the seating stem out of my rcbs die and now I will most likely be drilling out some space to save the tips from being squished. There's always something lol...