.308 reloading need some help here..

[p-17]

Yes, 47+ grains of IMR 4895 seems way too hot. That's Varget/Reloder15/N550 territory. Unless the newer lots of 4895 have been slowed down to match the burning speed of those powders, I would never use that much.

Actually, this is one of the reasons why Varget became the premier powder for Palma shooters. After Raton and the spectacular success of the Sierra 155, Varget was introduced on the market and gave 2,950 out of Palma barrels without pressure problems. Many people had pressure problems with IMR 4895 stoked up to produce this level of velocity, especially when using older actions. Actually, 4895 has a reputation for being accurate with milder loads, while Varget seems to have a reputation for being accurate with hotter loads.

 

[pfxsys]

Is the chrono being used indoors? If so the lighting in an indoor range can give false readings on the chrono, I have seen +/- 200 fps false readings from a chrono used indoors. If the chrono has its own indoor light set (or an infra red set) the results are far more consistent.

 

[JEC]

I agree that another 1/4 turn of your full size die should solve the "bolt close" problem. Until you figure it out, it is a good idea to run your resized (empty) brass through the gun before reloading. If the bolt closes, it will close on the loaded round unless it is seated too deep.