.308 Win and reduced loads

[bb07]

This is just plain fun. I wanted to shoot for less and have fun doing it so decided to give reduced loads a try using IMR SR-4759 along with Speer 100gr Plinkers and Hornady 100gr Short Jackets.
While the bullets aren't particularly cheap, there are other options out there like 110gr .30 carbine bullets and Berry's plated, though offhand I don't know about velocity limits on the Berry's.
At over 400 shots per pound, a pound will last awhile.
Loaded up:

Speer top, Hornady below

And close up

Load data was taken from the Speer #14 manual, with a listed starting charge of 16 grains and a velocity of under 1600fps.

For close up varmints and just plain plinking, I really like these, and accuracy isn't bad either.
Those crude looking little Hornady SJ's shoot better than they look. Here's at 25 yds. These only shoot about an inch low at 25 with my current 100 yd sight in for 150 grain bullets.

And at 50 yards they start opening up but the bunnies won't mind

Similar results with Speer Plinkers at 25 yds.

And at 50, again with my scope sighted in at 100 yards with my regular load using 150gr bullets.

Give them a try, you just might like it

 

[Dogleg]

Plinking loads are fun, no doubt about it. Next step, get a bullet mold.

 

[yodave]

get some trail boss or 2400 pistol powder and some cast bullets, you'll shoot even cheaper then you are now. 10 grains of 2400 and a 150-200 grain cast bullet will make you giggle all day

 

[LUTNIT]

Plated bullets usually have the same limits as cast bullets. With a good crisp bore you'd probably not do well past 2000fps.
I've played around with Lee .314" 90gr SWC's. I size them down to .311" for use in .308" cartridges and keep them around 1500-1700fps. Lots of fun and pennies a round. I think the primer is the largest investment per shot.

 

[Lyallpeder]

I made reduced 30-30 loads with trail boss and 165gr hard cast from bullet barn for my win 94. Just a matter of time till I try it with the .308 or 30-06.

 

[nw mb]

just plain fun

says it all

cast your own...use a few grains of unique...lots of shooting for pennies