.308 Win with 150 gr Hornady GMX

[Dezol]

I just bought some Hornady 150 gr GMX bullets because the supplier was out of SST, which I usually load. Since the GMX is a longer bullet, I was just testing to see how much IMR4895 could be used in the brass with the longer bullet, to my surprise I couldn't get more than 40 grains without crushing, anyone else have this problem? I never tried finishing the load thought that I would check to see if anyone else has tried this.

 

[rojogrande]

I had similar results.....Another reason why I prefer the 150 grain SST bullet in my .308 Winny......As far as the 150 grain GMX bullet is concerned, I had "crunching" at about 43 grains of powder in an R-P case......No pressure issues, and very accurate......but just not my favourite bullet to reload.....

 

[sunray]

"...couldn't get more than 40 grains without crushing..." Max loads of IMR4895 and 150's are compressed. Compressed loads are nothing to worry about, but something isn't right. The starting load of IMR4895 for a 150 grain bullet(who made it or its construction doesn't matter) is 42.6 grains. Check the cases for anything that may be inside. Isn't likely though, but something isn't right.

 

[rojogrande]

Those 150 grain GMX in 30 cal. are LONG bullets....with the polycarbonate tip and boattail design.....If I remember correctly, they are longer than the original TSX bullet from Barnes of the same weight.....

 

[Dezol]

Thanks, guys. IMR4895 is cylindrical and does take up more volume than other, more granular powder. I will double check the brass and will try a couple of loads at around 42-43 grains and try them out.

 

[hometownhero]

In the last hornady catalogue(not the 2013 one) hornady said they can be loaded the same. That is what I do in my 30-06 with the 165's. Sst, interbond and gmx are all the same load. The sst hit a little lower though.