Did I load too Hot?

Throttle_monkey1

Throttle_monkey1

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Hey guys, I started reloading, and loaded up some hunting rounds for my m14.

I tried a 155 gr Hornady Amax behind 49 grains of 748. I also loaded up some with 50 grains of 748 (Max is 51 grains).

I then loaded up some 165 grain Noslers behind 49 grains of 748, max is 50. do you think I am pushing the envelope with a semi-auto?
 
The rule of thumb is to back off from max about 10% and work up from there. Following that rule you are a little high to start. I'd start at around 46gr and work up in 1gr increments every 3-5rds, checking for pressure signs as you go.
 
You make no mention of brass type. Ita a consideration for 308/7.62, as the case volume is substantially less for military brass, and pressures are substantially higher than for commercial brass, using the same charge.
I've shot minimum loads (10% below max) in military brass and found it to show signs of pressure - same load in commercial brass, no signs.
I'd pull those rounds, and redo at min load, or less if military brass is used - as a novice reloader, its not wise to cut corners.
 
The Amax is for match shooting and can be used for thin-skinned game. The Vmax is for varmits and If you are thinking a deer is a varmit, go with the Vmax or better yet why not go with Hornady InterBond bullet or the SST if you are going to crimp.
 
You might want to watch maximum loads in an automatic....

On both the Federal High Energy loads and Hornady Light and Heavy mags it mentions NOT to use them in an automatic or lever action.
 
Thanks for the tips guys. It's not military brass. The AMAX is gonna be for deer. I will pull the bullets and and re-think the charge. What makes the AMAX such a crappy hunting round? No penetration? Opens up too quick?
 
Load down!

For sure load down. The loads you're discribing I use with a lot of caution in my bolt gun. Amax isn't the best for killing animals. You can do it, but it won't be as efficient as good hunting bullet. Amax and other target bullets have a thicker copper jacket and don't expand.
I was thinking of hunting with my M1A, and I developed an accurate load using a Barnes 165 gr XBT bullet with 46.5 grs of Varget, Winchester brass and Winchester large rifle primers. I like the Varget powder because it isn't affected by extreme tempretures. This is good during deer season. Good luck.
 
Winchester 748-Dirty

Hey Throttle, I have used the Winchester 748 powders when I first started reloading for my Sprinfield. Compared to the Varget-the 748 you get a lot of carbon. It's not as forgiving in extreme tempretures-(bigger groups). I got the best performance during the late spring and early fall when the tempretures is hovering around 16- 20 degree celcius. Hight of summer they would fly high, and in the winter they shot would really drop. It is cheap plinking powder though. IMR 4064, and IMR4198 were also experimented with. IMR4064 was comprable in performance to the 748 just not as dirty. And as for the IMR4198, kind of wild(faster powder I think). These were my observations over the 6years with my Springfield M1A. Hope this helps you out. If you bag something with your rifle and reloads, give us a picture post. And good luck!
 
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