Help with Browning BAR 308Win loads

[Ilove12gshotguns]

I just purchased a brand new Browning BAR Safari Mk II in 308win.

22" Barrel
1-12 twist
Semi auto

The rifle is designed to handle up to 338 Win Mag, so I'm sure it handle even the most stout 308win loads. The consideration is the gas system need the right burn rate in powder. This is where I need help. I have only ever reloaded for bolt guns, not semi.

What powder / bullet combo should I use??

is 1-12 optimised for 168g or 150g?

Thanks for the help in starting points.

 

[Ilove12gshotguns]

One more point.

I limit my hunting range at 400m and do not need any more range then that, as this will be a dedicated hunting rifle.

 

[davide montini]

Look at the Berger web site ...look under information..click that ....then look at twist rate calculator and ballistics....enter your info and you can judge from there....
Ya I’m in the same boat for my fnh fnar in 7.62x51.....
You have to be careful of the port pressure....slow burning powders are a no no .....from what I read on line it is very similar to the m14 system.....also from what I read is nothing slower than 4064 for a gas gun (semi auto).. .look at the m14 ..google it read up and you will understand about the gas system and the port pressure
Also look at powder burn rate chart and compare what’s in the range of that particular powder .....and you can use and see what’s available to you in your neck of the woods
Ya I know lots of info but love it or hate it...and this is reloading....have fun with it
If you find something that works.....stick with it

 

[nowarningshot]

I have owned and loaded for several Bar's. Previously i loaded quite light.

Recently our resident powder guru Ganderite presented loading powders on the fast side of recommended for caliber. The idea was that peak pressure is already past when gases reach the gas port. Allowing full power loads without stressing the gas system or action.

 

[350 Mag]

I would try bullets in 155-165 gr. range with medium (not max) load of Varget.

Other powders worth trying would be IMR4064, Rl-15, or TAC.

Varget is probably the most temp stable.

 

[davide montini]

Yes what they said in previous post ...
I’ve been playing with Imr 3031 .not bad results......and I’ve been using benchmark it’s an extreme powder ...I was able to produce on two different occasions a shot group of 13mm..1/2” ..out of a 20”heavy barrel ...the 3rd time it went down the toilet ???
I’m Still beating my head on this one..the 155’s still need more tweaking...and the 175 hpbt’s..seem to be a wee bit better....velocity is 2425 fps...I’m using a magneto speed crony I don’t need to destroy the gun!with hot loads
Work gets in the way so it’s on and off with the testing....
Using small base dies or the hornady.308...cci 34 primers and Winchester large rifle .....nosler rdf 175 hpbt...lapua brass and Remington..I use two scales to verify powder charges ...I do have mill brass ..but have not got Round to using them ....that’s a different ball of wax as they say
Varget powder was so so ..dirty!!..I had to do more tweaking..... but stopped....
Imr 4895 was giving me good results...but again I needed to do more tweaking and after trying and shooting more than 50 rounds it gets tiring...and long waiting for the barrel to cool down....
Hey your mileage may vary ...have fun and be safe
Don’t be scared to ask questions

 

[Ganderite]

You can shoot any hunting bullet you want, up to 200gr with a 1;12 twist.

Personally, in 308Win, I load 180 gr for everything.

4895, 4064, Varget and RL15 are the good speed for the semi-action. A slower powder will give higher port pressures.

I doubt small base dies are required, but a full length size is good procedure.