I load 168gr Berger VLDs in my 308(mauser action) all the manuals i have found list a DNE load around 44-45 grains of Hogdon Varget. I started out at 42 grs and worked up in .5gr increases and am now at 47.0 gr with no signs of pressure and shooting .375" groups at 200 yds. Velocity is in the 2820 fps range out of a 24" barrel. No notable pressure signs, so why do the books list such a light load??? or am i doing something wrong?
hot load question????
- Thread starter macraed
- Start date
Don't get carried away, those books are for your saftey, and thiers. The other guys are right, U can play some but, be carefull. the next load may be to heavy and damage may occure to the gun and yourself.
PLAY SAFE
PLAY SAFE
Maybe it should actually read 3/8" group [singular] rather than "groups"? So far have only seen one such group at 200 from this rifle. Eagleye.
You seem to have a miraculous rifle there.
Getting benchrest sized groups out of a sporting rifle is just fantastic! You are also getting velocities 100+ fps faster than what is normally maximum for that load so you must have an especially fast barrel.
Make sure you are wearing a good pair of shooting glasses when you shoot that thing.
Getting benchrest sized groups out of a sporting rifle is just fantastic! You are also getting velocities 100+ fps faster than what is normally maximum for that load so you must have an especially fast barrel.
Make sure you are wearing a good pair of shooting glasses when you shoot that thing.
47gr that's a full grain over what the Hodgdon reloading center web site is listing and there usually higher then all the books. I would be careful your probably pushing it. Have you been measuring your cases and giving them and the primers a good inspection. Like Farmnut said I wouldn't use this load when it plus 20 or 30 degrees out side. 2820 ? guys are getting that velocity with 155's out of a 24" barrel.
The overt signs of pressure you list, usually don't show themselves till your about 25% over design pressure for the cartridge.
I'd say if your 100fps over what is typically attained in the cartridge your likely already over the design pressure for the cartridge. only about 12% to 17% over.
Think cumulative metal fatigue.
Shooting glasses are going to save his eyes when his whole action blows up in his face? Maybe his should have a flack jacket on too. And warn everyone at the range he's shooting a hot load so they should stay well away. FS
Excessive velocity is a indication of over-pressure especially if that velocity is reached using more powder than listed as maximum. Your load may well be safe in your rifle but then again it may not. The only way to know for sure is get some expensive pressure testing gear. The safest - and cheapest - bet is to back of to match "book" velocities and powder charges.
Another possibility is your chronograph is pooched and is showing velocities higher than what you are actually reaching. If that is the case than an extra grain of powder over listed maximums is possible especially if your Mauser has a generous chamber.
Last edited:
Well - I think the consensus if to back off the load. You are running at pressures that are higher than the action was designed for. Moreso if you have worked these loads up in cold weather, and try to shoot them in warm weather.
Bear in mind that old mauser action was manufactured a long time ago - and possibly under duress during the war. Why take the chance on metal integrity? I shoot lots of old milsurps, including Rosses. I stick to one or two grains above minimum load as my limit.
Bear in mind that old mauser action was manufactured a long time ago - and possibly under duress during the war. Why take the chance on metal integrity? I shoot lots of old milsurps, including Rosses. I stick to one or two grains above minimum load as my limit.
Well - Our man hasnt specified... However, if its the rifle that is posted for sale by the OP, its a PH Santa Barbara action. If memory serves, there was some controversy about the heat treating of these actions years ago.
Regardless, the load is likely over the design limit of the action. Modern actions can enjoy the benefit of NDE - such as radiography, whereas old milsurp actions did not. As such, they are more vulnerable to metal failures due to flaws within the metal.
Regardless, the load is likely over the design limit of the action. Modern actions can enjoy the benefit of NDE - such as radiography, whereas old milsurp actions did not. As such, they are more vulnerable to metal failures due to flaws within the metal.
This is exactly the procedure I have used. Load the same brass over and over. As you say, if the primer pockets stay tight, and the bolt doesn't stick on opening, you are not using an overload in that rifle.
Another little scare tactic that was introduced to the loading manuals, maybe 20 or 30 years ago, was calling the prescribed charge weight, "Maximun." Prior to this the loading charts just showed one weight of powder, that is, no "Minimum," load, just one weight and it was named, "Charge."
The governing body that sets standards for cartridge loads, the SAAMI standards, uses a certain pressure for a cartridge load. The factory loads are designed on these standards and the loading manuals follow suit. The loads given should, for the most part, be about equal to a factory loaded cartridge.
I don't know of any shooters who are afraid to shoot a factory load in their rifle. Yet, virtually every hand loader on here will not start out using a "Maximum," load, because that might blow the action up in his face!
Would he be as scared if the manual simply stated the charge weight of powder given should equal a factory load in his rifle?
