IMR4064 filling 7.62x51 case?

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

I just started to load up some of my first .308/7.62 Reloads. I noticed that the suggested loadings a 150g bullet using IMR4064 pretty much fill the case up. I am using military brass and did compare to a commercial case and the mil case did have less capacity. however even in a commercial case it would not leave a lot of room.

I started at 38g and the powder was just at the base of the shoulder, but by the time I reach 41g I will be into compressed loads. Is this normal? I was thinking my scale was off but I weighed one of the 150g bullets and it was pretty much dead on. Not a proper check but I don't think the scale is an issue.

Since the case has a noticeably less capacity over commercial, I was thinking of going no higher then 41g. Book says 44.9g is max load but wit the reduced volume I want to stay clear of that.

 

[laker415]

I noticed that 4064 really fills the cases. I saw a YouTube video where the guy used an electric toothbrush to vibrate the powder into the case a bit better. He claimed it worked better than his drop tube. I am going to try this method when I get out of camp.

 

[Ganderite]

4064 is rather bulky. I like to use it in 3006 because it fills that big case better. For 308 I use 4895.

Don't be afraid of compressing 4064. Use a soda straw or primer tube as a drop tube.

 

[farmboy108]

Lots of times powders that fill or nearly fill the case give great accuracy.

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

Stupid question, whats a drop tube lol?

 

[The Outsider]

I use 4064 in 308, 300 Savage, and 358.
In 300 savage it fills the case half ways up the neck, so the bullet compresses it quite a bit, no worries.

 

[tiriaq]

Stupid question, whats a drop tube lol?

Basically a looong drop tub from the measure or funnel. Helps the granules settle.

 

[rodregier]

 

[LeeEnfieldNo.4_mk1]

Thanks for the info. good to know its normal. I loaded up some to 41g but stopped since I don't have any experience with compressing loads. Ill try the straw when I load up the last few loadings.

 

[berger]

42.5g of 4064 with a 168g bullet run excellent in my Savage 10TR.

 

[tiriaq]

You can also try holding the base of the charged case on your tumbler. This will settle the charge in the case.

 

[sunray]

38 grains of IMR4064 is below minimum for a 150. 43.0 is the start load(38.7 for a military case.). Max loads(47.7. 42.9 for a military case.) are compressed.
The compressing will start long before you get to those though. Compressed loads are nothing to worry about. You just seat the way you always do and let the press do its job.

 

[btridge]

38 grains of IMR4064 is below minimum for a 150. 43.0 is the start load(38.7 for a military case.). Max loads(47.7. 42.9 for a military case.) are compressed.
The compressing will start long before you get to those though. Compressed loads are nothing to worry about. You just seat the way you always do and let the press do its job.

When using military brass, Don't use hunting brass maxs, your working with a very different case internally.