loading 308norma magnum
- Thread starter fan6.5
- Start date
There is no use in getting a 308 Norma magnum, then using cast bullets in it. The maximum practical speed that you can get cast bullets to travel, in some segment of accuracy, is 2200, or so, feet per second.
Oh, I know, there will be those on here that will tell you they get them going a way faster than that.
If you want to get them beyond about 2200, good luck.
Oh, I know, there will be those on here that will tell you they get them going a way faster than that.
If you want to get them beyond about 2200, good luck.
I'm sure a lyman manual will have some info for you but I think it would be a waste. A 308 Norma isn't for something like that. A 308 win on the other hand does well with cast bullets, I use 18 grains of unique powder behind 170 grain lubed gas check bullet. I only shoot small things with it like gophers and paper.
I see nothing at all wrong in loading cast bullets in your .308 Norma Magnum. As mentioned, you cannot achieve the same speeds as jacketed, but that is true for most other cartridges, excluding the .30-30. So, get the Lyman manual and go for it. Cast bullets would make great practice rounds, punching paper, practicing offhand shooting and generally having fun without the fun and pain of full house loads.
For a cast bullet, you will have to decide what you want to do. I would recommend something like the Lee 170 grain flat nose bullet as a minimum starting weight.
For a cast bullet, you will have to decide what you want to do. I would recommend something like the Lee 170 grain flat nose bullet as a minimum starting weight.
Inefficient ,imagine the airspace with a few grains of pistol powder.Here's some data from Ken Waters Pet Loads.Light loads -[.308 win power]-125gr bullet/46gr IMR3031/2700fps /OAL 3.25" 150gr bullet/49gr IMR3031/2825fps OAL 3.28"[30-06 power] * 180gr bullet/IMR4198 31gr-1918fps 29gr-1803fps + 27gr-1681fps*** ALL BULLETS JACKETED USE DATA AT OWN RISK.........great for kids and recoil sensitive shooters.............Harold
Johnn Peterson
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Chemainus B.C.
I have a 308 NM and am a fan of the caliber but shooting cast bullet loads out of one is about the same as putting a 4 banger engine in a Hummer. There are more appropriate/suitable 30 cal cartridges to play with cast bullets in.
