M14 308 reload info

TACTICAL111

TACTICAL111

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I am an avid reloader.
Just picked up a Poly M305.
My first semi M14 of any kind.

A few questions since I'm itching to hurl a few hundred down range to break her in and see whats what.
Before jumping in I thought I'd ask a few more experienced reloaders of this particular weapon their thoughts.

I have lots of 4064 on hand from my numerous 30-30's (an avid fan and shooter of them) Would be an added benefit to utilize the same powder across 2 platforms.
My initial thoughts on a simple load were 4064, a Remmy or Winnny cartridge, a 155 gr J Hornady bulk and a CCI primer. I did a little research and many have said that this primer is a little harder and more suitable for the semi-slam. They also noted to seat the primer well. Understood.

So in conclusion: IMR 4064 (start at 43 or so?) 155gr J Hornady and a CCI primer seated well. Apart from my anal case prep skills ;)
Any thoughts please chime in.

Follow up questions: What depth should I be looking at for the primer?
Crimp: light, medium or heavy? Of particularly concern.
Full case length size or neck size?

The last question: How many loads should I get out of brass for this weapon, I have heard that it's fairly heavy on it.

Thanks in advance, just looking for something to get going with and any experience is always welcome.

Note: I use an old school single stage press :rockOn:
I know what you're thinking
ChappellesShow-00hr04min15sec.jpg
 
Here's a link to an article I found quite informative

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

He says 4064 should be alright.
As for exact loads, I don't know, I use 4895........(Now! LOL. I was using Reloader 15 and it was accurate, but apparently way to slow)

I've heard CCI Bench rest primers are a little more shock resistant, so I use those too.
As for brass I use IVI surplus stuff, tough as can be and thick.

Anyway, I think your'e on the right track.
 
diananike said:
Here's a link to an article I found quite informative

http://www.zediker.com/downloads/m14.html

He says 4064 should be alright.
As for exact loads, I don't know, I use 4895........(Now! LOL. I was using Reloader 15 and it was accurate, but apparently way to slow)

I've heard CCI Bench rest primers are a little more shock resistant, so I use those too.
As for brass I use IVI surplus stuff, tough as can be and thick.

Anyway, I think your'e on the right track.
Click to expand...

Cheers :cheers: appreciate the response and the link.
 
"...Full case length size or neck size?..." All semi-autos require FL resizing every time. That plus watching the case lengths(trimming, chamfering and deburring as required) and the OAL. A crimp isn't required, but if you opt to use one, make it just enough to hold the bullet in place.
"...start at 43 or so..." Not 'or so'. 43 grains is the starting load. Work up in half grain increments, loading 5 of each, to 47.5. Keep 'em separate. Stripper clips are good for that, if you have any. Don't worry about compressed loads either.
"...the semi-slam..." Slam fires are caused by improperly loaded ammo, not the rifle. CCI "milspec" primers are a marketing gimmick for magnum primers. IMR4064(It'll do nicely) doesn't need 'em.
Been using a single stage press for eons. Speed is a matter of technique.
 
TACTICAL111 can you let us know how things went. Reason is I load for numerous bolt action 308's.. Have been really thinking about that rifle you have. Curious as to how accurate it is with custom loads.
 
sunray said:
"...Full case length size or neck size?..." All semi-autos require FL resizing every time.

Thats probably correct for nearly all semi-autos, but someone forgot to tell my M305. After FL sizing my new brass and firing, it will easily handle neck-sized loads without a hitch.
As for accuracy, it is excellent with 155 gr. loads and much easier on brass than my FN49....
Click to expand...
 
The M14 chamber is sloppier than a prostitutes you know what, so it doesn't really need to be FL or Small Base resized everytime. I beleive HUNGRY just neck sizes for his M14(s).

I use 43 grains of H4895, W-W Super/LC Match Brass, WLR Primers, and cheap Privi Partizan 150 grain FMJ's.

On a bench rest I can shoot 2", 3 round groups with the iron sights. :)
 
DO NOT NECK SIZE FOR THE M-14/M305 RIFLES!!! And yes I know I'm yelling.

The standard match load for the M-14 rifle has been 41 grns of 4064 under a 168 grain boat tail hollow point match bullet. I have used the same load with a 155 BTHPM bullet with fantastic results. Pretty well 1 holr 5 shot groups at 100m with both bullets.

Scott
 
Buck45 said:
TACTICAL111 can you let us know how things went. Reason is I load for numerous bolt action 308's.. Have been really thinking about that rifle you have. Curious as to how accurate it is with custom loads.
Click to expand...

Will do, have some parts coming in and the die set should be here in a week or so.
Let you know how it goes, and what load was used.
 
While FL resizing is the standard recommendation for semiauto rifles, neck sizing is a good workaround for M14s that have excessive (more than .010" over minimum) headspace by commercial .308 standards. This is done to prevent case head separations from overworking the brass.

If you can find boxer primed military brass, it is a good choice from a case life standpoint, as it is heavier than commercial brass. Limit your powder charges to 1-2 grains below the maximum listed for .308 in your manual with this brass.

I would recommend crimping for any semiauto rifle.
 
What about if your headspace is really far out, and stretches the brass something fierce?

If I use military brass, on my grossly over headspace rifle, how many uses will I get out of the brass with full length resizing?

I'm eventually going to get another m14 and build it with a nice tight chamber so I can get as many uses out of the brass as possible, with annealing the necks of course.

I would like to tighten up this rifle too, but for the sake of knowing, I wouldn't mind "wasting" some brass to see how many times I could safely use it.
 
Finally got out and did some shooting.

Hand loaded 3 batches, each using a 150gr Hornady bulk bullet, CCI primer and new Winchester 308 commercial brass. All cases were neck sized.

Shooting was done at 50yrds.
200 rounds were put through her the prior day for a sight in.
Rifle is stock with iron sights except for a USGI spring, Sadlak guide, Sadlak piston @ Harris Bi Pod.

The three loads were 4064 (use it for my 150gr 30-30 loads) 4895 & 8208 XBR (use it for my 160FTX 30-30 loads)

Note: when I say 1.25 inch grouping I measure from edge to edge not middle to middle.

1) 4064 @ 44gr - Average results, grouping at 1.25 inch. Cases were 2.005 before and between 2.010 and 2.015 after. This was a slightly compressed load even at 44 gr, you could hear the powder compressing when you seated the bullet. Light compression, but compression none the less.

2) 4895 @ 42gr - Little better, grouping at .5 inch. Cases were 2.005 before and between 2.007 and 2.012 after. No compression, the power was slightly finer than the 4064.

3) 8208 XBR @ 42gr - VERY tight grouping at .25 - .5 inch, some were going through existing holes. Most impressed and surprised. Cases were 2.005 before and between 2.010 and 2.015 after. No compression, the powder is almost like sand and there was plenty of space. Shaking the bullet after loading you can hear the powder sloshing around.
What struck me the most after just the 1st round was the increased recoil, snap and sound. It felt like a significantly harder load but the rifle seemed to love it. Also seemed to fire out the brass quicker and sharper.

I have a few hundred of each load left over so I will go out to 100 yrd next week and see what happens.
Will also swap out the gas piston for the stocker and do a comparison.

I plan on taking one batch of fired brass and neck sizing only to see what the case stretch is after a second firing and also if the accuracy is affected.

So there you have it, may not be right for your rifle but the 8208 was very impressive.

I'll update next week after 100yrds and again after I've fired the first batch of neck sized once fired brass.

CHRIST was it cold on the range today! But that smile just kept coming back.
Very nice rifle :D
And I still have my #### :eek:
 
Remember how I was saying 43 grains of H4895 over a Prvi 150 grn FMJ works really well? :D

100 yards, iron sights, bipod w/sand bag in the back....
Click to expand...

Well, you're right. After moving out to 100 & 200 yrds the 8208 QUICKLY got shot down.
No good......at all.
It was 4895 by a long shot.
 
m39a2 said:
DO NOT NECK SIZE FOR THE M-14/M305 RIFLES!!! And yes I know I'm yelling.

The standard match load for the M-14 rifle has been 41 grns of 4064 under a 168 grain boat tail hollow point match bullet. I have used the same load with a 155 BTHPM bullet with fantastic results. Pretty well 1 holr 5 shot groups at 100m with both bullets.

Scott
Click to expand...

Can't hear you I guess. I use a LEE Collet sizer for my M14 brass once it's been fire formed.
 
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