New reloader; I tested my first batch of .308 reloads now what?

vpsalin

vpsalin

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So I tested my first batch of reloads and got very good results with 45.5gr of IMR4895, approx 3/4 inch groups. I stopped at 45.5, I had no other loads to test higher then that. Testing with new never fired brass was very conclusive, starting with 42.5 grains and moving up to 45.5 gr the improvements in accuracy was very obvious and my shooting was getting poorer and poorer as the day progressed so that says a lot.

Here is what my test looked like, just what I expected to see happen;
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Now I have a few questions;

  • I full length resized the new brass which I used for these tests, will neck-sized brass like the same powder charge or do I need to start testing all over again?
  • Some manuals suggest maximum 46.8gr charge, Is it worth it for me going higher, I still have no pressure signs but I'm quite happy with accuracy at 45.5....?
  • I was making 0.5 gr increments in my tests, now that I know that my rifle with new brass likes 45.5 should I test around this number with 0.1 or 0.2 increments to test for further accuracy? What should I do at this point?
 
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What bullet weight? Don't see 42.5 as a starting load on Hodgdon's site.
"...neck-sized brass..." That'll be fine.
"...quite happy with accuracy at 45.5..." .75" isn't exactly horrible. I'd site in 3" high at 100 then practice shooting, off hand, at a 9" pie plate until I can hit it every time. Write the load down in your manual.
"...test for further accuracy..." There are several techniques you can lay with. OAL is one. That'd be loading so the bullet is about 20 thou off the lands. That distance is a very subjective thing though. Every rifle is different.
 
So you're saying I should expect same/better accuracy with neck sized brass with same powder charge as full-length resize?

I'm shooting 150gr hornady fmj to practice my reloading skills.
 
Neck sizing may, or may not, make any difference to accuracy, but load levels can remain the same.

If you are happy with the results of your load, there is no NEED to test other charge levels. I would do so, however, just to find out what would happen.

As has been suggested, my next move would be to play with COL.
 
Or try a different powder combination. Neck sized fire-formed cases might change the results slightly as there is now more case volume and better seal around the case. You can go as far as to weight sorting your bullets and cases.
 
if its a heavy barrel with a high power scope i would keep testing. if its a light hunting rifle i would load 24 more rounds and make sure the 3/4 inch group was a constant. if it is load more . practice and hunt away. i'm happy with anything under an inch in a hunting rifle.
 
The weak link might be the 150 gr FMJ bullets. The next sept up to 46.0 gr just might get those shots touching, or 46.5 or 46.2. You'll never know until you go there.

I doubt you will see much, if any difference in accuracy between FL and neck sized. Neck sizing will not turn a 3/4 MOA load into a 1/4 MOA load.
 
chappy said:
if its a heavy barrel with a high power scope i would keep testing. if its a light hunting rifle i would load 24 more rounds and make sure the 3/4 inch group was a constant. if it is load more . practice and hunt away. i'm happy with anything under an inch in a hunting rifle.
Click to expand...

This ^
and, I would not neck size loads for a hunting rifle, only a target rifle.
 
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