Squib loads: How low do you go?

Slowbalt

Slowbalt

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Been load testing for a few days, got a few acceptable loads already. Different loads are giving numbers between 550 and 900 FPS for a 185gr cast bullet (rifle is a 308), with some great groups at either end.

Wondering how slow is still safe? Don't want to risk getting one stuck in the bore because of an unforeseen change (summer vs. winter temps would be the main variable).
 
I've used 300gr 44mag jacketed bullets in my 44-40 at 450fps reliably, I could see the bullet leave the barrel, I've also used 220gr lead bullets in my 303 at 500fps without issue, I've gone lower but sticks the bullet half the tie so that sucks

you just need to make sure the bullet leaves the barrel, its easy to tell if you listen for it or don't wear hearing protection

I really like Hodgdon tite group for this type of stuff, I've also used w231 in the 303 cases (same volume as a 308)

you will get them stuck, I used a piece of 5/16" aluminum rod with a quick sanding in the lathe to hammer out the stuck 303 bullets and had a piece of 3/8 aluminum rod with tape on it for for 44-40 (i didn't stick any 44-40 bullets though)

if you don't feel comfortable using tite group in a 308 case, hodgdon lists a load with a 160gr jacketed bullet and 8gr of TG. it doesn't mind low load density, I've used down to 3 gr in a 303 British case
 
I've used a shortened 22LR case full of Bullseye (maybe 2 grains?) in a 30-06 with 98 grain .32 wadcutters, with no problems. They're not much louder than just the primer...
No idea of muzzle velocity.
 
While I have never intentionally tested the boundaries of low power, I have had the experience where loads that seemed like good, reliable plinkers in warm weather were dropping into the snow just past 50m during winter, so watch out for that.
 
I don't frig around with using pistol powders in rifles. They weren't meant for it. For cast bullets I keep loads around or just under 2000fps.
 
Are you reducing case volume too? If not, then peak pressure will be lower than intended for the powder. Peak pressure helps with complete combustion, and upsetting the base for sealing.

I’ve gotten 00 lead balls to stay subsonic in a .303 using very small charges of blank powder. Since they are intended for shooting without hearing protection a failure-to-clear-barrel would be obvious.

Groupings are lovely, but they don’t feed from the magazine as the geometry is wrong.

And those are small/soft enough that you can drive them in/out/through with a stack of pencils.
 
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The other part of the question is; What are you trying to accomplish? I have used reduced loads (to me a squib is something that leaves the bullet in the barrel). The reduced loads are often tailored to be sub-sonic, as that cuts out a lot of the noise and are really pleasant to shoot. Generally, I work on 1000 fps, which produces nice shooting loads, cuts down on powder for practice, and never has the risk of sticking a bullet in the barrel. Not sure why you would want to get down to 400-500 fps, other than as a stunt to say that you can do it.
I would not deliberately shoot a rifle under 750 fps, cast or jacketed, as removing either is a pain and can result in damage to a barrel if you are not careful.
If you are trying to do something indoors, you would be better off with an air rifle.
 
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