Starter Loads for M-305/M14S

[Beadwindow]

Having just gotten into reloading, I was wondering about a few considerations surrounding .308 load data for 7.62 Mausers and Norc M305s.

Just to be safe with the Norincos, I purchased 150 grain Hornady SP for my first reloads. Currently I have H4895, H4198, H4227 and IMR 3031 as powder choices, though the Lee manual shows only H4895 and IMR 3031 as options for the bullet weight. Though beginning with the starter loads, the never exceed loads with these powders comes to nearly 60 000 psi. Would a milder reload be better, and if so, does anyone know a good source of extra load data?

The mausers are an Israeli K98 and an FR-8, so while I am not to worried about the rifles handling the loads listed in the Lee book, I would rather not put them or my shoulder through too much strain if possible.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Frank

 

[PoFF]

Altough I do not use any of the powders you listed, if you have access to H335, I've found that 42 grains pushing a 150 grains Speer SP (similar to yours) is a nice, mild load that cycles the gun just fine but that's easy on the brass.

For extra load data, check on Hodgdon website, they have a basic reloading book in .PDF free to download.

 

[schick]

I'm not sure of the weights (don't have my manula handy), but I know that 4895 is teh perfect powder for the M305. According to books and internet resources, 4895 was a popular powder in US matches for many years.