So with the current powder situation what are guys using for sub or reduced 308 loads? I have a bit of unique left but it and trailboss and bullseye are pretty much non existent in Canada. What the heck do we do now? Any available alternative? I'm not hung up on subsonic but reduced loads are cool for introducing kids to centerfire guns. Thanks.
Subsonic powder these days....
- Thread starter sask3500
- Start date
My go to powders for cast rifle loads are 2400 and IMR 4198. If your looking for slower loads I use Unique,700x or Reddot.
8gr Tight Group 165 gr bullet 1200fps is listed on hodgsons website
Also h4895 and imr3030 can be reduced to 60 % of their listed max load for that bullet weight for reduced loads
2400 would also work well,
A black powder sub like triple 7. Fill the case with a drop tube to the neck, seat the bullet. Wash/clean with water
Also h4895 and imr3030 can be reduced to 60 % of their listed max load for that bullet weight for reduced loads
2400 would also work well,
A black powder sub like triple 7. Fill the case with a drop tube to the neck, seat the bullet. Wash/clean with water
BattleRife
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- of No Fixed Address
Those powders are essentially unobtainable right now, which I'm pretty sure is the reason for the post.
I've been eyeing Longshot, which I have some of, for some tests. Or Accurate 5744, which I do not.
Sask3500. If you Google 308 cast bullet data I'm sure there will be lots of loads and then take a look thought the listed powders and see what you have or what's in stores.
You can use cast bullet data with jacketed bullets, but as always start low and work up
You can use cast bullet data with jacketed bullets, but as always start low and work up
Could you let us know how the testing goes? It's the unobtainable issue with some powders. Lots of data with the usual stuff, not much with powder that's available.
BattleRife
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- of No Fixed Address
Sure. But the application in question is a .30-30, and I haven't ordered the mould for it yet, so it may be a while.
You want to be careful with subsonic loads in a big case like 308W. I'd caution against going below 50% case fill. Some weird stuff can happen with very low capacity loads.
Low velocities with unlubed jacketed bullets also run the risk of sticking a bullet in the bore.
Cast projectiles are much safer to play with. Bulky powders are also safer.
If you are determined to do a lot of subsonic stuff, a cartridge like 300 Blackout is the way to go.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
3.2gr of TiteGroup over a 55gr FMJ works good in .223Rem.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
With Campro 55gr and their primer plus the 3gr of TG you are about $.25 at today's prices.
I have match 22LR that cost more than that. This isn't for high volume shooting, just messin around because I can.
And if it lets me shoot my .223 more often without risk of pissin off neighbors its a plus for me.
Your load spec above is in no way the equivalent of match rimfire ammo. If we actually compare apples to apples, bulk 22 rimfire can be purchased for $.10 to $.15 which is approximately HALF what you are spending.
All of the cost estimates above completely ignore the work required to process cases and produce loaded rounds, which is not inconsequential. Subsonic 223 also runs the risk of sticking a bullet in a dirty bore, which rimfire does not. I will reiterate my comment from above: Subsonic 223 is silly and wasteful of expensive components. If you want a subsonic 22 just use a rimfire.
GG is investing the component money and reloading and shooting time, and if it pleases GG to spend it that way go ahead! Not all of us are trying to make the same shot, and often one shooter is going after a goal the next one doesn't see. Respect your fellow gunnie.
The simplest powder to use for subsonic loads that is easily bought in most any store is tightgroup.
But a little goes a long way.. 8gr in a 303 British or 308 sized is about the most you want to use.
I had 3gr in a 303 case with a 200gr cast bullet i was getting 450fps
It's not position sensitive and you don't need any filler and works well with way below half a case full.
But a little goes a long way.. 8gr in a 303 British or 308 sized is about the most you want to use.
I had 3gr in a 303 case with a 200gr cast bullet i was getting 450fps
It's not position sensitive and you don't need any filler and works well with way below half a case full.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
Ya, I built up 50 rounds yesterday to use in my break action H&R.
Cost me a whopping $1.18 in powder, $3 in primers and $5.50 in projectiles I wouldn't otherwise bother using.
Turns out I've been having more fun shooting these than any of my cheap bulk rimfire ammo.
I have plenty or rimfires to shoot whenever I want to but only a couple .223's that I shoot less due to much more noise and being considerate to neighbors and limited range at home (200m)
If my cheap subsonic 223 rounds let me shoot more often I really don't give two ####s what IDCAY has to say about it.
Oh and these subs are shooting decent groups too, at least as good as CCI Std. 22lr in my 10/22's.
Annnd to me reloading is a hobby within the hobby, not a chore. It was a rainy morning so it gave me something entertaining to do for a couple hours instead of doing housework of vegging in front of the idiot box. It was a time well spent and always fun to experiment and learn.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
I didn't claim accuracy was comparable. If I wanna shoot rimfire, I'll shoot rimfire.
When I shoot rimfire generally the cheapest round I shoot is CCI Std Vel. and turns out my 223 subs shoot on par with that.
I had no squibs and my centerfire rifles have clean bores always. The little 55gr pill don't have a lot of bearing surface so not much chance of sticking a round like it would be in a heavy for caliber (75gr) or more so in say a .308.
Nobody is trying to sell you on Subs man, it's just another option people can mess around with and there is zero wrong with anyone discussing it here.
You lot make laugh.
Apparently my disagreeing, which is my opinion, is disrespectful but at the same time you aren't giving two ####'s what I say and that is respectful? And then you go and say it's all good cause this is just a conversation? Whookay.
- Location
- ON, North of GTA
For kicks I did up a trajectory plot for both Sub Sonic 22LR and 223 Rem 55gr.
The 223 with it's higher BC has a lil less drop too which I also saw shooting at 50 and 100yrd, for sure needed less hold over than I do with 22LR.
The 223 with it's higher BC has a lil less drop too which I also saw shooting at 50 and 100yrd, for sure needed less hold over than I do with 22LR.
