AP reloading question.

[rocknut]

I've been wanting to load some AP rounds for the 30-06 but haven't seen any projectiles. Pats reloading has some for .308, will these work? I'm not an experienced reloader, but have a friend that is going to help me learn. I just want to bring the right components along. If the .308 bullets won't work, does anyone know where to buy the correct ones? Thanks.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Yes, .308 diameter bullets are correct for the 30-06 cartridge.

The bullets they are selling were probably from 7.62x51 ammo, but that bullet weight ( 147gr ) is in the range that works well in 30-06 too.

[eckerph]

Any .308 diameter bullet will work for 30-06 loads.

[rocknut]

Thank you both. I didn't know if maybe seating depths or something might not be compatible. I appreciate your help.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Bullet seating can be an issue when loading AP bullets because they are longer than standard bullets of the same weight. If you are going to seat them at the same OAL as non-AP bullets, you might have to lower the powder charge a bit. Maybe your reloading manual will have a load for AP bullets.

Pat's Reloading lists the .308 diameter AP bullets on their site as 147gr. I believe the weight should really be 152gr for 7.62NATO M61 AP bullets. Hopefully they just listed the weight incorrectly. Anyways, the 152gr M61 AP bullet is closer to the same length of the standard 150gr bullet used in USGI 30-06 ammo than the 163gr AP bullet used in 30-06 AP ammo is.