Reloading 308 Winchester

[igot105]

I want to start reloading 308 Winchester but need help. I would like to use Hodgdon BL(c)2 and Xtreme 308 bullets (150 gr FP). I've checked several reloading manuals and saw suggested load ranges, however for a bolt action rifle plinking between 50-100 yards, can someone please share your experience with the following:

1. What OAL are you using for this projectile (since it's not a boat tail)?
2. What is your favorite BL(c)2 load?
3. How light have you gone with this powder and projectile?

Just trying to save me a few trips to the range. Thanks

[baih777]

DO NOT use those xtreme 308 bullets for 308 Winchester. They are plated bullets and listed for 30-30 which shoots a lot slower than 308 winchester.

[bsumoba]

DO NOT use those xtreme 308 bullets for 308 Winchester. They are plated bullets and listed for 30-30 which shoots a lot slower than 308 winchester.

this...

you need copper jacketed bullets for 308 winchester

[Exodus343]

Copper plated
Sierra match kings
It's all you need for 308

[baih777]

Copper plated
Sierra match kings
It's all you need for 308

SMK are jacketed not plated.

[rsrocket1]

You can shoot those Xtreme plated bullets in 308 Winchester, but you need to keep the velocity down to 1800 fps or lower. As a reduced load/low recoil load, it's fun to shoot, but way below full power. I shot hundreds of 110g .308 Xtreme bullets with 6-13g Red Dot/Unique or other pistol powders. Now I shoot mostly cast bullets from subsonic to 2400 fps. Again, not full power, but real cheap.

[baih777]

You can shoot those Xtreme plated bullets in 308 Winchester, but you need to keep the velocity down to 1800 fps or lower. As a reduced load/low recoil load, it's fun to shoot, but way below full power. I shot hundreds of 110g .308 Xtreme bullets with 6-13g Red Dot/Unique or other pistol powders. Now I shoot mostly cast bullets from subsonic to 2400 fps. Again, not full power, but real cheap.

Are they accurate for 100 yds or do they just go bang.

[igot105]

I have IMR 700x, 800x, bullseye and CFE pistol powder, and Hodgdon BL(c)2 rifle powder. Has anyone tried these powders to develop a light load using Xtreme's 308 plated projectiles (150g FP), and if so, what charge were you using and what kind of velocity resulted? Thanks

[igot105]

BTT

[Metal God]

If you're going to shoot reduced loads ( 1800fps ) rather then the 2700fps a 150gr 308 normally goes . You need to be sure the powder you use can be used for reduced loads . There is a very good reason there is a start/minimum load in the manuals . Many if not most powders need a minimum pressure to operate at . All kinds of crazy things can happen when shooting reduced loads with powders that like higher pressure to burn well . IMR 4895 is a reducible powder but not sure by how much . There is even Titegroup loads for the 308 but those loads are around 1000fps .

My point is , NEVER just reduce the powder charge below minimum unless you are 100% sure the powder is designed to do so . I recommend you call Hodgdon and ask what powders to use .

As for loading other pistol powders in 308 . Again DO NOT DO THAT unless you are 100% sure you can . That means the manual has these loads or you speak with Hodgdon . This is not something you just take the word of some guy on the net . Some powders have a positional sensitivity . Meaning small charges in large cases act different if the powder is up against the flash hole then they do if it's full forward up against the bullet base . If you are using a charge of lets say 10gr in a case that normally uses 45gr . There is a lot of empty space in there for the powder to move around . The powder can be anywhere in that case . If you were holding the gun up in the air or bullet up in ammo box the powder is likely up against the flash hole . Holding the gun pointed at the ground and the powder is now at the bullet base .

I strongly recommend you get some regular FMJ bullets and load normal rounds when you start .

[delta 1/7]

I'd agree with the last statement. If you are just starting to reload, I would start by the book before you start making your own recipes.. With that being said, for plinking at 100 yards or less I'd probably just buy factory 147gr ammo for cheap rather then spend the time to reload. Now if your hunting, comp shooting, long range shooting by all means sit down and reload.. My reloads beat factory ammo all day long and at a fraction of the price. Totally worth it.

[tonyjr]

I agree with - delta 1/7 -
I started reloading mainly for hunting .
Now , I have taught 8 relatives to reload - reloading they
can shoot more for less .
Right now if you really enjoy shooting get your reloading set up going .
I would get set up with what ever powder , primers and bullets you like
and start stocking up .
Sign up on 4 or 6 reloading sites to get bullets . I buy powder and
primers locally - I hate Hazmat - but if you find a group purchase -
you can save a lot .

[kcstott]

I have IMR 700x, 800x, bullseye and CFE pistol powder, and Hodgdon BL(c)2 rifle powder. Has anyone tried these powders to develop a light load using Xtreme's 308 plated projectiles (150g FP), and if so, what charge were you using and what kind of velocity resulted? Thanks

Go buy a manual, Preferably a Lyman 47th or later, and read the section for your caliber on cast bullets.. that's your reduced load chart.