.308 reloading question

[realmswalker]

I am loading some .308 with imr 4064. The cartridge length is 2.015 and it's a PMC cartridge. I am loading 150 grain soft points. minimum load is 43 grains and max load is 47.7 grains accorsing to IMR web site.

On some of the cartridges the 45 grains of IMR 4064 which I have measure 3 times to be sure, fill it darn near to the top. my question is, even though it's 2.7 full grains less than the max, because of the amount of compression once the bullet is seated, am I going to run into overpressure problems. Guns I will be shooting this ammo out of are a remington 700 BDL and a full size springfield M1a. Cartridge in question is in bottom left corner.

Pics for reference. Thank you.

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[buffybuster]

First, recalibrate your scale and double check the charge weights. If they are correct, then a little technique to help the powder settle is you can touch the side of the case to a vibrating tumbler (some work better than others) or you can take a little rod and tap the side of the case to help orient the kernals so they will settle better. A little "crunch" is OK.

[realmswalker]

Scale is calibrated, I have the two calibration weights and they weigh exactly as they should.

I will try the tumbler technique.

A little crunch doesn't worry me, its the over pressure with the powder packed in that tight, if that's even an issue.

[buffybuster]

Scale is calibrated, I have the two calibration weights and they weigh exactly as they should.

I will try the tumbler technique.

A little crunch doesn't worry me, its the over pressure with the powder packed in that tight, if that's even an issue.

As long as the compression is not so extreme that it is pushing the bullet back out, it is not a problem with "that" particular powder.

[realmswalker]

Thank you!

[bcrich]

Buffybusters advice is spot on...however those charges you quoted are for a bolt gun. The hornady book has load data specific to the M1A and it says 37.9g minimum @ 2,200 fps and max of 43.2g @ 2,700 fps using 155g amax. It is the closest data for your 150g softpoint. Good luck

[toby]

I do this load with 46 grains of imr 4064 and it is slightly a commpressed load it works fine, tho I use Fed or Win brass. I seat the bullets out a little.