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Want to build a load for my FR-8 7.62x51 Nato (tag said .308Win but I know it's misleading)
My Sierra Manual gives me .308 Winchester 150 grain FMJ, which I'm planning to downgrade towards NATO pressures:
Reloader-7
start 34.4gr (~2500 fps) max 38.4gr (~2800 fps) Alliant Powder website puts Max pressure at 47,000 psi
IMR 4064
start 39.1gr (2500 fps) max 45.5gr (~2900 fps) Hodgon website lists beginning pressure at 44,700 PSI and Max pressure at 57,100 PSI
I want to stay well below Max NATO pressure of 50,000 PSI and go with something closer to 45,000 PSI. Like I've mentioned, the rifle is FR-8 and I'm not planning to shoot it beyond 300 yards, so full power of 7.62 is not needed - instead, I want a load that's accurate at medium range.
I'm leaning towards Reloader-7 - Max pressure is equal to beginning pressure of IMR-4064 and I've had good experience with smaller volume/faster burning powder. Am I safe to start with Reloader-7 in 35 grain range and work it up to 36 or so - I assume it keeps me close to 45K PSI pressure?
I'm also planning on using commercial .308 brass and fireform it for FR-8 (this is the only Nato gun I'm using so I'll be marking brass as such) - is there a big problem with doing so? The rifle hasn't been headspaced but testfired and inspected by the store smith. I have also inspected the bolt and haven't found tell-tell signs of failing action/excessive headspacing.
My Sierra Manual gives me .308 Winchester 150 grain FMJ, which I'm planning to downgrade towards NATO pressures:
Reloader-7
start 34.4gr (~2500 fps) max 38.4gr (~2800 fps) Alliant Powder website puts Max pressure at 47,000 psi
IMR 4064
start 39.1gr (2500 fps) max 45.5gr (~2900 fps) Hodgon website lists beginning pressure at 44,700 PSI and Max pressure at 57,100 PSI
I want to stay well below Max NATO pressure of 50,000 PSI and go with something closer to 45,000 PSI. Like I've mentioned, the rifle is FR-8 and I'm not planning to shoot it beyond 300 yards, so full power of 7.62 is not needed - instead, I want a load that's accurate at medium range.
I'm leaning towards Reloader-7 - Max pressure is equal to beginning pressure of IMR-4064 and I've had good experience with smaller volume/faster burning powder. Am I safe to start with Reloader-7 in 35 grain range and work it up to 36 or so - I assume it keeps me close to 45K PSI pressure?
I'm also planning on using commercial .308 brass and fireform it for FR-8 (this is the only Nato gun I'm using so I'll be marking brass as such) - is there a big problem with doing so? The rifle hasn't been headspaced but testfired and inspected by the store smith. I have also inspected the bolt and haven't found tell-tell signs of failing action/excessive headspacing.
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