LR308 Starting Load?

[Justintoxicated]

LR308 w/ 24" barrel 155gr SMK Palmas

I would prefer to use my Varget, but also have several lbs of H4895.

Been searching around but my reloading books are almost 10gr of powder difference between them for the starting loads (Hornady vs Lyman).

I have been told that the palmas are going to suck, but I just bought 1000 of them because that is what is available... I also have SMK 175gr and some 168's NoslerCC's

What would be a reasonable starting load, what velocity should I look for? Many of the loads I find online exceed maximums in both books.

[Swagman00]

I like the 45 gr. of BL-C2 behind a 150 gr. pill as provided by the Hodgdon data page online. Ball powder is easier to meter to exact numbers when working up too so it can be slightly safer then stick.

You won't damage or blow anything up using similar weight bullets of another brand with the minimum powder loads. 44 gr. looks to be a good starting point.

[gemoose23]

Your 155's #2155 or #2156 ?

I am shooting #2156 155gr with 47gr of Varget. No pressure signs for me.

2904 FPS out of my 24" barrel in 39 deg weather. :P

"This is my experiences, take them for what they are worth, 2 cents"

[Justintoxicated]

Your 155's #2155 or #2156 ?

I am shooting #2156 155gr with 47gr of Varget. No pressure signs for me.

2904 FPS out of my 24" barrel in 39 deg weather. :P

"This is my experiences, take them for what they are worth, 2 cents"

This is out of a semi auto or a bolt gun?

For Varget Hornady Books shows starting load is 37.6gr with an absolute max at 43.2gr (2600fps) but this is for an M1A or M14.

[bcrich]

I've got a 308AR dpms 1-10 and I couldn't get 155's or 175's to shoot but the 168's shoot moa with 44.5 g of W748 and 41.5g of IMR4895 with same bullets in the M1A shoot right around moa.

[Justintoxicated]

they are 2156c

[Justintoxicated]

I made some loads 44 44.5 45 45.5 and 46gr of varget. Not sure I should go any higher until I test these out?

Manual says 48" max, and the LR308 does have an adjustable gas block.

[Bill Steele]

I made some loads 44 44.5 45 45.5 and 46gr of varget. Not sure I should go any higher until I test these out?

Manual says 48" max, and the LR308 does have an adjustable gas block.

I wouldn't make any higher until you get to shoot the ones you made. You might find a node down lower (I probably would have started even lower) that works well on paper and cycles your gun. Less wear and tear has to be a good thing.

I will say, I have heard the comment about 168's and AR10's. I have no idea why that is.

Good luck, have fun. Sure sounds like fun.