.308 Compressed load question

[Thor2j]

I have been relaoding handguns for a while and am now getting into rifle. I am reloading for .308 with Lapua brass, Varget powder , and cci primers. My intentions are to make it out to 1000 yards eventually.

I was reloading with A-Max 178gr with a COL of 2.80". The Hornady book says max varget is 44 so I started at 41, 42, 42.5, 43, and 43.5. I made 3 of each. After getting to 42.5 I can hear the powder being compressed. No book that I can see has this happening until around 44. I checked the weight on 2 scales and its dead on.

Is this normal in Lapua brass???

Any suggestons would be great, Thanks

 

[Boltfluter]

Re: .308 Compressed load question

Just a thought. Is the reloading manual using the exact same bullet? A-Max's are extremely long for their weight. Is your overall length exactly the same as the manual? Paul.

 

[Gene Poole]

Re: .308 Compressed load question

My experience is that Lapua brass DOES have one of the smallest case capacities of the common commercial brass cases. Even less capacity than LC 7.62 NATO cases. That said, I've got no problems using 44.5 or more (up to 45.0 working up the load) behind the A-Max 178s.

 

[justinbaker]

Re: .308 Compressed load question

pour the powder really slow, it will help it settle in the case. makes a big difference for me.

and dont be afraid to take the powder charge a little higher.

hornady max load is too low.

im at 44.6 grains of varget, and get very little compression

 

[Xcount]

Re: .308 Compressed load question

Alliant 2000MR is your friend. 47.5gr., load and fire for effect.

honestly.