help with a short barrel starting load/powder

[jephs422]

I'm almost finished with a new build; .308 stiller tac30 build. I'm running a 16" tube and I'm looking for some advice on a few different starting loads.

I'd like to run re15 since I have it, but I'm not sure how fast it burns.

I'm using 168smk's

Any help would be great...

 

[Gene Poole]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

How far are you planning on shooting those 168s? They have known issues at longer (500+ yds) ranges.

That said, there's only one good way to tell what your rifle likes: shoot it. Start with the low end of what the manufacturer recommends and add to it in 0.4 or 0.5 gn. increments until you see pressure signs (cratered/flattened primers, extractor marks) then back off. You might want to do an OCW at the same time to find a good node. See: http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/ for OCW details.

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

I wouldn't worry about barrel length when picking a powder or starting load, just stick to the published starting charges and go from there. In .308/168gr bullets I've had best results with 4895 on the softer end and Varget at +/-max.

Good luck with the new rifle!

 

[jephs422]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

I won't be shooting this one past 600. It's a duty specific rifle and I'm only reloading for it for the extra trigger time and occasional match. It'll be shooting dept. issue ammo for 90% of it's life. That's why I picked up the 168's cause it's what we shoot.

I'll start on the low end with a few loads I already have and go from there. I thought there may have been a significant difference in need for a faster burning powder because of the barrel length.

 

[MtnCreek]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

With pistols, I've used a faster powder with shorter barrels, but that's just to reduce muzzle flash. If you have access to a chrony, it may be helpful to try to match velocities of your reloads to the dept stuff.

I was issued a phone, computer and calculator; your job sounds like more fun than mine.

 

[jephs422]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

I have a chrony brand chrono. Not the best, but it'll work.

I hadn't thought about trying to match velocities. If I can get the POA/POI to be the same it's save me a lot of headache otherwise.

 

[former naval person]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

Brown Precision did a test many years ago to find out what the best powder would be for their "Mountain Rifles". They made ultra light .270s. They found that the powders that worked best for max velocities in the long barrels were also the best for the 16 inchers. They did get lower speeds with the short barrels but the results were as presented.

 

[jephs422]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

Interesting. I've always had it in my head that by using a faster burning powder I'd have better results in shorter barrels. I've loaded that way for several 16" fast .22 caliber hunting rifles.

Maybe I'll go back and rethink a few of those loads.

 

[19grizz69]

Re: help with a short barrel starting load/powder

i shoot a short barrled 243 and my boy shoots a long barreled 243 with the same load in both the short barreled one shots better than the long barrel this is with a slow power 7828 imr also tried this with 4350 imr same results. the short barrel is 18 1/2 in the long one is 26 in. dont know why but it does