Ok I'm trying my hand at reloading 308 finally, but after a few months of reading I am putting my knowledge to the test. Fist off I am u sing 1x fired win brass that has been full size re lengthed. I reamed and uniformed the primer pockets. Trimmed to 2.005 camphered the inside and outside of the mouth. Now I read a lot of good bullet to powder and primer recipes and I came up with varget, cci 200, and 175 SMK. Now I wanted to start with a "low" load so I figured 43.0 grains would be a good start. So I checked my scale and it is all calibrated and away I pour. I got 43.0 and pour it into the case and it looks like the case is full to the top of the shoulder. Is that normal? I shook a winchester 150g factory round and it sounds like it is not nearly as full. What am I doing wrong?
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Re: 308 "boot" question
With Varget in FL sized Hornady brass with a SMK 175 loaded to 2.815 I go from not compressed at 43.0 (can hear powder when shaken) to compressed (or atleast not loose) at 43.5 so <span style="font-weight: bold">my guess</span> is you're probably about right by described volume, it is impossible to say for sure. Varget being what it is if you tap the charged case on the bench a few times may settle substantially. Proof weights are the only way to truly confirm the accuracy of your scale, comparing it to another scale might make you feel better or more confident though.
With Varget in FL sized Hornady brass with a SMK 175 loaded to 2.815 I go from not compressed at 43.0 (can hear powder when shaken) to compressed (or atleast not loose) at 43.5 so <span style="font-weight: bold">my guess</span> is you're probably about right by described volume, it is impossible to say for sure. Varget being what it is if you tap the charged case on the bench a few times may settle substantially. Proof weights are the only way to truly confirm the accuracy of your scale, comparing it to another scale might make you feel better or more confident though.
Re: 308 "boot" question
If they are running 44grains of varget they can do it but it is called a "compressed Load". You will hear the grains actually crunching as you seat the bullet (gently). The varget powder is such a long rod shape it doesn't compact well so you may be loading compressed loads to get your upper levels and you still may have some room before maximum charges. Tapping the case helps quite a bit. Even compressed with varget it is possible to still be with in the realm of safe and not having any pressure signs. Keep your eyes on your cases and if you do go higher in the compressed realm look for the pressure signs and back off immediately if you have any. Blown primers, pancaked primers, sticky bolt lift etc.
If they are running 44grains of varget they can do it but it is called a "compressed Load". You will hear the grains actually crunching as you seat the bullet (gently). The varget powder is such a long rod shape it doesn't compact well so you may be loading compressed loads to get your upper levels and you still may have some room before maximum charges. Tapping the case helps quite a bit. Even compressed with varget it is possible to still be with in the realm of safe and not having any pressure signs. Keep your eyes on your cases and if you do go higher in the compressed realm look for the pressure signs and back off immediately if you have any. Blown primers, pancaked primers, sticky bolt lift etc.
Re: 308 "boot" question
when i first began reloading the entire process seemed scary because you are dealing with "live, combustable" ammunition. But as time has gone by and i have learned the process better i am still very cautious and double check my notes, reloading manual and powders and primers to ensure i don't mix anything up. So be safe and don't be afraid to ask questions.
The only dumb question is the one not asked in my opinion. Good luck and be safe.
when i first began reloading the entire process seemed scary because you are dealing with "live, combustable" ammunition. But as time has gone by and i have learned the process better i am still very cautious and double check my notes, reloading manual and powders and primers to ensure i don't mix anything up. So be safe and don't be afraid to ask questions.
The only dumb question is the one not asked in my opinion. Good luck and be safe.
Re: 308 "boot" question
I used to run 45 grns of Varget in win brass and it was compressed with 178 AMAX. I load 44 in Hornady cases now and no compressed load. If you are compressed at 43grns I would check my scale again first and second get a funnel with a drop tube on it so as the powder is poured in it settles better.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/554122/...and-4-drop-tube
I used to run 45 grns of Varget in win brass and it was compressed with 178 AMAX. I load 44 in Hornady cases now and no compressed load. If you are compressed at 43grns I would check my scale again first and second get a funnel with a drop tube on it so as the powder is poured in it settles better.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/554122/...and-4-drop-tube
Re: 308 "boot" question
I run compressed loads of varget in my 223s, Got to learn to love the crunch, They shoot very well and wouldn't be afraid of running compressed loads.
I run compressed loads of varget in my 223s, Got to learn to love the crunch, They shoot very well and wouldn't be afraid of running compressed loads.
Re: 308 "boot" question
I just loaded up a bunch to take to the range and as I worked up from a low charge to a higher charge I started to hear the "crunch." It was a bit disconcerting at first, but upon inspection I could hear the powder rattle around (faintly) even in the largest charge. It does seem that Varget has some room for settling...
I just loaded up a bunch to take to the range and as I worked up from a low charge to a higher charge I started to hear the "crunch." It was a bit disconcerting at first, but upon inspection I could hear the powder rattle around (faintly) even in the largest charge. It does seem that Varget has some room for settling...
Re: 308 "boot" question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used to run 45 grns of Varget in win brass and it was compressed with 178 AMAX. I load 44 in Hornady cases now and no compressed load. If you are compressed at 43grns I would check my scale again first and second get a funnel with a drop tube on it so as the powder is poured in it settles better.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/554122/...and-4-drop-tube </div></div>
I've shot several thousand 175 SMK's with 45 grains Varget, WW brass and Fed210M, 2.800 OAL, its slightly on the warm side work up with care.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used to run 45 grns of Varget in win brass and it was compressed with 178 AMAX. I load 44 in Hornady cases now and no compressed load. If you are compressed at 43grns I would check my scale again first and second get a funnel with a drop tube on it so as the powder is poured in it settles better.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/554122/...and-4-drop-tube </div></div>
I've shot several thousand 175 SMK's with 45 grains Varget, WW brass and Fed210M, 2.800 OAL, its slightly on the warm side work up with care.
Re: 308 "boot" question
Try "swirling" your powder in the funnel when you drop it in. What i mean is when dumping from the scale pan into the funnel hold the pan off center and let the kernels swirl in the funnel, think toilet flushing. This settles the powder in the case and packes it in better. I load 44 gr in a Win case with no crunch.
Try "swirling" your powder in the funnel when you drop it in. What i mean is when dumping from the scale pan into the funnel hold the pan off center and let the kernels swirl in the funnel, think toilet flushing. This settles the powder in the case and packes it in better. I load 44 gr in a Win case with no crunch.
Re: 308 "boot" question
Varget is difficult to keep from "Crunching" when loading up over 43 gr or so.
A trick I've started to use is simply have the vibrator case cleaner running on a chair or stool within reach of my press. Pour the powder into the case, top with thumb or forefinger, then touch the case to the vibrator/case cleaner. Mine has a large safety cover on the center screw so I just hold it there for a couple of seconds. When I remove my finger or thumb, the powder is more often than not below the shoulder and no more "crunch".
I also don't have much compressing when loading once fired brass if it's been fired in MY rifle and I only neck size.
Varget has a lot of "quirks" and this is one.
Varget is difficult to keep from "Crunching" when loading up over 43 gr or so.
A trick I've started to use is simply have the vibrator case cleaner running on a chair or stool within reach of my press. Pour the powder into the case, top with thumb or forefinger, then touch the case to the vibrator/case cleaner. Mine has a large safety cover on the center screw so I just hold it there for a couple of seconds. When I remove my finger or thumb, the powder is more often than not below the shoulder and no more "crunch".
I also don't have much compressing when loading once fired brass if it's been fired in MY rifle and I only neck size.
Varget has a lot of "quirks" and this is one.
Re: 308 "boot" question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0313lance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got 43.0 and pour it into the case and it looks like the case is full to the top of the shoulder. Is that normal? I shook a winchester 150g factory round and it sounds like it is not nearly as full. What am I doing wrong? </div></div>
looks like what i get in mine. with heavier loads you could get a "drop tube" which will pack the powder in the case better. they work pretty good, i don't have one myself but keep thinking it would be nice to have.
Brownell's has them.
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/powde...-prod40386.aspx
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0313lance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got 43.0 and pour it into the case and it looks like the case is full to the top of the shoulder. Is that normal? I shook a winchester 150g factory round and it sounds like it is not nearly as full. What am I doing wrong? </div></div>
looks like what i get in mine. with heavier loads you could get a "drop tube" which will pack the powder in the case better. they work pretty good, i don't have one myself but keep thinking it would be nice to have.
Brownell's has them.
http://www.brownells.com/reloading/powde...-prod40386.aspx
Re: 308 "boot" question
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0313lance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fist off I am u sing 1x fired win brass that has been full size re lengthed. <snip> with varget, cci 200, and 175 SMK.<snip>I got 43.0 and pour it into the case and it looks like the case is full to the top of the shoulder. </div></div>
I shoot 47.8 gr Varget in Win cases (wiht 155 scenars) and it only comes up 1/2 way up the neck.
I suggest investigating a drop tube.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0313lance</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fist off I am u sing 1x fired win brass that has been full size re lengthed. <snip> with varget, cci 200, and 175 SMK.<snip>I got 43.0 and pour it into the case and it looks like the case is full to the top of the shoulder. </div></div>
I shoot 47.8 gr Varget in Win cases (wiht 155 scenars) and it only comes up 1/2 way up the neck.
I suggest investigating a drop tube.
Re: 308 "boot" question
You're having all of this trouble, obviously because you are an LAV crewman!OK, I'm done busting your balls, (former LAR scout here), I load 178 AMAXs with 44.5 grains of Varget, and it fills the case pretty good, and crunches some. So I would guess what your seeing is pretty normal.
You're having all of this trouble, obviously because you are an LAV crewman!OK, I'm done busting your balls, (former LAR scout here), I load 178 AMAXs with 44.5 grains of Varget, and it fills the case pretty good, and crunches some. So I would guess what your seeing is pretty normal.
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