First time reloading
- Thread starter John Grey
- Start date
HodgdonReloading.com has your answer, also keep in mind that semi autos can handle LESS pressure than bolt actions so ladder from the lower end up
I'd go to a berger 168 or 175. Those are extremely expensive bullets and you won't see a difference between the berger or a cutting edge especially in a semi auto
Please keep in mind that .308 brass varies in capacity by brand. Suggest buying a large lot of all one brand for your load development. .308
I second @Maurygold suggestions, especially for a novice reloader. The copper solids are somewhat finicky and have a very narrow powder load "range".
That’s a fine option to start with on reloading. Spend the money on brass though if you’re serious about reloading - that is worth going premium on and lapua is the only choice for premium 308
I’d probably buy some lapua scenar loaded ammo to benchmark from and keep the brass
I’d probably buy some lapua scenar loaded ammo to benchmark from and keep the brass
For the 182 gr copper bullets 1.475" long, 56 gr H2O case capacity.
You'll be looking at max loads in this area.
Max load work up!
2.8" COAL
40.5 GR VARGET.
2.940" COAL
42.1 GR VARGET
A huge difference in pressure as to what your COAL is going to be.
The long 200 gr eldx at 2.8" or 212 eldx at 3" COAL from the Hornady manual is a better guide for the long 182 gr solid copper bullet.
Solid copper has a higher start pressure than lead of the "same weight", and is longer taking up more powder space than lead with the same COAL.
You'll be looking at max loads in this area.
Max load work up!
2.8" COAL
40.5 GR VARGET.
2.940" COAL
42.1 GR VARGET
A huge difference in pressure as to what your COAL is going to be.
The long 200 gr eldx at 2.8" or 212 eldx at 3" COAL from the Hornady manual is a better guide for the long 182 gr solid copper bullet.
Solid copper has a higher start pressure than lead of the "same weight", and is longer taking up more powder space than lead with the same COAL.
Can't go wrong with the classic 168 or 175. The SMK 169 and 177 have shown great long-range results. Since you plan on single-loading/firing, the extra COAL of those projectiles won't be an issue if you won't be limited on keeping them at magazine length.
Also check into the new .308 174 gr eld-vt, it has one highest BCs of .574 g1.
I have 500 on their way to test.
I find the old 168 and 175 gr SMK as old fashioned out of date profiles for distance.
The new 169 gr SMK and 177 gr SMK are better options for distance, if they are accurate in your gun.
I have lots of 308s in both bolt gun and Autos.
Barrels from 16" to 30" twists from 12 to 8. Brass and hybrid case loads.
Also load bullets from 100 gr Lapua to 250 gr Atips in the 30" 8 twist.
I have 500 on their way to test.
I find the old 168 and 175 gr SMK as old fashioned out of date profiles for distance.
The new 169 gr SMK and 177 gr SMK are better options for distance, if they are accurate in your gun.
I have lots of 308s in both bolt gun and Autos.
Barrels from 16" to 30" twists from 12 to 8. Brass and hybrid case loads.
Also load bullets from 100 gr Lapua to 250 gr Atips in the 30" 8 twist.
