First timer messing with subsonic hand loads. Wanting to load a hunting round with maker’s 180 gr Rex bullets. Don’t need to hear .308 vs 300blk argument I have both. Just wanting to mess around with dedicating my Savage bolt action model 10 16” 1/10twist to subs. Only expecting to make shots <100. Would like opinions on amount to start with and type of powder, Primers, seating, any tips and tricks that sub newbie like me might need to know. Any advice appreciated.
- Thread starter Tmorri93
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Have loaded 308 subs. Just not those bullets. Trail boss is your friend if you can get it. Remember to start higher charge weight and work down, this is where a chronograph is needed. Shoot it unsurpassed first to make sure bullets are stabilizing. Hodgdon had sub load data, not sure if still do.
Another vote for trail boss. I’ve used it a bit for that very thing.
As others have said:
Step 1: get a Time Machine and buy a bunch of Trail Boss in 2019
Step 2: load it behind a 190 subX
Step 3: fine tune load DOWN from 10.0gn until you get your desired velocity. Prob around 8.3gn. Watch for squib.
Step 4: go back to 2020 in the Time Machine and buy more trail boss.
YWFMS
Step 1: get a Time Machine and buy a bunch of Trail Boss in 2019
Step 2: load it behind a 190 subX
Step 3: fine tune load DOWN from 10.0gn until you get your desired velocity. Prob around 8.3gn. Watch for squib.
Step 4: go back to 2020 in the Time Machine and buy more trail boss.
YWFMS
I used 10.5 grains of Trail Boss behind the Lehigh 190s
Titegroup may work well with the rex bullet in a 1/10 twist barrel . Hodgdon calls for 8.5 grains of Titegroup for a 175 Sub-x bullet and 8.7 grains for the 190 Sub-x bullet .
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This list from hodgdon has a couple besides trailboss.
I use 10 g with 168's and 175's
About 308 subsonic-what’s the lightest bullet that a guy can realistically expect subsonic? I’ve heard some say 200 grains, but I don’t buy it.
The first link I posted, in that article they had 150 and 160 at subsonic.
I personally have loaded 165 sierras subsonic with trailboss. Was ok out to 100 yards.
There might be an advantage to heavier bullets for subsonic, but smarter brains then I can discuss that.
Not sure I understand what you're trying to ask. I've loaded 90gr bullets subsonic in both 308 and 30/06.
Come to think of it, I've loaded powder coated round balls too, well below typical subsonic speeds.
Use a fast powder. Cast coated lead bullets are more forgiving for very mild subsonic loads, but the 90gr bullets above were jacketed 90gr XTPs.
I still have some Trail Boss, so thats what I used with shotgun primers in a 308 case.
Around 11 grains will probably get ya close.
I found it varmint accurate at 50 yds with a variety of bullets except the 200 grs went sideways in the target, in a 12 twist.
But 155 through 175 gr bullets were accurate and fairly consistent velocities, some were a little high in velocity when I started but easy to adjust down.
Fun to shoot...
Around 11 grains will probably get ya close.
I found it varmint accurate at 50 yds with a variety of bullets except the 200 grs went sideways in the target, in a 12 twist.
But 155 through 175 gr bullets were accurate and fairly consistent velocities, some were a little high in velocity when I started but easy to adjust down.
Fun to shoot...
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