POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

A

alpha6164

Full Member
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 3, 2008
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Jacksonville, FL
#1
So i recently picked up a POF 14.5" and am doing some load development for it. I knew right off the bat that the velocity is going to be lower than my 20-26" gear obviously. I took it to the range today and here are the results i got with the following ammo:


Temperature 38F.

Federal Gold 175= 2389,2395,2405,2382,2399
HSM 175gr= 2388,2393,2397,2408,2402
South African 147gr 7.62Nato= 2456,2443,2435,2429,2447

My hand loads:
SMK 175gr, Varget 44.0gr 2.810"= 2425,2423,2425,2418,2429
147gr M80, Varget 45.0gr 2.810"= 2436,2439,2429,2441,2437


I know that these numbers probably would be about 30-40/sec faster if it was 75degrees, but have heard that Varget does not equate the best velocities out of a gas gun particularly one this short. I had made a prior post about a Varget replacement that was cheaper but really now looking for a powder for my semis that may produce a better velocity and still remain temperature resistant.

I have narrowed my choice down to H4895, IMR 4064 or RL-15? Any other suggestions? All inputs appreciated.


 
#2
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

Add more powder, find out where pressure is, then back off a little, also be prepared to redevelop the load when its hot out
 
#3
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

I use winchester brass, 46.2gr of varget with a standard primer and get 2620fps with 175smk in a savage PC that has a 14.5 inch barrel. These show no pressure signs in my rifle.
 
#4
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pappy83</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use winchester brass, 46.2gr of varget with a standard primer and get 2620fps with 175smk in a savage PC that has a 14.5 inch barrel. These show no pressure signs in my rifle. </div></div>


That load must be compressed as hell and appears way above what Hodgon recommends. I know even at 45.0g i am filled to the top. Also, i think the fact that mine is a gas gun it definitely will not be as fast as a bolt gun with same barrel length.
 
#6
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

Its compressed for sure, I have been loading this under both 168, and 175smk for the last two years and 400rds or so. RE15 works well also but is quicker to show pressure in my rifle.
 
#7
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

RL15 seems like a good choice, but I almost wonder if a faster powder like RL10 wouldn't work slightly better in your application. Please do let us know what you find out,

John
 
#8
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

You may be able to hit 2500's with IMR4064 as I use it for my 20" gas gun and get about 2600's.
 
#9
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FWIW 44 varget 175 2.81 in my 18" is 2500fps using 1X fired win brass and 2470fps using new win brass.

Your numbers are more than fine for a 14.5", load for accuracy and enjoy your rifle. </div></div>

I'm getting close to that also but with RE-15, 44gr 2.81 Winchester brass 175smk and Fed match primer out of a factory cut down AR10T 18" barrel. 2490fps.
 
#10
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pupdawg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FWIW 44 varget 175 2.81 in my 18" is 2500fps using 1X fired win brass and 2470fps using new win brass.

Your numbers are more than fine for a 14.5", load for accuracy and enjoy your rifle. </div></div>

I'm getting close to that also but with RE-15, 44gr 2.81 Winchester brass 175smk and Fed match primer out of a factory cut down AR10T 18" barrel. 2490fps. </div></div>


If you are getting 2490ft/sec out of an 18" barrel then my 2425 is not bad for 14.5". At 800 yards it is still traveling at 1202ft/sec which i guess is more than enough for a 14.5" setup.
 
#11
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I know that these numbers probably would be about 30-40/sec faster if it was 75degrees
</div></div>

Don't bet on it. Varget doesn't change much at different temps. It's got pretty good temp stability. I have shot it into the 90s and down into single digits and not more than 10fps difference.
 
#12
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your numbers are more than fine for a 14.5", load for accuracy and enjoy your rifle. </div></div>

What he said.
 
#13
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

Faster powder in shorter barrels almost always affects muzzle flash (sometimes very little) and almost always gives slower speeds than the same powders that give stop speeds in 26-inch barrels.

Most of your bullet speed is in the first 10 inches of barrel. FPS gained per inch just goes down and down after that.
 
#14
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grump</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Faster powder in shorter barrels almost always affects muzzle flash (sometimes very little) and almost always gives slower speeds than the same powders that give stop speeds in 26-inch barrels.

Most of your bullet speed is in the first 10 inches of barrel. FPS gained per inch just goes down and down after that. </div></div>




So in that case, which powders give the fastest velocity out of a 26" barrel?
 
#15
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

FWIW I am hunting down an accuracy node in my 16" POF right around 41.9 GR of IMR 4064. Haven't chrono'd it yet. I start getting pressure signs when I get above 42.8 GR.

So right now I am running:

175 SMK
Win Brass
Win Large Rifle Primer
41.9 GR IMR 4064
COAL 2.8
 
#16
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

May also try going down a little (if anywhere near pressure) and coming back up with a magnum primer in your handloads.......just a thought.
 
#17
Re: POF 308 14.5 chronod today. I need a faster powder

I have narrowed my choice down to H4895, IMR 4064 or RL-15? Any other suggestions? All inputs appreciated.


[/quote]

Out of your powder options there, H4895 will be the one to try first. It is just a little faster than Varget in the Hod. series of powders. RL15, IMR4064, and Varget are really very similar, the next slower powder after 4895. Nothing wrong with 4895, untold millions of .30 bullets have been sent down range burning 4895.
 
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