I just built a custom rifle in 308 Winchester - TAC-30, Bartlein heavy contour 30" barrel. I have never hand loaded for a 30" barrel. I'll be shooting the Berger 185 grain hybrid target. How do I determine the best powder / burn rate for this setup without a lot of trial and error? I have recommendations from powder manufacturers but they didn't account for the added barrel length. I prefer maximum velocity but precision is more important. This will be used for long-range F/TR matches.
- Thread starter robertjhaley
- Start date
Re: Powder burn rate for longer barrel
2000 MR, Varget, RL 15 with the 185s.
2000 MR, Varget, RL 15 with the 185s.
Re: Powder burn rate for longer barrel
Given the 30" barrel I might start with something as slow as 3031. But anything from 3031 through Varget, you should be able to word up a dandy load. OCW is a goog philosophical starting point.
Longer barrels should work better with slightly slower powders having 'sane' pressures for a longer duration to achieve optimal MV, rather than slightly high pressures early in the firing sequence. Its a delicate banalce.
Given the 30" barrel I might start with something as slow as 3031. But anything from 3031 through Varget, you should be able to word up a dandy load. OCW is a goog philosophical starting point.
Longer barrels should work better with slightly slower powders having 'sane' pressures for a longer duration to achieve optimal MV, rather than slightly high pressures early in the firing sequence. Its a delicate banalce.
