Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

[subseauk]

Hi
I am trying to develop an accurate load for an RPA short barrelled ( 18.5" ) in .308Win with a twist rate of 1:10

I am using Lapua Brass, CCI LR Primers, Lapua Silver Scenar 167grain heads.

At the minute i have been trying with Vit N140 but the only load that gets reasonable groups of less than 1" at 100yds is 42.5 which is over the max according to VIT powder guide. Also with this load i think i am just starting to see the half moon shape of the ejector pin ( very feint ).

I am wondering if i should be trying a faster burn powder due to shortness of barrel.

Any suggestions on this from the reloading gurus?? Please bear in mind we do not have access to all the US powders in the UK hence use of VIT powders which are pretty easy to get hold off.

Any help appreciated.
Rgds
Kev

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

Try some RL15, I was able to get pretty consistent 1/2MOA or better groups out of a 20" barrel with it.

Look for pressure signs, not the books version of max, it may occur sooner or later than the book predicts so don't assume if you are under book max you are safe. The reverse is also true. You may be over book max and fine.

There is a whole thread of recipes in the reloading depot.

 

[subseauk]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LawnMM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try some RL15, I was able to get pretty consistent 1/2MOA or better groups out of a 20" barrel with it.

Look for pressure signs, not the books version of max, it may occur sooner or later than the book predicts so don't assume if you are under book max you are safe. The reverse is also true. You may be over book max and fine.

There is a whole thread of recipes in the reloading depot.

</div></div>

Hi LawnMM

Thanks for the feedback, what you put is how i normally work up loads ( i.e. not taking manuals as gospel and looking for signs ). On the higher loads as mentioned i did see a shiny shape of the ejector pin on the base of the case but this may have been due to heavy rain and wet action affecting the case expansion slightly.
Ill have a look at RL15 loads for this head weight and see what it behaves like.

Cheers

 

[subseauk]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

LawnMM

Forgot to as where this reloading depot is you mentioned ( keep in mind I'm in the UK not US ).

Cheers

 

[Badshot308]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

The very top of this reloading forum, right above where it says New Topic.

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

If you get the ammo, or the chamber, wet...it will increase pressure dramatically. Do your load testing with everything dry. If you do it wet you will almost certainly get overpressure signs even if you wouldn't dry.

Click here for the Reloading Depot

 

[223ai]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

8208 or H4895

 

[subseauk]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Badshot308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The very top of this reloading forum, right above where it says New Topic. </div></div>

My Bad

Saw that just after asking where !!!!

cheers

 

[subseauk]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JPipes</div><div class="ubbcode-body">8208 or H4895 </div></div>


Thanks

Will see if they are easy to get hold of here.

cheers

 

[quickdraw17]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

+1 on RL15

Works pretty well in my 18" Remington 700 in 308. 42.5 behind 175 SMK gives me about a 1/2 MOA.

 

[FZJ80]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

+2 on RL15, quick burner for a shorter barrel. I'm no guru but have had very good luck and consistent groups with 42gr RL15 pushing 168 SMKs. The RL15 also seems to be pretty consistent with varying weather

 

[nfoley]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

I have a 14.5" semi in 308 and use Varget. I get great accuracy and good velocity with the varget, never seen any reason to try other powders. Mostly use 168 grain Sierra and Amax bullets.

 

[762nato]

Re: Short Barrel = what Powder?? Advise needed please

I am getting good results with 8208 XBR and 168 Berger, good accuracy and velocity in a 24" tube