Too hot for a gas gun?

[NCHillbilly]

Good afternoon gentlemen. Believe it or not, I have a question on a load for .308 win in a DPMS LR308. I searched all of the threads I could, and did not see this question addressed. I am working up a new load consisting of LC cases, hornady 178gr BTHP, CCI 34 primers, and varget powder. My issue is: I don't get many opportunities to shoot 300yd+, so I try to concentrate on using my loading and shooting time wisely. I had a bonafide 1100yd load using 178 a-max's and IMR 4064. Can't get the a-max's anymore, so I'm trying something different.
The load I'm working on will also be a long range load. I found an accurate node at 41.4grs, but it's a little on the weak side to make 1000yds+. I'd like to test up to 43.5 grs with this load. would this be too hot for my rifle? I know this is above the "lawyer proof" loads in the manual, but I have loaded and shot up to 42.6 with no visible pressure signs. I just don't want to beat up my rifle( or get a chauffeured ride to the ER). The rifle this rd will be used in is a DPMS LR308, 24in stainless bull barrel,1-10 twist. any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[flyright]

43.0 grains of Varget, 178 ELD's or 175 SMK's, FC cases and 210's are a pretty standard load for me and a few friends with gas .308's but one of them did have some pressure signs in his POF. It's no where near as hot as some factory rounds. 175 Prime and HSM's are much hotter according to the chronograph (and feel). LC is smaller internally so that's another variable. Every gun and lot of powder varies so you must be very careful and know what to look for.

 

[BCP]

42-43 grains should be about right, doubt it will hurt your rifle at all

I shot lots and lots of 43 grains varget, LC brass and 175 smk at 2.8" through my DPMS

41.5 is another good one, should be around 2550fps from a 24" which will definitely get there but the wind will push it around even more than usual for a 308

 

[shootnrelease]

An an adjustable gas block (JP) may help gain some speed and accuracy..

 

[NCHillbilly]

Thanks for all the replies. To BCP, what primer were you using in your loads? I have always used CCI 34's, but considered trying 210m"s. The only problem is that the Federals are usually harder to find.