Re: Variations in LC 308 brass - ramifications
The types of variations you're describing are actually rather small.
The latest batch of .223 ammo I made up from Frontier (Hornady) brass showed case weight variations between 92gr and 99gr. I know all my other component weights were within fractions of a grain in uniformity, so I simply weighed completed rounds and divided them into a high and low group, so at least the variations between shots within each of the two match stage would be smaller.
My advice is to follow such a regimen, controlling the other individual component inputs for uniformity, then weighing out completed rounds and segregating the different ends of the weight spectrum into more similar groups. Truly extreme variations could be held aside for fouler/sighter shots.
My load for Palma 155's and commercial brass has usually worked out to around 46.0gr of Varget for my Sav 112BVSS. I think you could start as high as 45.0 and work up, to save time.
Sierra published <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">max</span></span> for their 155Palma and <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Rem brass</span></span> (please note that LC brass has a smaller capacity and max charges should be adjusted downward accordingly), IMR4064 is 48.2, IMR4895/44.0 (max velocity is a lot slower), W748/49.9, BL-C(2)/48.7, and that should get you started.
Please also note that your barrel's twist rate is 1:12", and that this rate should accommodate up to 175SMK's well enough as long as you don't let the velocities loaf too much. Such bullets should outperform the Palma 155's in your gun when appropriately loaded, and I would alter my maxes downward by about 2 gr from the 155 loads, start a few grains lower, work up, and pay close attention to the fired brass for pressure indicators as the loads increase.
Like you, I started with handguns and that's where I learned my handloading initially. Again, like you, my initial rifle reloading was done with .308. It's a different animal from loading cases with straight sides, but it's not really all that different. Pay attention to getting primer seating done right, and bullet seating, too. Lube is a lot more crucial, as you'll find out unforgettably when you get your first case stuck in the resizer die (NEVER forget the lube!). When it happens, don't panic, relax, do nothing, and ask us here about how to remedy the situation without fraying your nerves or damaging your equipment. We're happy to help, and that's what many of us are primarily here for.
I think you made a good choice with your rifle, and have shown good wisdom by bringing your questions here. If you can find a dependable in-person LR guru, so much the better. Remember that nobody has all the answers, and that alternative approaches will always be present. When in doubt, ask.
Greg
