Accuracy of reduced .308 loads

[crest117]

I want to load some 150 grain bullets in .308 at 2000 fps or 2200 fps using H4895. In a 1 in 10 twist barrel, can these be as accurate as full power loads out to 200 yds? I realize they will drop slightly more and I can adjust for that.

 

[Duvel]

Don't see why not, as long as the charge is within the published load range.

Moving slower it'd probably be more susceptible to drift.

My brother's pet load is 168gr @ 2,350 - Plenty accurate at 800yrds

 

[cwall64]

I found an incredibly accurate low node the other day with N140 and 168 SMKs. It ran right around 2,000 or a little less. Luckily I found the higher node as the low node shot several inches lower and would have needed scope adjustment. It was right around the start load Sierra recommended if I remember right. Very low recoil, accurate as heck (5 shots group could be covered by a dine), and worked the gas system perfectly.

 

[Newtosavage]

I'm doing exactly this with some of my loads right now. In fact, my reduced .308 loads are giving me as good of groups as anything I'm loading. I'm consistently getting sub-MOA out to 300 yards using 150 grain Hornady SST's and Sierra Game Kings over 37 grains of H4895 on CCI primers.

I worked this combination out specifically for the scope I use, a Sightron 4-12 AO with the HHR reticle. This load puts me at zero on the main crosshair at 100, on the 2nd cross at 200, and on the 3rd cross at 300 yards, and by the load data, I should have 1100 ft. lbs. of energy still at 300 yards. The best part is it kicks like my 30-30. I love it when a plan comes together.

A conservative estimate using the ballistics calculator by Hornady puts this load at around 2400 fps. I've loaded H4895 lighter than that (ain't that stuff fun to use!) but was looking for a 300-yard round so I felt I needed at least 2300 fps. at the muzzle with those bullets to keep the terminal velocity over the recommended 1800 fps at 300 yards. If you're only interested in shooting to 200, then 2000-2200 fps. at the muzzle should be fine.

I recall loading my first "reduced" loads with H4895 at 27 grains of powder and at 100 yards, I shot a ragged one-hole group. Kicked like a .30 carbine.

Good luck!

 

[Lafitte]

You will really just have to try and see. Finding an accurate reduced load can be just about like finding the best full power load. There is no reason it shouldn't work.

Lafitte

 

[Morrey]

I want to load some 150 grain bullets in .308 at 2000 fps or 2200 fps using H4895. In a 1 in 10 twist barrel, can these be as accurate as full power loads out to 200 yds? I realize they will drop slightly more and I can adjust for that.

Not sure about other manuals, but Sierra gives an accuracy load with each bullet and group of suggested powders. In loading 168 grain SMK's in .30-06, 2500 fps is the suggested most accurate load with IMR 4064, and this velocity is right about mid-range for their loads. Looking at various powder options may change allowing a low velocity, but this is IMR4064. Check your loads to see the accuracy suggestions, and in this case, 2500 fps is somewhat mid-velocity for the bullet and load.

 

[Sunray]

"...at 2000 fps or 2200 fps using H4895..." That will be below minimum loads. So is '27 or 37 grains of H4895'. Below minimum loads can be as dangerous as over max loads.

 

[maxxhavoc]

"...at 2000 fps or 2200 fps using H4895..." That will be below minimum loads. So is '27 or 37 grains of H4895'. Below minimum loads can be as dangerous as over max loads.

Not for H4895. Hodgdon has tested H4895 as safe for reduced loads down to 60% of max H4895 load for bottleneck rifle rounds.

https://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/H4895%20Reduced%20Rifle%20Loads.pdf

 

[Robert101]

I agree with the reduced loads of H4895 below the book published data is safe. Look at the Hodgen website for clarification to 60%. I've shot them plenty in my DPMS LR308 and they cycle fine as well. Sometimes it is fun to experiment and see the true versatility that reloading can bring to the same rifle and cartridge.

 

[Nature Boy]

My favorite is 38.5g H4895, 155 AMAX, LC case, WLR primer, OAL 2.800. Chrono average for this is ~2430 FPS

This produces sub MOA 5 shot groups out of my M1A. It cycles the action, is easy on the brass and has a light recoil. What's not to like.

Now you guys have me wanting to try even lower loads.

 

[rodregier]

I'm using 125g SST @ 2700 (H4895) as a reduced .308 Win loading.
Hornady makes a factory version of this too.

http://www.hornady.com/store/308-Win-125-gr-SST-Custom-Lite/