Hornady 178 ELD-X load data for 308

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Loaded 1 bullet at a time and checked for pressure /speed. Got up to 2544 fps with no pressure signs. That's 42.5 grains of IMR 4064. Looks like a good place to start testing groups.
 
I've been using the 178 ELDx some. I'm using a "warm" charge of Varget, but they shoot very well, actually just like the older 178gr Amaxes. Here is some of my load work thus far, it was a bit gusty on the day the targets in the first pic were shot, might account for some of the horizontal.

0326171006~01.jpg

I've already posted these targets in another thread, but these are the last few groups I've shot with these loads out of my Tikka CTR. They look promising, next I'll have to try them at 300 and 400 yds to see how they hold up.

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Liability disclaimer: These are hot loads, no one should use them... Ever.... Except me.
 
What's the max average pressure that load has in your rifle?

It may not be maximum for SAAMI specs.
 
Hornady lists a max Varget charge for this bullet( along with every other bullet in this weight class regardless of construction) at 42.4gr

Hodgdon load data specifies 45gr Varget for a 175gr hpbt, and for a 180gr sp.

I would theorize that the Hornady max charges are probably somewhat limited by their inclusion of GMX all copper bullets into the same data as all of their cup and core bullets.
 
Gtscotty said:
Hornady lists a max Varget charge for this bullet( along with every other bullet in this weight class regardless of construction) at 42.4gr

Hodgdon load data specifies 45gr Varget for a 175gr hpbt, and for a 180gr sp.

I would theorize that the Hornady max charges are probably somewhat limited by their inclusion of GMX all copper bullets into the same data as all of their cup and core bullets.
Click to expand...


Hornady 308 Win loads seem to be on the light side when compared to some other load data, sometimes to the tune of 3 grains or more.
 
That's too hot for my tastes. On a 22" barrel you're going to end up with compressed loads for those velocities and I don't like to use compressed loads.
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There is nothing wrong with compressed loads, in fact they tend to be more accurate. It isn't something you can do with any powder. With with the right powder it is a good thing. And 2600 fps from a 22" barrel is just about where any factory 180 gr 308 load should be. My load basically duplicates the Hornady factory loads with this bullet. In fact you can find factory 308 loads shooting 178 gr bullets considerably faster than 2600 fps.

http://www.hornady.com/store/308-Win-178-gr-BTHP-Superformance-Match/

I'm not one to hot rod any cartridge. But I expect my hand loads to match factory speeds and do it with better accuracy and for less money. This is what this load does. I wouldn't waste my time hand loading 178/180 gr bullets to 2500 fps when I can buy them over the counter loaded to 2600 fps.


Shot this group yesterday at 200 yards. My load is 1/2 gr below max based on Hodgdon data and about 40 fps slower than they list as a max load. I don't have any reason to believe it is too hot at all. I started quite a bit lower and worked up to this point, even loaded a few at 45 gr. But this is where I found the best accuracy. The velocity is just about where it is predicted to be.

006_zps33plsiie.jpg

Concerning the longer bullets taking up too much powder space. This bullet on the left is a 180 gr .308 Hornady Interlock, the bullet on the right is the 178 ELD-X. It is longer, but if the Interlock is loaded to the cannelure most of the extra length is outside the case. The difference inside the case is minimal.

007_zpsirum3ytf.jpg

I don't worry too much about OAL. When loading something new I load to fit the magazine 1st. If it fits the magazine and feeds into the chamber without hitting the lands that is where I start. And almost always end. If accuracy isn't where I want I may try seating deeper.

This is Winchester brass and primers loaded to 2.83" BTW. They function and shoot great in my rifle. As always anyone should start out lower and work up though.
 
Good info jmr40! It's info like that that guides me to what I want to accomplish. I'm learning , trying not to waste a bunch of time and materials. I hunt and also think what we reload should be in the neighborhood of factory velocities. Nice shooting!:thumbup:
 
Exhausted all attempts with the Imr 4064. Best I could get was 1.2" at 100. Finally got a hold on some varget. Going to try this.
 
I've had good results with this load less than half moa groupings out to 1K. Average velocity 2652 ES 16 SD 8.3 all out of my 700 5R 24".

178 ELD-X
41.8 gr. IMR 4064
2.845 OAL - 3.225 BTOL
CCI 200
Federal Cases
 
Nature Boy said:
I have not been able to find an accurate load yet for the 178 ELD-X in my .308

Everything I've tried so far has been really lousy
Click to expand...

I just spoke with bud who'd been working with 178 gr ELD-X and finally found a recipe his 308 Savage likes. 41.5 gr Varget with BR-2 primers. He also seats real close to the lands.
 
bikemutt said:
I just spoke with bud who'd been working with 178 gr ELD-X and finally found a recipe his 308 Savage likes. 41.5 gr Varget with BR-2 primers. He also seats real close to the lands.
Click to expand...

I'm not giving up on it yet. I've run a ladder on two .308 rifles and have tried 41.5g of Varget. So far the results have been less than impressive
 
Hi fellas new here but not to reloading, i shoot both the 178 eldx and eldm in .308 10T, 1 in 10 and 24" barrel i had been shooting both rounds over 41.5 gr8 variety and 2550fps I'm looking for more speed but accuracy with that load was great out to 600 actually I have shot it with only 41g variety to 1000yd
 
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