IMR 4895 Load Data for .308

[Fitzy206]

This is my first post and I have a question concerning load data for my .308. I have been using 43 grains of IMR 4895 with 165 grain Hornady and Speer bullets. Both of these shoot extremely well. I am shooting 3/4" groups at 100 yards consistantly. I just picked up several boxes of Sierra 165 grain bullets. I loaded these at 43 grains also. I just noticed the max Sierra recommends is 41.9 grains using IMR 4895. I have already loaded 100 rounds and now question if I should pull these and reduce my grains. Any input or suggestions on what I should do here. Thanks, Fitzy206

 

[BsChoy]

Go to the hodgdon reloading manual online and check their max load.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

this should tell you

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I load Nosler 168 grain HPBT's in my .308, which would effectively take the same charge weight as 165's. Hodgdon's online data center list's the starting load at 41 grains and the max load at 45.4 grains. I'm loading 44.5 grains and have not had any problems at all, I'm getting steller accuracy, 1.2" groups at 200 yards. I think the Sierra data is very conservative, you won't have any problems at 43 grains.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Hold on folks, this where it pays to heed the details. Sierra used Federal Brass to generate load data! Whereas, Hodgdon used WW brass to generate their load data.
They are two different animals. PAY ATTENTION to the details!

People just do not understand that case capacity directly affects pressure and is a consideration in rifle rounds larger then say the 223.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Not only does brass make a difference but the bullet used affects the load even more. The jacket alloy/hardness, core alloy, bearing surface, COL and even the powders lot can cause pressures to vary. I`d stay with data from the bullet maker over anyother source and use the powder manufactures as a second choice.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I think Sierra stopped testing when the velocity got where it should be for a 24 inch barrel...if you'll notice, they were using a 26" Savage for the load development (Sierra edition V).

Brass...Not that big of a difference in this case...its the barrels.

 

[USSR]

I have already loaded 100 rounds and now question if I should pull these and reduce my grains. Any input or suggestions on what I should do here.

Need to know what brass you are using. If you are using Winchester, Remington, or Hornady brass, you are fine.

Don

 

[Fitzy206]

Thanks, still not sure what to do here.

I am using Fed Brass, Shooting loads from a Rem 700, 22 inch barrel. No signs of any pressure problems at all using Hornady or Speer Bullets. I just don't see why/how Sierra bullets would be that much of a difference,especially the same weight. They are very similiar to the Speer I have shot in the past. I do thank you all for responding.

FitzyD

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Watch it if using military 7.62x51 brass. It's thicker, and loads need to be reduced. Some manuals address this problem.

 

[Fitzy206]

solution

The headstamp on the brass states, FC and 308 win. I think I am going to pull these and insert Hornady 150 gr sst bullets. I load these for my BLR using 43.6 grains of IMR4895. I can just add .6 grains to each. Then I will load and shoot a few rounds with 41.9 with the Sierra 165 grains and all will be within the specified limits. This way I won't destroy my rifle or myself. Thanks for the input, greatly appreciated. Fitzy206

 

[USSR]

Fitzy206,

Federal brass is a little bit heavier than the 3 brands I mentioned, and softer. It doesn't hold up well to high pressure loads. Not that it would come apart on you with your load, just that the primer pockets might expand and not hold a primer tight at the next reloading session.

Don

 

[Mags]

ARGHH enough about some brass being thicker ! ARGHH!
What I do is if use a different brand of the same weight of bullet in published load data I measure the bullets length with calipers if it is the same length as the published bullet brand I use the same data. If not I decrease the load and work my way up as you should when you encounter any variable. By the way I have loaded hundreds of lake city military 7.62 brass cases to published max loads without any pressure signs. Show me pressure signs from 7.62 brass being too thick and I will believe you. Just so you know the military could care less about SAAMI specs and vice versa. BTW ANY BRASS THAT SAYS 308 WIN IS NOT MILITARY BRASS

 

[Redneck with a 40]

From personal experience, Federal rifle brass is JUNK! I won't use it, period. I can only get 2 or 3 loads out of it, its soft and heavy, junk, junk, junk. I load with Remington and Winchester primarily, which is good stuff. The only time I load LC brass is when I buy Ultramax remanufactured ammo, that way I don't have to decrimp, deswage the primer pockets, its already done.

 

[Mags]

I do have to agree with you on that Redneck I don't have problems with Federals case neck splitting or wearing but the primer pocket gets real loose on me.

 

[45ACPUSER]

I think Sierra stopped testing when the velocity got where it should be for a 24 inch barrel...if you'll notice, they were using a 26" Savage for the load development (Sierra edition V).

Brass...Not that big of a difference in this case...its the barrels.

Oh yeah brass brand makes a whole lot of difference. Try putting a full charge of varget into an FC case with 175 SMK.....Anyone who dismisses wantonly that brass does not make a difference is in need of rethinking their offering of advice.

Barrels do make a difference whe comparing velocity but not case capacity! BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ridgerunner665]

46 grains of Varget in Federal brasss...hmmm.

Yields 2,683 fps from a 22 inch Shilen barrel when you stuff a 168 grain Nolser Ballistic Tip on top of it. (308 Win)

I don't shoot 175's, but 46 grains is a full charge for the 168...its hot, but it works just fine.

Brass makes a difference...just not that much of a difference.

Worst case....stuck or sticky bolt, flat primers, ejector marks.

No blown up guns...