Replicating the MK118 LR Load?

[DMW1116]

I've developed a load for my 308 rifle that seems close to the MK118 LR load. This was actually completely by accident. Has anyone tried to do this in purpose? What load combos did you try? I've been using IMR 4064 and CCI #34 primers.

 

[Blackbeard 44]

I have not tried to replicate that load yet, I did find a load for the M118 but it doesnt refrence the "LR"

I was planning on trying to do a load work up on this in the near future.

here is a screenshot of an army load data manual # TM 43-0001-27 it does have some very interesting info and I highly reccomend it if you havent taken a look

 

[GoldieMI]

if you have 4064 - you might want to try replicating the MK 316 Mod 0 load instead:

41.745 grains of IMR 4064 is what the official report mentions
Sierra 175gr MK's
Fed 210M Primer
FED Match Grade Brass - Case trimmed to 2.015"
Oal 2.815"
it is supposed to be 2,575 ft/sec ± 30 ft/sec, at 78 feet (26 yards) from the muzzle, with a standard deviation of the velocities not greater than 28 ft/sec, out of a 22 inch test barrel

I found 42.5 and WLR Primers to be better load for me with my rifle to be more consistent, with better SD and tighter ES numbers - but as always, start low and work your way up.
and a great use for FGMM Brass as well
note this is for bolt action rifles- the service rifle (semi auto) is lower because of the gas rods but listed on the website

 

[JFrank]

I have not tried to replicate that load yet, I did find a load for the M118 but it doesnt refrence the "LR"

I was planning on trying to do a load work up on this in the near future.

here is a screenshot of an army load data manual # TM 43-0001-27 it does have some very interesting info and I highly reccomend it if you havent taken a look

Im not familiar with WC 846 powder but I have used IMR 4895 although 44.gr seems pretty hot for a 172 gr bthp

 

[DMW1116]

Interesting. I'm closer to that load. I'm using 42.5 gr of powder and CCI 34 primers. I don't have a chronograph. I don't remember my trim length. I'll have to look. OAL is between 2.8 and 2.805 inches.

 

[MEHavey]

Out of my M1A@100yds _ Oehler Chrono

 

[DMW1116]

Trim length is 2.011-2.013.

How about crimping? Mine are much more accurate without crimp.

 

[GoldieMI]

I don’t crimp anything other than revolver/pistol brass. All bottle neck is neck tension for me.

 

[DMW1116]

I cycled a dummy round with no crimp a couple of times and measured it for changes. It actually got longer by about 0.001" per cycle average.

 

[DMW1116]

I'll see if I can find some 4895 when my supply of 4064 runs low.

 

[Rod47]

If memory serves me, this load was developed at Lake City with SMK 175ge and RL 15. Back in the day when Alliant had the contract.

 

[mpofficer31a]

...I did find a load for the M118 but it doesn't reference the "LR"

The official terminology from Maneuver Ammunition Systems at Picatinny Arsenal is M118 and it's DODIC AA11. It's often discussed as being M118LR, but it's not. The 'Long Range' reference is a discriminatory term, as in "Single round, Link, Trace or Blank".

These are relatively silly details, but if it helps, there it is...