Light loads for .308

[redbaron]

Anybody have any light plinking loads for the .308 using IMR 4064 that are still pretty accurate out to 50 yards?

Also, what would be the ideal weight bullet for a 1 in 10 twist barrel?

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[P.E. Islander]

IMR 4064 is not going to be ideal for light loads.

What sort of bullet weight and velocity are you looking to obtain?

[larryeliz]

I've shot light loads in my M1916 Spanish Mauser using SR4759....excellent for reduced loads.

Larry

[billw_willy]

Anybody have any light plinking loads for the .308 using IMR 4064 that are still pretty accurate out to 50 yards?

Also, what would be the ideal weight bullet for a 1 in 10 twist barrel?

Red Baron,
I reload and cast several different cast bullets for rifles, pistols and shotguns (slugs and buck shot). I load my 308 Win to about 30-30 levels with a 185 gr cast bullet and 37 gr of Surplus 4895 at about 2200 fps and 29 gr with the 155 gr cast bullet at about 2000 fps. For lighter loads I use AA#2 (two) or Hercules Unique at about 12 gr for bullets weighing 155-210 gr depending on twist. You must verify by looking in the cases that you have not double charged a case with fast powders. 1:14 twist limits bullet weight/length to about 175 gr but 1:10 will work with bullets of up to 250 gr and I don't know of any in that weight other than custom bullets. I don't think there is an ideal bullet weight for any twist. You should build a load around a bullet you want to shoot until you get the accuracy you want. For the higher velocities I fully harden the bullets by heat treating and quenching from my kitchen stove. The bullet noses can be annealed for hunting, much like a Partition bullet's performance. If you use jacketed bullets the loads above will work OK. You don't want to get a jacketed bullet stuck in a bore as they are most difficult to get out. A cast bullet is less of a chore unless they are too soft.

[BerdanIII]

6.0 grs. of Unique and the 100-gr. 0.312" Bull-X semi-wadcutter with large pistol primers works well in my No2A. Seat the bullets to the top of the lube groove to get a little engraving.

[Steve85569]

I've been using 130 grain spitzers and 4198 reduced recoil loads. Punches good holes at 75 yards. I'd have to look up the powder charge for the 30 06 barrelled Mauser. I 'd be cautious giving you any info without knowing your case size though - there are lots of 308's out there. Too little powder and you'll get a squib for sure.

Steve