Lead bullet reloads in 308 calibre

[JohnE]

I shoot at a 100 yards range and we are restricted to using lead bullet reloads only and so I would be interested to know the preferred lead bullets and powder loads in 308 calibre used by other shooters seeking maximum accuracy. Thanks JohnE

[dromia]

Depends on many things, what velocity/muzzle energy you are seeking and especially the outcome of your chamber/freebore/bore/groove cast/slug.

A look through past threads on here will give you a wealth of cast bullet information.

[andrew375]

Plenty of loading data and moulds out there. My most used moulds are the Lee 200 gr. and 150gr flat nose, both sized .310". The sizing barely touches the sides.

Currently my accuracy load in my AI Cooper Match is 22 gr. Lovex S040 with the 200 gr. bullet for just under 1 moa. Haven't chronoed it yet but I expect it to be around 1900 fps. I've fired this bullet at just over 2000 fps in another (.308) rifle and it is good for 500 yards.

I mainly use the 150 gr. in my K31 but has also performed well in .308. For long range 33 gr. of N140 is very accurate but for something a bit cheaper and quieter 11.5 gr. of SNIA GM3 gives sub moa accuracy at 1615 fps.

[The Lord Flashheart]

I shoot at a 100 yards range and we are restricted to using lead bullet reloads only and so I would be interested to know the preferred lead bullets and powder loads in 308 calibre used by other shooters seeking maximum accuracy. Thanks JohnE

There are lots and lots of combinations that work but as a starting point for not much money, try this lee bullet:

https://leeprecision.com/mold-dc-c309-150-f.html

The flat nose works well on paper targets.

As for powder I have a stash of trailboss which is perfect for this sort of loading, in the alternative I would join Castboolits.com and ask/do a search there.

There is an amazing depth of knowledge on cast bullet shooting on that forum and the membership is very helpful.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthr ... st-bullets

That guy is using a Vit powder, might be worth looking at European powders going forward.

[Mike95]

What are your ME/MV limits? I use 11 gns of shotgun powder.....Unique...PSb2...under 170 gn loverin bullet...max 2148 mv. Bullet gas checked...lubed....311 sized. Can you use plated bullets....?

Mike95

[JohnE]

Thanks to the few who have replied, we just have a sand backstop and are limited to using lead bullets only with a muzzle energy not exceeding 1495 ft lb and a muzzle velocity of 2150 fps and it does seem that shotgun powder is very popular. I have used early Lyman books for recommended loads but it seems likely that some of those powders will not be available for much longer and some of the powders in the recent Lyman books being unfamiliar to us in the UK. JohnE.

[dromia]

My 600 yrd loads in 30 calibre guns go at around 1800-2000fps and I shoot them on a 100 yrd range with similar limits to the one you use.

My powders of choice are Vihtavuori N110 and N120 starting at around 19-20 gns respectively, however powder and load choice is all in vain 'till you have established from your gun what bullet/alloy combination will fit your particular rifle failure to do so usually ends in frustration and disappointment when it comes to cast bullet accuracy, also you need to ensure that you have a soft and malleable alloy, hard, antimony bearing alloys lead like buggery lest you have 100%+ perfect fit.

Generally speaking with cast you will also need a heavier bullet for the calibre to help build the start pressure, 175 gn would be the minimum for me with a 308. My Ishapore 2A likes the SAECO 315 175 gn pb bullet, which is an excellent starting point for the 308 and most 30 Calibre rounds, NOE do a first class rendition of this mould.

My alloy, around 12-14 BHN doesn't need gas checks (which anyway don't directly check any gas).

Recommended lube White Label 2500+.

Bullet fit is king!

I suggest that you read Ed Harris's article on Cast Bullets in Military rifles which is lodged in the library here.

Read in conjunction with a good burning rate chart which will give you a feel for the equivalent Vihtavuori powders which are already REACH compliant with good availability and supply in the UK.

[JohnE]

Thanks to all for their thoughts I bought a Tikka CTR rifle and would like to think that a new barrel should be on size, things came together after a few shoots, the Lee cast bullets and Red Dot, I have not tried it without gas checks yet. I did find recommended length for a 308 cartridge would not feed and continue to experiment so am always interested to know what powders and loads work for others.
JohnE

[kennyc]

Thanks to all for their thoughts I bought a Tikka CTR rifle and would like to think that a new barrel should be on size, things came together after a few shoots, the Lee cast bullets and Red Dot, I have not tried it without gas checks yet. I did find recommended length for a 308 cartridge would not feed and continue to experiment so am always interested to know what powders and loads work for others.
JohnE

if you compare the cast bullet with a jacketed spitzer you will see the ogive is different, this will require you to set the bullet back more to allow chambering.

[dromia]

So what is the freebore/groove/bore specification on a new Tikka CTR?