Page 1 of 2
First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:33 pm
by LeighC
No factory ammo in any of my local shops, so I've decided to finally use all the reloading gear I bought ages ago! I'm OK with the procedure, but I can't get my head around powder loads - pretty critical!
Why do I keep seeing a larger powder load for a lighter bullet? Can someone enlighten me? It would seem logical (to me anyway) that a heavier bullet would require more powder?
My first batch will be .308, I've got a big tub of N140 and it's going under 175gr FMJ bullets. I reckon 40 grains will do it as a starting load, but before I go ahead, can someone give me some guidance (or at least assure me that I'm not about to kill myself or my rifle!)
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:44 pm
by Sandgroper
In simple terms - Lighter bullet = smaller bullet = more space in the case for powder!
HTH
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:51 pm
by Dougan
The load data in the Viht manual for N140 and 175 gn HPBT/Berger bullets is - Starting load: 35.3 gn, and Max load: 41.4...so I definately wouldn't start at 40 gn.
What type of rife is it, what's the barrel length, and what distances are you shooting?
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:55 pm
by Alpha1
Do you have a reloading manual if not surf the web for Vitavouri. Info is available on line. Vitavouri don't quote for 175 grain in there .308 reloading data. 170 and 180grain but no 175grain.
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:04 pm
by Geordie bloke
As you have never reloaded before, I suggest you read up as much as possible and get a knowledgeable shooter who has reloaded before to keep an eye on you and show you good reloading practice. If you just go blindly ahead and something goes wrong when you pull the trigger, the results could be catastrophic and you must also consider other shooters who may be very near you.
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:06 pm
by Dougan
Alpha1 wrote: Vitavouri don't quote for 175 grain in there .308 reloading data. 170 and 180grain but no 175grain.
They do in edition 8...I've got it in front of me in black and white...
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:08 pm
by Sandgroper
Dougan wrote:Alpha1 wrote: Vitavouri don't quote for 175 grain in there .308 reloading data. 170 and 180grain but no 175grain.
They do in edition 8...I've got it in front of me in black and white...
Concur.
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:14 pm
by LeighC
Thanks guys, 35.3 it is
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:17 pm
by waterford103
37.5 seems max for me with 185 's ,after that I see flattened primers and this is best accuracy--- IN MY GUN !
Re: First Try at Reloading.....
Posted: Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:22 pm
by Sandgroper