308 managed recoil

[sniper81]

my 308 loves 150gr sp was wondering if anyone knows of a recipe for a low recoil load with this particular grain of bullet going to be smacking some coyotes this year with the rifle

[PBinWA]

You can try some of the Hodgdon H4895 "Youth" Loads:

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Youth%20Loads.pdf

I did some with 130gn bullets in my .300 WinMag and they were surprisingly accurate.

[handirifle]

I spoke with a Hodgdons load specialst some time back. H4895 is the ONLY powder they have tested thses loads with, so it is your ONE choice for reduced loads. Other powders could detonate (rather than burn at a controlled rate). That said, he told me the formula is to start at 70% of a max charge and work up from there.

If you look at the link provided you'll see for a 130gr bullet they show a 37gr load. With a max charge of 49gr H4895 (compressed) listed for a 130 gr bullet. A 70% charge would start you at 34.3gr. I have used this formula for several calibers, including the 223, and it has worked well for me. Be advised to use caution with ANY reduced charge load, so as NOT to double charge a case. Different bullets or primers can have an effect as well.

Load all charges at your own risk. I'm just letting you know what they have told me and what I have used.

At those lower speeds, a lot of the standard bullets, might not open properly, which is why the 150's are not usually listed for a 308.

[Eric in NC]

You can use 150 grain 30/30 type bullets if the velocity is in the 30/30 range (don't want to push them at full 308 velocity).

That being said - just because standard velocity 150 grain loads work well in your rifle doesn't mean low velocity 150 grain loads will. You can try 125, 130, etc. and see what works best at the lower FPS.

[rjtfroggy]

You can use 150 grain 30/30 type bullets if the velocity is in the 30/30 range (don't want to push them at full 308 velocity).

That being said - just because standard velocity 150 grain loads work well in your rifle doesn't mean low velocity 150 grain loads will. You can try 125, 130, etc. and see what works best at the lower FPS.


I think I might even try the 110 gr. bullet for what you are trying.

[johndoe3]

The following Table of Moderate Effective Loads is from Hodgdon, in their printed 2009 Reloading Manual. Oops, there must be a limit on image length. Right click on the image and select to open in a new tab to see it full size.

http://ad2004.com/MEL1.gif

[johndoe3]

Rest of table, 30-06 and up.
http://ad2004.com/MEL2.gif

[tammons]

H4895 Works great for reduced loads.

I have normal 308 full house hot loads with heavier bullets that are 2" high at 100 yards.

Then I have a light load with 110 gr Vmax bulelts that is zeroed at 100 yards with the same scope setting I use for neck shots on deer.
Perfect for that and varmints etc
Very accurate bullet, low recoil etc.