Powder/ Barrel length Question

[aka:Cliff]

Hello,
Yes, I'm new "here" but am an avid shooter and retired Vet.

I have a 20" barrel "Hog Gun" in .308 and I am reloading now.

I've been shooting the Winchester 7.62x 51 box loads and really like them.
I ran a few through a chronograph at 2800FPS.

I am now set up for reloading and had a couple of hopefully simple questions I don't know where else to ask.

1) Where can I find out what powder Winchester is using for those loads?
2) Being a 20" barrel, should I concider a faster burning powder because of the shorter barrel?

I do realize the Winchester chrono'd at 2800, but I do not know if there was any unburnt powders being I have a shorter barrel.

I am trying to keep with the 2800FPS and just load for a good accurate round in my particular gun.

I do have a bottle of the newer IMR 8208 (XBR?) and 40 grains w/ 150 gr bullet yeilds 2500FPS recommended
starting point.

I've loaded up 41, 42, 42.5 & 43 grain loads with 150 gr rounds, for testing - hopefully tomorrow when I take the day off and go out to the range.

Powder in my area in not as available as I'd like. So that is also a concern.

Thanks for anything you have to offer up or bash me with.

Gun is a Savage model 11 Hog Gun 20" bbl, Accu Trigger, plastic stock 4 round capasity.


EDIT: I live in Arizona, so heat is a concideration.
aka:Cliff

[rjtfroggy]

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

These are the IMR powders for 150gr. bullets. As you can see almost all will be compressed load to get the speed you want. You will need to fill in the info.
Also no one will tell you what powder or load for factory ammo. TOP SECRET.

[eddiesindian]

I think you,ll get the speeds your looking for rather easily. Ive used ram shot TAC before and from the looks of burn rate charts, the 8208 is right there with it. Its gonna send that 150 out the tube in a hurry.

[aka:Cliff]

Ah... Ok, a few weeks ago, just after purchasing the powder, the data was not yet on the site (linked above)
I see now that the suggested starting is 40, like I found, then goes up to 44.3 for 2889 FPS.
in the garage on the bench, I have one round built at 45 grains.

My plans are to go out with the chronograph for a spell first and see where all the loads I made fall.
Um, I mean, what kind of FPS they are producing. Remember I built up from 41 to 45.

Then it'll be over to the range to see what is most accurate in the 20" barrel.
Guess I should check back and report my findings so I can share the wealth of knowledge.

That would be a good thing.

:)
Thanks.

[82boy]

Also no one will tell you what powder or load for factory ammo. TOP SECRET.

It is not because it is some kind of "top Secret" that ammo makers will not tell you the powder or loads they are using, the reason why is most times they blend powder, and the powders are not available to the general public.

[BillPa]

Looking back through my records H335, a 150 Nosler SB, Fed 210 and Win brass clocked @ 2848 fps average out of a factory Mod 70 Lightweight, 20" OAL barrel.

Bill

[aka:Cliff]

It is not because it is some kind of "top Secret" that ammo makers will not tell you the powder or loads they are using, the reason why is most times they blend powder, and the powders are not available to the general public.

Thanks, and I find that funny. You look at reloading information all the time and what do THEY say? Do not mix powders. LOL.

[aka:Cliff]

Looking back through my records H335, a 150 Nosler SB, Fed 210 and Win brass clocked @ 2848 fps average out of a factory Mod 70 Lightweight, 20" OAL barrel.

Bill

Excellent Bill, Thank you for that.
I forgot my notebook at home, I'm at work now.
But I can say from my data that the best I could get was 2789FPS. (if I remember correctly)

When I get home tonight, I'll format the info and post it up for all to see.

[82boy]

Thanks, and I find that funny. You look at reloading information all the time and what do THEY say? Do not mix powders. LOL.

They do that for a safety reason because they can not control what you do. There are a few Benchrest shooters that personally blend powders together, and it works well for them. I have done it, with good results. No I don't recommend doing it, and would strongly urge anyone from doing it. WARNING it can be extremely dangerous, if you don't know what your doing.

[eddiesindian]

Id think that your probably gonna get your speed at 43gr of 8208...........lets make a wayger?...olololo

[aka:Cliff]

Ok, First off, SPECS of all the components used.
Off the shelf, store bought by Joe Shmoe, (me)

Sierra 30 cal .308, 150gr HPBT, match 2190 bullets.
IMR 8208 XBR powder
Winchester Large STD Rifle Primers # WLR (? what ever that is)
Brass is a mix of Winchester and... yeah.

Ok, at first I couldn't find any load data for this powder,
then I ran across some at IMR saying 40 grains = 2500FPS. (starting)

Ok, Factory Winchester is 2800 FPS so I figured I wouldn't mess with 40 grains.

I decided to load:
41, 42, 43, 44 & 45 grains.
What I did load:
41, 42, 42.5, 43, 44 & 45 grains.

Reasonable? I thought so, only having a 20" barrel and aiming for 2800 FPS.
So without any more delay, I'll let the data speak.

41..... 42 ....42.5... 43.....44.... 45
2709 2796 2721 2692 2750 2756
2706 2781 2754
2674
2681
2698


So, I like the looks of the 42 grains.
and the target says if I can hold the gun still, at 100 yards, it's dead on zero.

So with the 20" barrel, I think I am at my limit for THIS powder.

Comments? Recomendations?

Thanks,

[aka:Cliff]

Some notes & comments:

#8/3 - good kick. measured 2750
#1/4 felt good. measured 2681

I do think I will load some 40/41 gr rounds and practice a bit more until I can control
the barrel jump / recoil a bit more.

Although a muzzle brake would help a lot.

[thermaler]

I'm always interested in the muzzle brake discussion...

[aka:Cliff]

I'm always interested in the muzzle brake discussion...

Ok, Let me ask the noob question.

What will a muzzle brake do for me?
EDIT:
and since this is the reloading section, maybe a link to where I can find that info?

So we don't get off topic.
_________________________________

To end this (I guess) I have found other Threads talking about 308 powder(s) and various loads.
I will keep reading and stay in search of different data to play with.

Thaks for all the comments.
aka:Cliff

[eddiesindian]

theres several brks out on the market. I cant say Ive tried them all but I can say Ive tried a few.
some do this and some do that.
bottom line for me?...."noticable reduction on recoil" with the ability of the rifle staying on track with the objective providng good body to firearm posture.
all my 308,s have brks and frankly? Ive grown accustomed to not having sore shoulders anymore with the accuracy to boot.

[aka:Cliff]

Thanks, that does help.

I am looking at a few now.
Much appreciated.