Hi,
I am new to reloading my own loads. I have often used other people's guides. I am currently shooting a 308 Tikka t3 with hand loads of 125 grain nosler bts. I want to go heavier to a 150gr. The idea is is to get a bit more killing power on larger game like red deer. I have often read that the 125 is a smaller grain for the 308 for deer, 150 and up is better suited.
I have handed load some 308 Nosler BTs at 44grain of ar2208. I tried up to 46 grain. I was going to start with 46 grain as it shot OK at 100 metres. The issue is I didn't seat the bullet far enough down to fit into the Tikka t3 magazine. When I seated the bullet down further, it really compressed the gun powder. 44 and 45 grain gives a bit more space. At 100 metres I am happy with the 44 grain.
What is my solution to reduce the drop at 200metres? Can I compress the powder and try 46 grain safely? Or should I change powder? Or is this drop normal for 150 grain bullets?
This is all for hunting, I am not a bench shooting.
Cheers,