No load data for some .308 pills?

[AlanK]

Hi,

I'm reloading for .308 and found there is some data missing for some pills?

I picked up some 185gr Berger's, and on the ADI data for 2208 which I'm using there is data for 180gr pills and 190gr pills but not the 185's.

Now what? lol.

[Blackened]

There are a few gaps like this across the load data. Just go with the next heavier pill weight.

As a rough explanation: the heavier the projectile, the more resistance it creates, and so has to be launched with less powder/velocity.

i.e.
Max powder load with 2208 for a 110gr 30cal pill is 50gr for 3235fps muzzle velocity.
Max powder load with 2008 for a 190gr 30cal pill is 44gr for 2355fps muzzle velocity.

If you go from the top to the bottom of the list of the ADI .308 reloading data you'll see as pill weight increased powder load decreases.

So if you find a pill weight missing from the data, use the data of the next heavier pill instead.

[Blackened]

Oh,

I believe ADI have recently released an updated version of their hand landing guide. Version 6?

Not sure if their website is updated with this yet, maybe see if you can track down a copy for yourself.

[RealNick]

Good pills those Bergers

They'll definitely do the job for you once you get your hand loads done.

Hope you've got a barrel with a nice fast twist

[AlanK]

There are a few gaps like this across the load data. Just go with the next heavier pill weight.

As a rough explanation: the heavier the projectile, the more resistance it creates, and so has to be launched with less powder/velocity.

i.e.
Max powder load with 2208 for a 110gr 30cal pill is 50gr for 3235fps muzzle velocity.
Max powder load with 2008 for a 190gr 30cal pill is 44gr for 2355fps muzzle velocity.

If you go from the top to the bottom of the list of the ADI .308 reloading data you'll see as pill weight increased powder load decreases.

So if you find a pill weight missing from the data, use the data of the next heavier pill instead.

Thanks Blackened,

I've loaded up a bunch using the next projectile weight up as you explained.

Ready to send some down range this weekend

[MeccaOz]

Nope no data on the 185's in the latest handbook. BUT i'd go with Blackened's suggestion.

[Chronos]

Just for interest sake I thought I'd let you know using 190gr as a starting point I looked in the nosler 7th edition it shows a max load of varget (2208) is 43gr for 2536fps where as ADI's max load is 44gr for 2572fps

The nosler manual also lists winchester w760 with a max load of 47gr compressed would push speeds up to 2604fps

Chronos

[AlanK]

Thanks Mecca, Chronos.

I got a half decent load going with my 185gr bergers and the 190gr load data.

It could do with a little tuning though, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

I was/am using the data published on the ADI website at the time.

Time to check a few updated books I think.

[Fry]

They do update load data from time to time.

If your load shoots well and is safe then it doesn't really matter. But if you started loading for a new cartridge/rifle it doesn't hurt to check you're still using current data.

[Prios]

If your load shoots well and is safe then it doesn't really matter.

Highlighting the 'safe' comment there.

There are a few books which previously had higher max loads published and have reduced them.

Pays to stay updated.

[Davies]

There are a few books which previously had higher max loads published and have reduced them.

I don't use his data but I think, for example, in more recent Nick Harvey books a few have come down.

A mate of mine shoots .243 with his data and revised a few loads afterwards.

[Wheelbarrow]

I don't use his data but I think, for example, in more recent Nick Harvey books a few have come down.

The velocity fanboys will be upset

[salate]

What's wrong with a little extra velocity?

[Wheelbarrow]

Nothing in itself.

Just some (in my observation) seem to be obsessed with it and safety and practical shooting seem to come in a bit behind getting a load to go faster.

(That's not directed at Nick Harvey, just comments from other shooters on forums here and there).

[Usurper]

What's wrong with a little extra velocity?

Nothing in itself.

Just some (in my observation) seem to be obsessed with it and safety and practical shooting seem to come in a bit behind getting a load to go faster.

That's been my observation at times too.

Guys have accurate, safe, hard hitting loads and are still trying to get them to go faster 'just because'.

[sarki]

I don't use his data but I think, for example, in more recent Nick Harvey books a few have come down.

He's got enough books and enough followers you'd reckon he knows what he's doing.

[Davies]

I wasn't suggesting that he doesn't, just stating the fact some of his load data has come down over time.

He's a more experienced shooter than I'll ever be, I'm sure.

[Triang]

He's got enough books and enough followers you'd reckon he knows what he's doing.

One caution on that.

He has found the loads published to be safe in his rifles, not necessarily yours (be safe, work loads up, watch for pressure signs, blah blah).

As discussed he has or has had some loads which well exceeded powder makes states. I'm sure they err much further on the side of caution.

Not bagging him out either, just something to think of.

[Igoe]

Back to the original topic, you can email ADI for load advice for anything they haven't published.

I did it a year or so ago to get their advice on 240gn pills in 30-06. They only go to 220gn on the website and in the manual.

Got a response in a few days with their suggested starting and max loads.

Ian

[AlanK]

Thanks Ian.

I've been getting on good so far and learned tonnes since starting all this.

Good to know help's there though. I'll keep that up my sleeve.