Favourite Reduced Loads

[happyhunter]

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[bladeracer]

Same here. If I need quiet I use 22LR subsonic. If I wanted a mild centerfire I'd buy a 22 hornet. The only way I would bother is if suppressors were legal. Then I'd load subsonic ammo for the 308 using 200 grain lead projectiles as I know these will drop medium game out to 200 meters.

What if you want subsonic but plenty of impact?
Can't get that from a .22 sub.

Why would you bother loading subsonic .308 if you have a suppressor anyway? Defeats the purpose of the suppressor.
200gn of soft lead at 1100-1600fps smacks hard.

[happyhunter]

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[Gwion]

Never seen the point in reduced loads (never had a need for them)

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Same here. If I need quiet I use 22LR subsonic. If I wanted a mild centerfire I'd buy a 22 hornet. The only way I would bother is if suppressors were legal. Then I'd load subsonic ammo for the 308 using 200 grain lead projectiles as I know these will drop medium game out to 200 meters.

Some of us don't have endless space, time and cash for extra rifles. I still have my wildcat project on the back burner as well, so another rifle would cost:
1/ new rifle <$1500
2/ brass <$100
3/ new dies <$200
4/ new powder <$120
5/ new bullets <$50
(Edit: forgot to add the cost of a bigger safe)

That's potentially close to $2000 I can put toward my wild cat project (only need about $1k to finish it) or a nice left hand 7-08 for deer rifle or a GRS stock, new bipod and updated reloading gear for my f-class work.

Developing a low load cost me:
1/ a tub of Trailboss 1kg gives upto around 3000 loads for $120, or there abouts.
2/ a few afternoons in the paddock developing the load
3/ small rifle magnum primers for a more consistent ignition of the Trailboss. $74ish for 1000.

[Heckler303]

.303 lead projectiles with trail boss makes great reduced loads.

Standard 303:
Cast lead 180grain projectiles
4 grains trailboss powder
Hornandy cases
Standard issue full wood no1 mk3, 25 inch barrel
FPS around 900-950 fps
0.91 inch group at 25m

[happyhunter]

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[BRNO_Bigot]

I've made up a reduced load for rabbits. Haven't had a chance to try it on rabbits yet, but confident it'll do well.

400gr Sierra .458 sp
74.0gr ar2206h
Norma brass
CCI magnum rifle primer

Don't have a chrony, but my reckoning puts it at about 2270, so, although it should be sufficient for rabbits, I may need to step it up a bit for foxes.

Hi Bill, do you shoot with Mal and Gianni and co at the BGRC?

[sandgroperbill]

Hi Bill, do you shoot with Mal and Gianni and co at the BGRC?

Gday mate.

No, I'm afraid I don't belong to any clubs or shoot at ranges, yet.

May be joining a pistol club in the next couple of months, and might look to visit the local range sometime, too.

[Gamerancher]

I use reduced loads in my lever-guns ( Winchester 1892 and 1894's ) when shooting Metallic Silhouette. I do this for a number of reasons, a few of which are:

1. Reducing loads down to original black-powder velocities in these rifles gives better accuracy. Consistency when shooting multiple shots off-hand is better with less recoil. Also when firing more than 100 shots per day reduced loads = less fatigue = better accuracy.
2. The rifles are more reliable and I don't get any failures. Even the modern versions of these rifles are mostly built to original specs and perform better at the lower pressures in my experience. Yes, I know that they are quite able to handle modern "high" pressure loads safely.
3. Reduced costs. I cast my own bullets for these out of salvaged lead from the range. It don't get much cheaper than that. Powder supplies last a lot longer when you use 10gr or less per shot.
I use reduced loads in .32-20, .44 mag, ,45 long colt, .30-30, .35 Winchester, .38-55 and .45-70.

Best load.
10gr of AP-70 behind a 250gr cast bullet in .38-55. This load is very accurate and takes down the 200m Ram targets every time. I have also hunted with this load and it is very effective on feral goats. It will go straight through a large billy, shoulder to shoulder, at anything less than 100m. Texas heart shots work very well with it also.

[Heckler303]

.303 lead projectiles with trail boss makes great reduced loads.

Standard 303:
Cast lead 180grain projectiles
4 grains trailboss powder
Hornandy cases
Standard issue full wood no1 mk3, 25 inch barrel
FPS around 900-950 fps
0.91 inch group at 25m

That really is reduced, i use 4gn under a 135gn in 38sp and double that in the .222

I can go even lower than that still, by 2.5 grains you are really getting to the point where you risk lodging the bullet halfway up the spout. However, hasn't happened yet, so they will still spit out at 700fps average

[Gaz52]

Martini cadet .310 , 3.7gn AP70. 120gn CBE soft lead cast bullet . Martini Enfield .303 Brit. 180gn CBE bullet cast in Lyman No.2. 17gn ADI 2207. Works in my rifles YMMD.
Gaz.

[in2anity]

30/30 Trail Boss
165gn RNFP BB .310" coated 16BH over 8.4gr TB for ~1200fps out of a 20", pan lubed. Yields 1.5" @50m - extremely cheap plinking load. Negligible barrel heat, very minimal case stretching.

30/30 AR2207
165gn RNFP BB .310" coated 16BH over 16.0gr AR2207 for ~1500fps out of a 20", pan lubed. Yields consistent 1" @50m - satisfying plinking load ideal for metallic silhouette. Reduced barrel heat, minor case stretching. Also good for plinking, but a little more expensive than TB.

30/30 AR2206H
165gn RNFP BB .310" coated 16BH over 24.0gr AR2206H for ~1800fps out of a 20", pan lubed. Yields 2.5" at 100m - pleasant medium-game hunting load inside 125m without breaking the budget.

[in2anity]

I use reduced loads in my lever-guns ( Winchester 1892 and 1894's ) when shooting Metallic Silhouette. I do this for a number of reasons, a few of which are:

1. Reducing loads down to original black-powder velocities in these rifles gives better accuracy. Consistency when shooting multiple shots off-hand is better with less recoil. Also when firing more than 100 shots per day reduced loads = less fatigue = better accuracy.
2. The rifles are more reliable and I don't get any failures. Even the modern versions of these rifles are mostly built to original specs and perform better at the lower pressures in my experience. Yes, I know that they are quite able to handle modern "high" pressure loads safely.
3. Reduced costs. I cast my own bullets for these out of salvaged lead from the range. It don't get much cheaper than that. Powder supplies last a lot longer when you use 10gr or less per shot.
I use reduced loads in .32-20, .44 mag, ,45 long colt, .30-30, .35 Winchester, .38-55 and .45-70.

Best load.
10gr of AP-70 behind a 250gr cast bullet in .38-55. This load is very accurate and takes down the 200m Ram targets every time. I have also hunted with this load and it is very effective on feral goats. It will go straight through a large billy, shoulder to shoulder, at anything less than 100m. Texas heart shots work very well with it also.

I really want to try AP-70 under lead through my 30/30 - I've been told you can achieve very good accuracy with this combo. I'm a little nervous about a double load is all...

[happyhunter]

I use reduced loads in my lever-guns ( Winchester 1892 and 1894's ) when shooting Metallic Silhouette. I do this for a number of reasons, a few of which are:

1. Reducing loads down to original black-powder velocities in these rifles gives better accuracy. Consistency when shooting multiple shots off-hand is better with less recoil. Also when firing more than 100 shots per day reduced loads = less fatigue = better accuracy.
2. The rifles are more reliable and I don't get any failures. Even the modern versions of these rifles are mostly built to original specs and perform better at the lower pressures in my experience. Yes, I know that they are quite able to handle modern "high" pressure loads safely.
3. Reduced costs. I cast my own bullets for these out of salvaged lead from the range. It don't get much cheaper than that. Powder supplies last a lot longer when you use 10gr or less per shot.
I use reduced loads in .32-20, .44 mag, ,45 long colt, .30-30, .35 Winchester, .38-55 and .45-70.

Best load.
10gr of AP-70 behind a 250gr cast bullet in .38-55. This load is very accurate and takes down the 200m Ram targets every time. I have also hunted with this load and it is very effective on feral goats. It will go straight through a large billy, shoulder to shoulder, at anything less than 100m. Texas heart shots work very well with it also.

I really want to try AP-70 under lead through my 30/30 - I've been told you can achieve very good accuracy with this combo. I'm a little nervous about a double load is all...

Just go for it! What's the worst thing that could happen besides blow up the gun and loose a few fingers? They'll grow back

[Gamerancher]

Yes, there is a risk of double loads of fast burning powder when using reduced loads at less than half of the case capacity. It requires due diligence and attention to detail when loading. Check and double check cases after adding powder. I have seen a couple of guns ruined by shooters due to careless reloading.

In2anity, I don't use AP-70 in the 30-30, try 10 gr Trail-boss behind 150-170 gr cast RNFP. Another load that works well in a couple of my '94's is 17gr of 2207 behind a 170 gr gas-checked bullet. That load knocks over our 200m rams and should work well as a hunting load if using cast bullets.

[in2anity]

In2anity, I don't use AP-70 in the 30-30, try 10 gr Trail-boss behind 150-170 gr cast RNFP. Another load that works well in a couple of my '94's is 17gr of 2207 behind a 170 gr gas-checked bullet. That load knocks over our 200m rams and should work well as a hunting load if using cast bullets.

Hehe, Gamerancher have a look at my post four above this one I'm not the biggest fan of TB; it's O-K but never worked great for me. Although I've never cast myself, nor have I ever used soft lead - I think maybe TB might be more suited to classical, lubed lead loads. Like you suggested AR2207 is my go-to these days, although my rifle likes 16gr instead of 17gr.

[Gamerancher]

Yeah mate, saw that, just sayin' what works for me.
I lube all cast bullets, even store bought coated ones, although for some years now I have cast all of my own.
I also size them to .309 for the 30-30.
I've never tried AP-70 in the "dirty thirty" as it got real hard to get there for a while and I was getting good results with the loads suggested. Also, I don't use those rifles personally, they were for my wife and son. Saved that powder for my .45 Long Colt and .38-55. Selfish I know.

[Cooper]

I'm interested in trying some reduced loads in my .223. Couple of questions. Is it necessary to use small rifle magnum primers? Is smallest bottle of trail boss 1.5kg? Thanks

[bladeracer]

I'm interested in trying some reduced loads in my .223. Couple of questions. Is it necessary to use small rifle magnum primers? Is smallest bottle of trail boss 1.5kg? Thanks

Yep, 1.5kg is the smallest.
Happy to give you some if you just want to try it, but I'm two hours out of Melbourne.

[Oldbloke]

Bladeracer, Some info here that may help.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4991

[Gwion]

Cooper, you can use standard small rifle primers but I have personally had more consistent velocities out of the magnum primers.

[Cooper]

Thanks for the kind offer Bladeracer. I'm going to the gun shop this week. I'll probably just grab a bottle. If it doesn't work out. I know somebody that can use it!

Thanks for posting the link Oldbloke.
Thanks Gwion for clearing up the magnum primer thing. I found the thread on your Trailboss loads for .223. I'll grab some small rifle Magnum primers to try with the Trailboss. Cheers

[Cooper]

I have started working up some reduced loads in my .223. After reading ADI manual it list maximum trail boss load at 4gr. I read a fair bit about not exceeding 70% case capacity and not compressing trail boss...
Anyway I worked my way up to 8gr of trailboss using 55gr Roo max projectiles. For 1800fps 24inch barrel shooting 1inch approx group at 63metres. I need to check group size and bullet drop at 100metres(plus). However I finally cracked the s**ts with my trigger and pulled it out and sent it to Glen the trigger guy.

But so far quite impressed with Trailboss! I wasn't quite expecting the 1.5kg bottle to be the size of a normal 4kg bottle. At $115 dollars for Trailboss it makes for really cheap shooting. It makes the 223 feel like a 22mag.

[Gwion]

......................
But so far quite impressed with Trailboss! I wasn't quite expecting the 1.5kg bottle to be the size of a normal 4kg bottle. At $115 dollars for Trailboss it makes for really cheap shooting. It makes the 223 feel like a 22mag.

Original ballistics for the .22WRM state a 50gn bullet travelling at 1650fps. My 18" barrel .223rem with Trailboss is moving the 50gn Vmax at 1850fps, so 200fps faster than a WRM and grouping on or just under 1" (5 rounds) at 100yd zero. Very effective point and shoot out to around 140yd. Makes the 223rem quite versitile with a quieter, lower velocity option that still carries plenty of punch for light bodied small-medium game.

[Gwion]

I'm thinking that for a joke id love to load some trail boss, cast loads to shoot out of a BMG.

And shoot it offhand. Maybe Brett will let you try it in his new rifel! (somehow i doubt it! )
It'd probably still take down a camel at 100yds!

[Gamerancher]

Loaded up some .270win with trailboss behind 130gr bullets as a reduced loading for my then 13y/o son to shoot silhouette with. They were so mild we maxed out the scope to get 200m. Shot a bit over an inch at 100m, f-all recoil, but the bullet drop was too much to be any good for our purposes.
Built him a 7mm TCU instead.

[Oldbloke]

Loaded up some .270win with trailboss behind 130gr bullets as a reduced loading for my then 13y/o son to shoot silhouette with. They were so mild we maxed out the scope to get 200m. Shot a bit over an inch at 100m, f-all recoil, but the bullet drop was too much to be any good for our purposes.
Built him a 7mm TCU instead.

Try about 15grains of red or green dot with cast 130 gr projectile

[Gamerancher]

Got rid of that rifle, only bought it because it was real cheap and had done no work. .270win not a round that interested me. Was going to rebarrel to something more useful but a mate fell in love with it so passed it on.

[Cooper]

image.jpeg (776.42 KiB) Viewed 5903 times

Well I finally got around to checking the my Trailboss loads at 100 metres.
I forgot my rear bag so was just off bipod and gun bag and jumper. The 4th was shoot was all me. I paused after the 3rd shoot and wasn't in my usual comfortable position.

Squares are 1 inch. Shooting nearly 3inchs low(aiming for top black dot)below my normal 223 loads which are doing 2900fps. My Trailboss loads doing between 1940-1970fps.

Thinking about trying some light Vmax 40 or 45gr or maybe even some Barnes varmint gernades in 36gr. If the don't work in my 1in12 twist 223 I can try them my 1in14 twist 222 mag.

[<<Genesis93>>]

My favorite 300WinMag reduced load....

....is a 308Win