ADI 308 Cases with AR2208

[No1Mk3]

G'day juststarting,
Can't agree, 44 is mid-point of the ADI listed loads for that combination of projectile and powder, all data is well below SAAMI to allow for variables in brass, primer ( a BIG factor in pressure variation!), rifle used etc. To take the mid point as a start is not unreasonable. Load development to find accuracy does require a starting point,usually at the lower end of listed data but the upper limit of where you go is determined by data and actual result. My current load using the same components as Hangfire is 47.2g, in a PH1200 action and Black Mountain barrel, I got there from 43.0 and ladder testing.
Hangfire,
Read marksman's post, twice. But understand that compression loads are not a good thing for mallet seating! Also, higher velocity does not mean better accuracy, your rifle may find a sweet spot at much lower speeds, so ladder testing, with a chronograph to help if possible, is the only way to work up. Cheers

PS: Being NATO spec brass, the water capacity is 46.0g compared to an average of mid-50's in most commercial brass.

[Stix]

... ... To take the mid point as a start is not unreasonable... ... ...

I hear what you are saying No1, but i believe unless you actually KNOW FOR SURE what result you will get, im a fan of starting lower...particularly in this case using heavier brass.

Im not arguing with you as it seems you know more than i...but I have made the 'assumption' my mid range load will be fine with my old 22-250 & had flattened primers & tight cases with some very snappy recoil...all from "assuming" (& being told by "seasoned experts"), a mid load will be fine with different brass...boy was i (& they) wrong.

That coupled with trying adi 308 brass in my 7-08 starting with loads under adi min, & hitting pressure (prob due to neck clearance best i can tell)...with this i was also told "you should be ok",...from these experiences i ALWAYS weigh my brass now, regardless...!!!, & if im unsure i start lower...or i only start mid point if using same brass & having used a similar proj in that rifle.

Obviously you have a thorough understanding of what his (the op) result may be, but he obviously doesnt, & i believe he is best advised that to start mid point with a heavier brass he has not used is not ness a the best idea.

Not arguing, just my opinion based on my own experiences.
Cheers

[Sub.4MOAHowa]

As with many comments already above, it appears load development here is starting at top end of charge limits, so caution.

When reloading ADI brass it appears to me that 44gn or more of 2208 powder is at 100% case capacity.
If the OAL is "short' the load is probably compressed some.

I've just looked up Lithgow site, looks like the .308 is 1in11 so maybe "my" loads wont be of help but the concept of "working up" will.
I shoot ADI brass with 2208 in a Howa1500 Varmint, 1in10, 20" barrel

I reload with a $250 Lee Challenger Kit and Lee Ultimate Die Set so I'm not using expensive gear here.
Collet Die only on fire-formed cases and Factory Crimp finish.
Groups are 0.5MOA and sometimes under 0.3MOA with bipod and bag. A "bad" group is 1MOA at 100m
The Howa with my pet load does some good things out to 700yards, max at local range, as well as outshoots all factory ammo I've tried in it.

It is noted that ADI brass does appear to have less capacity (ie. is thicker brass) than other brass I've reloaded (Win, Federal,etc)
Using 168gn Hornady ZMAX projectiles
Winchester LRPrimers
Trim Length 2.208"
OAL 2.800"

I worked up from 41gn of 2208
Everyone told me the sweet load in the 1in10 Howa is 44.2gn 2208
It shot like garbage - 1.5" or more groups at 100m
(Note this load does shoot well in a 24" Howa)

You haven't said what you using the .308 for?
Short 100m or long range target? Hunting? Both?
Reason is the hotter the load the more wear, trimming required, etc
Do you need the velocity for range?

When I backed loads off groups got tighter and way less muzzle flip (a 20" barrel moves a lot with 44.2gn shot)
Less powder and you often don't even need to trim brass saving heaps of time on reloads.
I get same results at 100m with 42.5gn 2208 as with 43.4gn with less wear.
I use the higher load as I've started to shoot 400-700yard target and will use the .308 in the bush, so I want the ZMAX to have fast terminal results.

After all that, my point being, if you're target shooting you may find a more precise/kinder on gear load at 41.5-42.5gn
so why go with a harsher charge?

As usual, these loads are safe in my rifle. Work up loads always.

[AZZA'S HJ47]

I have found with both my tikka t3x in 223 that with a few projectiles that they shot better with the lowest charge and found the same with some of my 243 rounds also not necessarily starting charges but well south of max loads. I also learnt that sticking to the same brass will also save you a heap of time some of the Winchester cases i have reloaded have had that much case capacity difference between other brands could potentially case damage if not serious injury if i just through the same charge in them.

Start at minimum charges and work your way up. If you get stuck post some pictures.

[Bugsy1976]

Hi hangfire, just going through some old posts.

I use 44.6 gr of 2208 and seat to 2.82” C.O.L

I’m not sure how to post a pic, but I got a 3 shot group within 10mm, one inside another.