Handload Recipie For Socom 16

[BulletFactory]

I have been loading for .40 for a while now, and would like to load for the .308. I've got a lot to learn. I recently read that the short barrel doesnt always agree with factory ammo, so I was hoping someone could explain this to me, and if someone had a recipe that made really accurate rounds for this particular rifle.

I don't plan on casting for this gun.

Thanks

[NickSS]

Some factory ammo is loaded with slower burning powders that do not reach full velocity in short barrels and produce a lot of muzzle blast. This is maybe what they are talking about. I have loaded for 308 for years and have put many 10s of thousands of rounds down the bores of several rifles and worn several out during that time. 308s is one of the easiest rounds to get accurate loads for in my experience. Just about any medium speed powder works for J word bullets and the same powders plus several shotgun powders like unique and red dot work with cast bullets but not in a semi auto if you want it to function that is.

[Doby45]

How about you go down to the

CB Loads, Your Favorite Cartidge

section and do a search for 308. You will have reading for days.

[rays308]

If your not going to cast for this gun, you probably should check out another web source.

[Mavrick]

Why not cast for it? It works fine with cast and costs less than J-word.
You might try one of the faster powders because of the short barrel, but the gas-system works just fine with about any powder.
I'm thinking that WW748 or IMR3031 would be the ones to look into, where WW760/H414 or IMR4064 MAY be better with the longer-barrelled M1A. There shouldn't be a lot of difference either way. That's J-word OR cast.
Have fun,
Gene

[BulletFactory]

Didnt know about that Doby, I'll go see.

Im not casting for it because I still have not solved the leading issue Ive been fighting with for almost a year in the .40. Once I get that figured out, Ill consider casting for the .308.

[Doby45]

The 308 is far more forgiving that the 40 when it comes to leading.

[BruceB]

My M1A is well-past the five-thousand-round mark with CAST bullets. I have never encountered leading problems in this rifle, either in the barrel or in the gas system.

There's a very long thread on cast bullets in the M1A on the "CB Loads/Military Rifles" forum.

It would surely be worth a try with cast loads in the SOCOM.

[Larry Gibson]

BulletFactory

I shortened an M1A barrel back to 18" before SA came out with the "Bush" rifle version. I found it performed best with 130 - 150 gr bullets and standard loads of ball powders such as AA2230 or H335. However, H4895 was also a good performer in the shorter barrels. Standard loads for M1As are what to look at.

I suggest you use the standard (the SB die is not needed) RCBS Xie to full length size. You will not have to trim and you will get 16 - 20+ firings per case. That is much greater than the usual 4 - 8 firings with regular FL dies.

My 2 best loads were with H335. In LC cases with WLR primers I used 46 gr under the Speer 130HP. This was a very accurate load and outstanding on "varmints". With 147 - 150 gr FMJBT or SPBTs I used 43.5 gr H335. That duplicated M80 ball. With H4895 I used 44.5 gr under the 130 Speer HP. If you try these componants work up to those loads in your rifle!!!!! Do not just use them.

Larry Gibson