.308 Win loads for 200gn boolits

[vpcullen]

I've finally decided to dive into casting and am starting with a .308. I was hoping to get some advice on what powder weights to start with. I'll be using ADI/Hodgdon powder a LEE C309-200-R mold, through a Lee seizer with a GC. I’ll be firing these through a Spanish Mauser 95 Carbine. Any other tips and tricks would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[mrbill2]

Give Accurate 5744 powder a try in the 308. Works good for me.

[Nobade]

Not sure if that Spanish '95 is a small ring cock on close one or not, but if it is keep your loads very light. I have one of those, don't remember its number, but it is made of very soft material. Evidently proof firing it at the factory set the lugs back enough so that it will swallow a field reject gauge. I can actually use a Redding body die as a full length die for my rifle.

It shoots really well once I firelapped it, but it is necessary to keep pressures down to under normal 30-30 levels. Maybe start at about 23gr. of Varget and work up very carefully. That 200gr. boolit will boost pressures over a 150.

[vpcullen]

Excellent, thank you. Would I need to add filler for that load? Yes, it is a cock on close small ring. I took the precaution of having it inspected by a good gunsmith, came up with a tick for good health. Mentioned as long as I keep loads light, and under 7mm Mauser pressures, I should have no trouble with it.

[runfiverun]

most all your cast loads are in the 40k range anyways.
with the 200 gr boolit and hodgdons powders you can use about anything from universal through 4064 speeds.
you won't need fillers till you get to the h-322 to 4064 speed powders.
28.0 grs of H-4895 with a dacron filler will give you about 19-1950 fps.
[i just realized how much alliant powder i use]

[vpcullen]

Again many thanks. I’ll let you know how I go.

[Kraschenbirn]

That 200 gr. Lee over 26.0 gr. H4198 with a dacron fill gets 1943 fps (10-shot string) and produces darn close to MOA groups from my McGowan-barreled M700 out to 200M.

Bill