Help with AR10 and cast 308 rounds

[carstensxd45]

Using the Lee mould for the 160 30 caliber bullet, I have reloaded both my AK and 308 Win bolt gun. Had to experiment with the powder charge to get the best accuracy, seems the faster I pushed the bullet, the more erratic the accuracy. Ended up midway between the low and max charge from the Lyman cast bullet manuel. They are decent for target practice. When I tried to use the same rounds in my new Windham 308, they were not strong enough to operate the action.. My standard reloads, using the factory bullets (168 gr. BTHP from Hornady) work just fine.
Someone suggested using the Lee 230 gr BT cast round, powder coating it (no gas check needed) and upping the charge might operate the action. Any help would be appreciated.

[runfiverun]

you'll have to start from square one with the AR.
they are a completely different system with separate requirements than either the bolt gun or the smaller AK round.
think gas volume versus velocity.
the 240gr lee isn't the answer.

[Yodogsandman]

This piqued my interest so, did a quick search using the advanced search white box above. This thread looks like it has some answers for you.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?103387-AR-10-Cast!!!

[carstensxd45]

Hey Yodogsandman,
I appreciate the help, that info sent me in the right direction. From one deplorable to another!!!

[Moonie]

I would start with H4985 as it is my go-to for gas operated semi's with cast. It produces great gas volume to run well.

[Bama]

I have been running 169 gr through 200 gr powder coated using IMR 4895 in 308 in AR 10 with no problems. New Lyman AR reloading book has loads for heavier bullets. Lighter bullet loads were based on same powder but using Lyman book and the Lee equations for reducing powder charges. Crono readings were almost 200 fps higher than books using PC bullets

[Froadin]

After running them in my 300 blackout, I started running the Missouri Bullet Company 245gr through my Ruger SR 763 with 5744 powder. Going to try IMR 4277 next.

[carstensxd45]

Well, after the holidays, back at it again, have cast up some 200 gr. plain base NOE bullets, powder coated them and loaded them up with 25.8 gr. of 4198, actually have the mold that casts both the plain base and gas check rounds, anyway, gas check rounds were horrible, 2 foot group at 50 yards, the plain base group was about 8 inches. strong enough to operate the action but still not acceptable accuracy. am going to increase the powder to 26.2, (last accurate group), will see if it has any effect? trying to use 4198, have 6 cans of it, don't want to be forced to buy some more powder, 4064 works great for my reloads using the 168 gr. Lee bullets, could that powder be used for this powder coated cast lead round? still searching for ideas

[carstensxd45]

Well, after the holidays, back at it again, have cast up some 200 gr. plain base NOE (311365) bullets, powder coated them and loaded them up with 25.8 gr. of 4198, actually have the mold that casts both the plain base and gas check rounds, anyway, gas check rounds were horrible, 2 foot group at 50 yards, the plain base group was about 8 inches. strong enough to operate the action but still not acceptable accuracy. am going to increase the powder to 26.2, (last accurate group), will see if it has any effect? trying to use 4198, have 6 cans of it, don't want to be forced to buy some more powder, 4064 works great for my reloads using the 168 gr. Lee bullets, could that powder be used for this powder coated cast lead round? still searching for ideas

[winelover]

The much slower 4064 would be a better choice than 4198, especially with the heavier cast bullet.......

Your limiting yourself, if your adamant about trying to use up powders you have on hand.

I have a large quantity of AA 2520 on hand, and it is the cats meow for jacketed in my AR-10......not so with cast. In fact, I've been warned that it's actually dangerous to reduce charges with all ball powders.

We're treading in unknown territory, since there is virtually no published data on cast in semi auto rifles.

Winelover

[carstensxd45]

Winelover, appreciate the response, trying not to limit myself, will buy some other Powder if need be, looked up the recipe for the 200 and 208 grain Bullet in the cast lead Manuel using 4064, will try that this weekend, will be melting down the gas check rounds, they are terrible, also, a gas check wouldn't fit once it is Powder coated, will stick with plain base, experimenting Withers the mold itself, used a drill to ream out the 2 cavities of the gas check design, will end up with a plain base round with no lube grooves, see how it flies once Powder coated, will keep you posted

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[308Jeff]

Subscribing for future reference.

[winelover]

I don't do powder coating.....so no help. Using Star and Carnuba Red. Gas checks installed and heat treating before lubing.

Winelover

[popper]

4198 is like Rl7, not used for heavies in 308. Try the 4895, it can be downloaded safely for the PB boolits. You can GC before PC fine, you probably need the GC for AR 10, I've never tried PB in mine. It takes WD WW for any HV. I PC, bake for an hr, then into cold H2O.

[Bama]

I have run 170gr, 180, and 200gr PC using Lee molds in both rn and fp using IMR 4895 at the upper end of the Lyman AR book. Had to use Lee charts on 200gr to determine max pressure. Accuracy was as good as non match jacked amo. No leading velocities ran higher than Lyman book shooting through RR AR10. They also ran in friends SCAR with no malfunctions. I did neck size to .301 on bore rider portion.

[375RUGER]

I can tell you that 34.0g of WC844 with a Mihec 175g boolit will cycle a carbine Armalite. IIRC the velocity is 2100+/-.

[carstensxd45]

Well, the rounds loaded with the 4064 didn't even hit paper at 50 yards, those with the 4198 did better, am trying the ones with no lube grooves this next week

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[carstensxd45]

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This is what they look like after reaming out the lube grooves and lightly powder coating them.