lee 309-150f in 308?

[Catsmith]

I have had great success in 3030 and want to see what they can do in 308. Ultimate goal is a deer load out to 200. Looking for ideas on powder and starting loads. I have unique bullseye blue dot 3031 on hand. Just starting this project and have not loaded the first one in a 308 case.

[joesig]

I would prefer something slower than 3031 but it's not a bad start.
Lyman says a starting load of twenty seven grains of 3031 1735 FPS 12,900 PSI
max thirty two point five grains 2176 FPS 19,500 PSI

The pistol powders are for lighter loads. Unique will give you similar velocities at twice the pressure.

[Catsmith]

I forgot i do have some varget. Not sure if that is any better though.

[res45]

Not sure if this is much help but I shoot the Lee 150 gr. RNFP in my Sav. 99 in 300 Sav. sized to .311" with 16.0 grs. of Alliant 2400,haven't tried to push it further as of yet but have plans to when I can get more time at the reloading bench.

I use LC 1990 vintage X51 NATO brass reformed to 300 Sav. with my load I gain a little less than 100 fps. extra MV due to smaller case capacity with an equal load in standard 300 Sav. brass which generally runs around 1600+ fps. on the chrono with the 2400 load. I've also used the same brass powder combination with the Lee .312" TL bullet sized to .311" and get equal accuracy as well.

That velocity with those two bullets is about all I need around here as 200 yd. shots on anything other than range targets is next to impossible. The Lyman #3 cast bullet manual has about 14 different powders you can choose from with 150+ gr. cast bullets in the 308 Win.

This is the average groups I'm getting at 50 yds. with the Universal Load and the two Lee bullets.
http://i1333.photobucket.com/albums/w633/res45/scan0002_zps1334e9e4.jpg

[Win94ae]

I tried them in my 30-06 with Varget. My velocities weren't as fast as my 30-30, (2000fps instead of 2250fps,) but they seemed to work well otherwise. I didn't bother trying to get an accurate load with the velocities so low.
I'm not sure why I could not get them to shoot as fast as the 180gr RN cast bullets I shoot in the 30-06 presently... 2240fps.

[Catsmith]

Thank you all for the info. I need a 200yd distance because that is my longest shot for my front porch pajama hunting. Keep the info coming please. Thanks!

[FergusonTO35]

Is 4895 available to you, either the Hodgdon or IMR version? It works awesome with this Boolits in my .30-30's and I bet it would do the same in .308.

[Catsmith]

Have not seen 4895 on the shelf here. Ill be on the lookout though.

[waco]

I just loaded some Lee 180gr .308 boolits with 39gr of IMR4895.
Need to hit the range.