starting loads for .308 win and 7.62x54r using AA5744 ??

[Beaumont78]

Alrighty, Had some very promising result today with my mosin PU sniper using a gas checked 314299 NOE 200 grain sized to .313, fed standard primer, PPU case and 20 grain AA 5744.

According Lyman's 49th they state the 314299 using 5744 is 20 grain as a start load, but i noticed the pressure was plenty high; the bolt lift started to get heavy. (tried same boolit with 20 grain 4759 and bolt opened effortlessly).

Anybody know if i can go lower to say 18 grain, or am i then at risk of detonation or other unpleasant experiences using AA5744?

I Also want to try 5744 in a 308 winchester using a gas checked laser cast 165 rnfp sized to .309; anyone know the starting / minimum load for that one?

Thanks!

[BCB]

I've used up to 23 grains of 5744 in my Encore 308 Winchester with a 200+ grain boolit with no problems at all, except no accuracy. But, that was the norm for this Encore/308 Winchester setup! I didn't even chronograph it--no reason to do so...

QL shows I am only producing around 34000 psi with the 23-grain charge...

(Just noticed you were using a 0.313"--my boolit was sized 0.310" so that could make a difference of pressures)

Good-luck...BCB

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I am using 16gr under a 195gr NEI .323 GC in a Marlin 336SC .32 Special. 2 inch groups - 200 yards, mild pressure indications

[Beaumont78]

I am using 16gr under a 195gr NEI .323 GC in a Marlin 336SC .32 Special. 2 inch groups - 200 yards, mild pressure indications

thanks for the input, but that's for a different cartidge; would that not be a potential problem?