Need a .308 load

[Teach]

Hi, all!
I just got around to trying out a mold I've had for about 15 years and never used. It's a Lee #90365, gas-checked .30 caliber roundnose that drops .309/.310 diameter bullets. Weight is 129/130 grains with my 20:1 wheelweight/bar solder alloy. I'm planning on working up a target or plinking load for my 1916 Spanish Guardia Civil carbine, probably sizing to .308".

I've also got a bolt action 7.62X39 built on a small-ring Mauser. This barrel has a .308 bore, not the .311 that a lot of the SKS type guns have, so I think this bullet might be OK for that one, too. My grandkids will be shooting both these guns. They're 9 and 11 years old. Got any suggestions for good midrange loads?
Thanks!
Jerry

[eka]

Jerry, I think I might give that 13 grains of Red Dot a try they are talking about in the Cast Boolit section. I don't have a .30 cal. to try it in right now myself, but it sure does sound interesting. Sounds tailor made for what your needs are.

Keith

[Buckshot]

.................13.0grs of Red Dot in the 30 Rooski Shortski would be too much. In std size military cartridges it runs 36-38,000 psi. I know that 8.0 grs of Red Dot in the 30-06 is very pleasant under the Lee C309-113F. Very accurate:


8.0grs Red Dot. 30-06 Sporter, Lee C309-113F, 50 yards aputure sights, benched.

The boolits were visually inspected only.

.......................Buckshot

[David R]

Lyman sez 13 red dot is MAX for a 308. I am sure a 7.62 X 39 is a smaller case. Its not listed in the 46th edition.

David

[Teach]

Here's the boys after a range session with their stepdad and me. They're headed out into the deer woods this afternoon, and going on the youth hunt next weekend that ends up this year's Tennessee season. I just imagine there will be lots of powder burned before next season opens in November!



Kinda makes me feel ancient, but it's great, seeing a new generation get into hunting and shooting!

Jerry

[mag_01]

Nice picture---Nice Family------Mag_01

[Buckshot]

..................Couple of good looking kids. Probably couldn't get those smiles off with a belt sander.

.....................Buckshot

[Teach]

OK, the bullets come out 132 grains, gas checked, lubed, and sized to .308". 10 grains of Red Dot gave me just over 1500 FPS in the 7.62X39. I'm going to tinker with the load a little and see if I can get 2,000 FPS without pressure signs. I'm also going to load the same bullet in the .308 case, and a .30-30, and see if I can get all of them to shoot somewhere near 2,000. The kids will be using them for target shooting all spring and summer, then we'll work up some full-house loads with jacketed bullets for deer season. I've got a feeling I'm going to be hard-pressed to cast, size, and load as fast as they can shoot! They're just not quite old enough to turn loose with a bottom-pour pot and a mold, IMHO! (Or a set of loading dies, for that matter!)

Yes, I know we could hunt with cast bullets, so spare me the lecture from the self-appointed gurus! I'm just not that fanatical! (And a deer has never asked what I'm shooting before it dropped dead!)
Jerry

[TCLouis]

Buckshot

Have any velocities for that loading?

Guess I will have to go try a few of those this afternoon!

[Teach]

All three rifles are running in the 1800 FPS range, give or take a bit, and the .308 and the .30-30 seem to like the same powder charge, 12.5 grains of Red Dot. The 7.62X39 likes 11.5 grains, which fills the case almost to the shoulder. No pressure signs yet, and I think I'll stop where I am with the 7.62X39, and maybe bump the other two about half a grain. I haven't shot for accuracy yet, just velocity across the chrono. This looks like it's going to be an economical, fun load.
Jerry

[MT Gianni]

I walked out of the Sportsman Warehouse in Missoula yesterday with a 4 # jug of Red Dot for $51.50, no sales tax. Great stuff! Gianni.

[Buckshot]

..................TCLouis, If I chrono'd the load I've forgotten. I think prolly about 1400 fps? The load I used in my Springfield with that slug for ground squirrels around the house was 1450, but that was with SR7625 and I forget the charge now. Sure knock'em ass over teakettle!

.................Buckshot