Need to develop a load for an Ishapore in 308. I like Enfield in 303 so this was a natural when my thoughts turned to 308 caliber bolt guns.
I have an assortment of powders. Some I know I'm going to try in the initial 4 or so powders I'll try in laddered loads in 5 shot groups. This is the focus of this poll, you can select more than one. I'm looking for peoples top couple of powders for the given use. And what loads have given them good results.
My top three were
- Red Dot - too many people swear by "The Load" for milsurps of this size. Suggested load start is around 10 grains and 13 is suggested max. Plinker load is fun and whole family can shoot.
- BL-C(2) - because I have a good supply and it is close to the original military powder used in the NATO version of the 308.
- Varget - have it, know people who have good loads from several similar calibers for it. Has uses I load for, so I keep some on hand. Adding 308 would leverage that supply well.
Then it gets tricky. I have several other possible powders. None in large quantity but certainly enough to do load development. Hence the poll. Want loads from the powders I have. Already too many 1 - 3 pound collections of this powder or that. Trying to get that down to more powder in fewer flavors.
Bullet weight going forward will be between 160 and 170 grain. Right now going with 170 grain cast lead, gas check Lee 309-170 mold for testing. I do have some j-word stuff between 162 and 180 but not as concerned with that as I am with loads for cast lead.
Powders that will load across those weights of bullets well are better than one that works really well at a single weight. Especially if it is one of the very light or very heavy bullets I'm not loading.
So to recap will be trying Red Dot, BL-C(2), Varget. Using a 170 grain bullet from Lyman #2 or softer WW/Pb + Sn mix with PC and some of the Lyman will have tumble lube (alox & floor wax) Poll is looking for how people feel about the listed powders. Hopefully they have further info on loads they like or didn't like with the powders they voted for.
I know there are other good powders but... I have too many flavors as it is. Would rather buy 8# jug of a couple powders than have 2 pounds of 8 powders that do the same job. In the past there was time where a pound in hand was a win. So please focus on the listed powders.