Reloading question .308 Win

[dbaio1]

I am new to reloading for .308 and also for an AR. I always stick to the reloading manuals and never push to the max limits.

In looking at .308 I see several are denoting * compressed loads. This will be a first for me. I am well below the max per the manuals as well. Is there anything to be concerned with on compressed loads ?Most are in the 105 -110% range. Also is compressed OK for an AR ?

Thanks

[Walker]

Never reloaded 308's but my pet load for 30 06 is compressed imr 4831. Been shooting it for over 50 years with never a problem.

[dbaio1]

Never reloaded 308's but my pet load for 30 06 is compressed imr 4831. Been shooting it for over 50 years with never a problem.

Thanks for the info. Good to know and now that it has my attention I am seeig a lot.im the manuals across many calibers. Hoping it's also OK for the AR platform.

[mkk]

What bullet and powder are in your plans?

[Walker]

Thanks for the info. Good to know and now that it has my attention I am seeig a lot.im the manuals across many calibers. Hoping it's also OK for the AR platform.

Find an AR forum and ask around.

[dbaio1]

What bullet and powder are in your plans?

I am looking at a few in the Nosler, Barnes and Hornady reloading manuals. 150gr. On powders sticking to what I have in large supply and maps the the manuals. Will try several as I build a load. Vit N140, CFE 223, Varget and IMR 4895.

[xman59]

just because it is compressed does not mean over pressure,,, the wrong powders can be over pressure and not near a full case,, it all depends on the powder case and bullet

[Walker]

A couple things I found were a drop tube helps get the powder in the case and boattail bullets will swell the necks in some loads.

[mkk]

Sounds like your heading in the right direction, Varget will give you great results

[dbaio1]

Find an AR forum and ask around.

I figured someone here would know. This is the only online forum I get on. Thanks

[geezer56]

Find a powder that doesn't require compressed loads. Compressed loads tend to push the bullet out of the case over time. That will bind up the action on a semi auto. A crimp heavy enough to hold the bullet in place through the action cycling on a gas gun tends to distort the neck and bind the action as well. Don't make it harder than it needs to be.

[Mike D]

just because it is compressed does not mean over pressure,,, the wrong powders can be over pressure and not near a full case,, it all depends on the powder case and bullet

This. Don’t be concerned about compressed loads unless you can’t get the bullet seated properly or it makes the bullets creep out of the case. Full case or lightly compressed loads typically make more consistent velocities.


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[dbaio1]

just because it is compressed does not mean over pressure,,, the wrong powders can be over pressure and not near a full case,, it all depends on the powder case and bullet

A couple things I found were a drop tube helps get the powder in the case and boattail bullets will swell the necks in some loads.

Sounds like your heading in the right direction, Varget will give you great results

Find a powder that doesn't require compressed loads. Compressed loads tend to push the bullet out of the case over time. That will bind up the action on a semi auto. A crimp heavy enough to hold the bullet in place through the action cycling on a gas gun tends to distort the neck and bind the action as well. Don't make it harder than it needs to be.

This. Don’t be concerned about compressed loads unless you can’t get the bullet seated properly or it makes the bullets creep out of the case. Full case or lightly compressed loads typically make more consistent velocities.


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Thanks for the feedback guys. I feel better now following the manuals and my typical
load development process. Everything I am looking at is 110% and under.

[McClain]

Just to reiterate what others have said, a compressed load in itself doesn't tell you much. Just be cautious. If your powder type and amount are putting you at or near max pressure in an uncompressed load and then you compress that load, then you could possibly see an over pressure situation, which is not safe. Also, it is not uncommon to see a compressed load, especially highly compressed loads, allow the bullet to creep forward in the case past your ideal seating depth. If the bullet is then jammed into the lands upon chambering, this can cause overpressure -- again a dangerous situation. Although less dangerous (unless you are in a fire fight), if the compressed load causes the bullet to creep foreword in the magazine, you are possible looking at a jam or failure to feed. In any case, if you are working with a compressed load be sure you know what you are doing, otherwise its best to stay away from such.

[dbaio1]

Just to reiterate what others have said, a compressed load in itself doesn't tell you much. Just be cautious. If your powder type and amount are putting you at or near max pressure in an uncompressed load and then you compress that load, then you could possibly see an over pressure situation, which is not safe. Also, it is not uncommon to see a compressed load, especially highly compressed loads, allow the bullet to creep forward in the case past your ideal seating depth. If the bullet is then jammed into the lands upon chambering, this can cause overpressure -- again a dangerous situation. Although less dangerous (unless you are in a fire fight), if the compressed load causes the bullet to creep foreword in the magazine, you are possible looking at a jam or failure to feed. In any case, if you are working with a compressed load be sure you know what you are doing, otherwise its best to stay away from such.

Thanks for the info. I never get close to max loads. It's just that everything I have loaded in the past has been at max 85-90%. The two loads I am leaning towards are 100 and 105%.