Originally Posted by MontanaMarine
I'm working on a high performance mag-length heavy bullet 308 load with RL17 powder.

M700 VS 308Win
Factory bbl/throat, cut to 20.5"

200 gr Sierra Gameking
Win brass
CCI 200
2.81" oal
Reloder 17

50.0 gr - 2610, 2621 (15' from muzzle)
51.0 gr - 2662, 2663
52.0 gr - 2721, 2714 (fairly heavy compression, just a hint of bolt resistance after firing, no ejector imprint or primer flattening).



Here's the factory load data:

Reloader's Guide
Alliant Powder Reload Recipes


Recipe(s)


Caliber Bullet Case Minimum OAL
(inches) Bbl Length Primer Powder Charge Weight
(grains) Velocity
(fps) Notes
308 Winchester Speer 150 gr BTSP Federal 2.8 22 Fed 210 Reloder 17 50 2,763 -
308 Winchester Speer 165 gr BTSP Federal 2.8 22 Fed 210 Reloder 17 50 2,739 -
308 Winchester Speer 180 gr BTSP Federal 2.8 22 Fed 210 Reloder 17 48.7 2,641 -


Basically your load EXCEEDS BY 2 GRAINS the factory MAXIMUM load listed for a bullet 35! GRAINS LIGHTER!

Sorry but you just don't know what pressures you are running until you actually pressure test them. I really think this is a perfect example of how case pressure signs can be misleading.

If the factory listed maximum load for 165gr bullets is 50grains. 52grains with a 200gr bullet ISN'T A SAFE PRESSURE LOAD!

I don't mean to be a jerk here, I'm just trying to be a freindly voice of reason. MM you normally have seemed to be a pretty solid rational guy I can't beleive that after you have time to really think about it going above the factory listed max load by this much is safe reloading practice.

Good luck, I hope you keep your eyesight and fingers.................................DJ



Remember this is all supposed to be for fun.......................