Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles a 308 load for semi autos?

As in all things reloading - for safety sake consult your manual and ignore everything I post.

I read through the thread on 308 pet loads and I'll be trying some from there-in, but tack driving high velocity loads are not what might be best for a semi auto rifle. I need a load that will cycle a semi's action reliably, but not batter the action to pieces.

That said, my semi auto load of choice is 43.5 grains of IMR4350 for .308 147 grain FMJ (or 150 grain SP) projectiles. Nope, it isn�t fast but it does hit what I point it at and I�ve killed one buck with the SP load so far.

In the interest of full disclosure - I am NOT shooting clover leafs. But with iron sights and military style semi automatic rifles, mixed brass (including both Win308 and 7.62x51 mm cases from a half dozen countries; surplus projectiles that vary +/- 2 grains of weight; and the cheapest primers I can find - I am getting 6 inch groups at 100 yards from several rifles. If I shoot a full magazine, every bullet is on a paper plate at 100 yards with every rifle and I really can�t ask for more than that.

But I'm never quite completely satisfied. I'd love to shrink those 6 inch groups to 3 inch groups. So in a quest for a 'better' load for my semi auto 308s I have IMR4895 loaded up in half grain increments from 40 to 44.5 grains just waiting my next trip to the range.

And I also recently discovered a load in the manual for 25 grains of Alliant�s 2400 behind a 150 grain 308 bullet.
I loaded up 5 of those, but have not had a chance to try them.

A friend of mine recommends 43 grains of IMR4320, but I have yet to acquire that powder.

I am open to other suggestions. Does anyone else have a pet load for semi autos shooting 308?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

You're already on the right track with the 4895.

Win. 748 is giving me MOA performance with a 147 grn. FMJ. out of my M1A.

Check your manual; my load is 46.2 grns. w/standard primers.

+ 1 on the 4895.


Ed

I load my Winchester M88 lever action like I would if it were a semi-auto due to relatively weak extraction (as compared to a bolt action). I am using a 165 grain Hornady Interlock BTSP with 44.5 grains of IMR4064 and it shoots nearly MOA (1-1/8" @ 100 yards), which this rifle has never done with any load before. The load clocks 2650 fps with the Chrono set 10' from the muzzle in a 22" barrel. If the 4895 doesn't click for you give the 4064 a try (it's burn rate is also correct for a semi-auto).

Thanks guys. I have loads with 4895, 2400, and R-15 waiting in my range bag.... report to follow next range session.

The load I worked up for a Winchester 100 in .308 Is
42gr IMR 4064
Hornady interlock 180gr Round nose
Win Brass
CCI 200 primers
Cycled the action nicely and got .71" 3 round groups @ 100yds

we are running 46.5 grains of varget behind 168 grain sierra match hpbt's.

devastating !

l1a1's rock. now for those that don't know, l1's have an adjustable gas system.

I LOVE to see someone else hunting with semi autos

Well done guys.

I have ran 46 grains of IMR 4064 with 168 grain SMK through my GA precision AR-10 it was extremely accurate.

David