Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Trying to duplicate a 308 factory load

Remington 180 gr round nose cor lokt what might be the best powder have h4985 and imr 3031 rifle is a savage 99

I would guess out of those two 4895.

Trying to stay nostalgic it was my dads gun keeping the Redfield wide view scope on it and that’s the load he used I’ve got another 308 and plenty of 150 and 165 gr bullets but have 100 180s of his old stock I’d like to load

EB,

You could get good results with either of those powders.

I'd provide quickload data for you, but that bullets not in the data base.

Match the velocity with either of those powders and you will be close. Maybe try a half grain above and below and then adjust seating depth. The 308 is a very forgiving cartridge to load for and good results can be had with a number of different components.

If you have any of your dads loads then pull one and weigh the powder, also shoot some for velocity. If you have powder charge weight and velocity you should be able to narrow down the choices quickly by cross referencing a couple of loading manuals.

I would just load them up to an accurate load and sight in accordingly.

I shoot a few .308s. My favorite powders are IMR 4895, 3031 and 4064.

I am sure your 4895 and 3031 will get you close.

from load data

Notes: case: Remington; barrel length: 22"; twist: 1:12"; trim length: 1.861"; primer: Remington 9 1/2; bullet diam.: .308"; NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS

Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS)
180 Hornady SP Hodgdon BL-C(2) 32.0 1,987
Remarks: starting load; COL: 2.600"

180 Hornady SP Hodgdon BL-C(2) 35.0 2,069
Remarks: maximum load; COL: 2.600"

180 Hornady SP Hodgdon H-335 32.0 1,974
Remarks: starting load; COL: 2.600"

180 Hornady SP Hodgdon H-335 35.0 2,074
Remarks: maximum load; COL: 2.600"

180 Hornady SP Hodgdon H-4895 34.0 2,081
Remarks: starting load; COL: 2.600"

180 Hornady SP Hodgdon H-4895 37.0 2,130
Remarks: maximum load; COL: 2.600"

case: Remington; bbl: 24"; pr: Remington 9 1/2; NEVER exceed loads listed

Wt. Bullet Powder Manufacturer Powder Charge Velocity (FPS)
180 Speer Round Nose IMR IMR-4350 44.0 2,350
Remarks: 41,900 cup; compressed powder charge

180 Speer Round Nose IMR IMR-4320 40.0 2,390
Remarks: 46,000 cup

180 Speer Round Nose IMR IMR-4064 38.5 2,395
Remarks: 45,900 cup

180 Speer Round Nose IMR IMR-4895 38.5 2,390
Remarks: 45,700 cup

180 Speer Round Nose IMR IMR-3031 37.0 2,390
Remarks: 45,900 cup

180 Speer Round Nose IMR SR-4759 22.5 1,910
Remarks: 45,500 cup

The old Lyman #45 book is a treasure trove for what you want. Test rifle 26" bbl, fact duplication uses 44.5 of 4064 with the 180 at 2604. But, the listed accuracy load is 41 gr of 4895 for 2480 fps. Keep in mind you need to subtract maybe 20 or 30 fps per inch of bbl length. That said, judicious charges of 3031 is never a bad choice.

I use H-4895 for my 308-99, but with 150 GameKings. It shoots really well. Love the 99’s, wish I had discovered them when I was younger.