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Powder for 16" 308 carbine?

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26 February 2003, 18:39
<Glenn R>
Powder for 16&quot; 308 carbine?
I recently got an Armalite 16" barrel carbine that is a target model with a muzzel brake (AR-10T) [Big Grin] . What powder will work well with this barrel? Should I use a fast powder so it will burn completely? Also, would the lighter bullets work better with this gun because they will have more velosity which is otherwise lacking due to the short barrel? [Roll Eyes]
26 February 2003, 19:32
craigster
I've been using IMR4064 in a 16" 7.65x53 Mauser which has about the same case capacity as the 308. I'm happy with the results.
26 February 2003, 23:22
Dave In LB
My 20" barreled Scout rile in 308 fires a full(max) charge of Varget (44.5g) under a 180g barnes XLC at 2630fps. I doubt you will want to shoot this loading as it is for hunting, but the point is that Varget works very nicely in the 308 as will BLC2 and Winchester ball powder( can't remember the number.)
27 February 2003, 01:27
Dave Jenkins
Win 748, BLC-2...work well in my 15" tube. I imagine Hodgdon's Benchmark would work well also. Check Hodgdon's website...but dont worry you should burn all your powder.
27 February 2003, 03:49
Major Caliber
AA-2230C works good for my short barreled .308's
28 February 2003, 18:14
<Glenn R>
Great [Smile] I have about 5 lbs of 2230C left and it is cheap. [Wink]
28 February 2003, 19:44
<PaulS>
Glenn R,
The same powders that give the highest velocities in a 26" barrel wil give the highest velocity in your shorter barrel. They will also give you muzzle flash and blast. If you want the speed you have to put up with the rest.

PaulS
01 March 2003, 03:25
Pumpkinheaver
Varget.
01 March 2003, 03:39
BLOWSOMETHINGUP
http://www.gibrass.com/gunpowder.html

lots of quality military surplus componants.
01 March 2003, 05:56
<eldeguello>
I believe you will get your best overall performance from loads that are also optimum in a 22" barrelled .308. The .308 uses pretty fast powders anyway, and I don't believe going any faster that 3031 would make things better!!