I am working up a load for my .308 Savage scout with the 180 grain Failsafe bullet and H380 powder. Lapua brass and Federal match primers. I can't find any data, and wondered if anyone has worked with this combination.

I have gone from 42 grains to 47.5, with no indications of high pressure. No bolt resistance, case head marks, etc. I see only a very slight cratering of primers, with little change from 42 to 47.5. I had expected pressure signs by now, since the max load with Sierra 168's is around 47, but see none. My micrometer skill is lacking, but I think I am getting about .0005 increase in case head diameter. Velocity at 45 grains was 2525 out of the 20" barrel. I have not chronographed the other loads yet.

Can anyone offer any advice?

Thanks

KLN

H-380 From 37.2 grains to 48.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

Some lot's of H-380 are very slow. I haven't used it in .308, but it's one of my favorites in 8x57, it gives amazingly consistent velocity.

47 grains works fine. Cooked in the hot sun and hot chamber, still no pressure warnings. Primer pockets still tight after second firing. Good accuracy. Looks like a winner, approaching 2600 fps from 20" barrel.

2600 in a 20" barrel - I'd say you're cooking it pretty good.

GSF1200's noted one real problem with H380 - the lot to lot variation can be a real surprise. I had a 22-250 once that wouldn't take more than 38 grains of it with a 55 grain bullet (3,600 FPS or so), but, the next lot would go over 40 grains with 55 grainers before it got near 3,600 FPS. But, it sure flows throught the meter easily, though.

R-WEST

KLN, I've gotten best velocity and accuracy in various 308's I've owned with RL15... in my 19" bbl'd carbine, I got 2,620 with 180's... I'd go with either RL15 or Varget and forget H380. Varget gives around 25 fps less (with similar accuracy) than RL15, but is "temperature stable."

Brad