I normally use H4895 for my reduced hunting loads for my nephew, but it is all sold out around here. Since I have a ton of R15, could I use, say... 38gr of R15 and use a Dacron filler? Looking to get 30-30 performance levels so trailboss probably wont work.

I would use 60% of a max R-15 load for the .308 Win and NO filler.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I would use 60% of a max R-15 load for the .308 Win and NO filler.

Risk of detonation?

quote:

Originally posted by thecanadian:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I would use 60% of a max R-15 load for the .308 Win and NO filler.

Risk of detonation?

Caution brother.

That 60% rule is ONLY recommended with H4895. Best to look up the powder manufacturers recipes you are going to use to see what they say. Its all very well blowing yourself up But please dont risk the youngsters.jc

I gave in and called Alliant yesterday. They said that anything below 80% load is not advisable and could go BOOM! As for my filler idea, a little reluctant to give me specifics. They did say if done correctly, chamber ringing should not be a problems. He said not to go under 10% of published min loads and to make sure that the dacron/powder combination fills the entire case.

I would suggest you guys read Richard Lee's book...Modern Reloading 2nd addition. I draw particular attention to page 157. His guidelines on reduced charges have always worked for me.

Page 157 would suggest R-15 may be safely reduced up to 44%...I safely said "I" would use 60% of the max load (only a 40% reduction).

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I would suggest you guys read Richard Lee's book...Modern Reloading 2nd addition. I draw particular attention to page 157. His guidelines on reduced charges have always worked for me.

Page 157 would suggest R-15 may be safely reduced up to 44%...I safely said "I" would use 60% of the max load (only a 40% reduction).

I get what you are saying but I very much disagree with the book on this one. Starting with 20% reduction and going up 1% for every powder listed, does NOT sound like good advice. What it sounds like is a recipe for SEE. Secondly, the load data for 308 seems to confirm what Alliant said about min loads. On page 426 it shows a max of 46.3 and a min of 37gr, using a 150gr bullet. Using my Fed. brass, 46gr is 100% or a little better for case capacity, and 80% of that is roughly 37gr.

Well...It says starting with the slowest powder (50 BMG)...you can safely start with 20% reduction then going from slow to fast...you can reduce each faster powder by 1% until until you max out at 50% reduction...where you should stop. "I" usually stop at 40% always. This book is highly cautious in it's statements and goes on to reiterate how safe this is.

I have used used the advice a lot for cast/reduced loads successfully. "I" (not a recommmendation for you by any means) would feel comfortable starting at 28 gr of R-15 based on my past experience for use in my rifles only.

Lyman stopped recommending fillers for most of their loads some years ago. I figure they know a thing or two, especially since they did recommend fillers for many years before this reversal.



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If you can't get your hands on some 4895 I would suggest you try 3031 for a reduced load.

I guess its a moot point now. I gave in and went to the twin cities and got a few pounds of H4895. Seemed like the easier choice.

Just going with the book starting load of rl 15 or any other applicable powder should give the performance you are looking for, close to 30-30 max velocitys with a 150 gr bullet, it may be worth a try.

If I want a reduced 308 load I just use 300 Savage data. Pretty much the same case. Not exactly 30-30 levels, but 300 Savage is a pretty pleasant round to shoot. Especialy with lighter slugs.