Well im up to 46.5gr of R15 with a 165 hornady sp in my 308 ,1953 winchester featherwieght.

No pressure signs(extractor slot imprint etc). Alliant shows 45.5 as max on there data, speer manual is 47gr, nosler 44 max.

Anyone use R15 in 308/165gr, how much did you go?

Ill probably settle on 45.5-46 gr. Still need to get that chrony!

Just because you don't see any pressure signs doesn't mean you aren't exceeding max pressure for the round. IMHO, loading beyond max is foolish, and doing so without a chrony is double foolish. I've found RL 15 and 165's to be spot on the published data for velocity. With a grain or so over max, you're likely running in the high 60kpsi range, if not right at 70kpsi.

If you want 30-06 performance by all means buy one. I tried to make my .308 a 30-06 by loading hot when I first started out, but have long ago dropped that practice. The best accuracy at or below max pressure will kill just as dead and be closer to the vitals than mediocre velocity and an extra 50 fps.

My favored load in a 20" bull-barreled .308 WCF is 46 grains of Re-15 behind a 150 grain Nosler BT. MV is 2780 fps, and I've never felt undergunned with it on everything from varmints to deer to some rather tenacious wild hogs.

And while every firearm is a rule unto itself, I do consider this a max load for my rifle. I suggest you get a chronograph and a good dial caliper capable of miking case head expansion. By the time you reach outward signs of excessive pressure, you've put yourself well into the red zone.

Paul H , your so sweeet today!

quote:

Ill probably settle on 45.5-46 gr.

Thats published at 57,000. psi

I have plenty of 30-06s , 4.

Speer says max is 47 in the 165 and 49 for the 150. My featherweight seems to have no issues w/47 grains and a 165 getting 2700 fps.