Guys,

I have an older Speer reloading manual that gives a 45-49 grain range for RL-15 in military 308 Winchester cases when using 150 grain sp projectiles.

I loaded 5 rounds with 46 grains of RL-15 ... and the powder volume obviously yields a compressed charge as the powder level is just about to the neck of the case.

Would appreciate a cross check on the load ... is it too large? Do any of you fellows have more data on RL-15 with 308 military cases and 150 grain Nosler Partitions?

Will wait to pull the trigger on these until I get some feedback.

Thanks VERY much!

Alliant lists 46.3 gr RL15 as max load with Sierra 150 Spitzer:

http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg.taf?_function=centerfire&step=2&bulletID=290&cartridgeID=1079&caliber=%2E308&cartridgedescr=Win%2E&bulletdescr=Sierra%20150%20Spitz

FWIW, Bill

[ 01-21-2003, 20:32: Message edited by: Bill M ]

Sierra and Nosler list 46 grains as tops and that is with commercial brass. That is as high as I will go, but I know others that go higher.

I load 46 grains under a 150 grain Ballistic tip. That load is Max from Nosler. I would think 49 would be a little high especially in military cases. You might try a drop tube to get all that powder in without compressing but I still think 49 is too high.

NoCAL

I ran the 49 grain load you mention in my .308 blr with ms moly coated 150 grain mag tips. This was in 35 degree weather. There were no pressure signs at all. I don't think the velocity was near what you get with max loads (50+grains) of win 748.

BUT--You have to look at all the factors in my load. The moly may have been worth 1.5 grains. The temp may have been worth 1.0 grains. and the mag tip has such a short brg area that may be worth a grain compared to something like a nosler partition.

In a bolt action I'd say start at around 46 grains and work up. I don't think you'll get to 49.0 grains with a partition but I'll bet you get to 48.0 or so.

PS--my loads are not with military brass and even at 49.0 grains were not terribly compressed.

Guys,

Thanks for the input ...

1) I did check and the old Speer manual does specifically indicate they used mil brass in their loads.

2) I suspect that RL-15 may have become slightly fast burning over time ... this is a rather old manual.

3) I am pretty concervative about this kind of thing

and

4) I do own a kinetic bullet puller

so, I think I am going to exercise the better part of discretion here and take these loads apart and start with a smaller charge!

Again, thanks VERY much for the feedback so quickly. Means I can try this again tomorrow and have a choice of guns to take to Texas for pig hunting.

RL-15 From 37.9 grains to 49.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

Mike, my last 308 ran 150 Nosler B-Tip's w/ 47.0 gr's RL15 / WW (non military) Brass / WLR Primer's.