Weird range for 308 powder charges

[deemus]

We were just talking about how different manuals show different charges for the same bullets. Look at this.

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Hornady is V11
Lee is 2nd
Lyman is 50th

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Yep!

 

[Havok1]

That’s just how it goes. Like I said in another thread recently, some sources are more conservative than others. Regardless of which source you use, if you pay attention to the results you’re getting from working up your load, it’ll all work out.

 

[Txhillbilly]

Most Hornady load data is lawyered up to keep them from getting sued. They are always on the low side of powder charges.

 

[deemus]

Most Hornady load data is lawyered up to keep them from getting sued. They are always on the low side of powder charges.

When I use Hornady loads I always use the higher end of their scale.

 

[popper]

Also depends on the brass used, capacity of LC is smaller(7,62x51).

 

[orbitup]

@Dawico just increases until the primers fall out and calls it good so you may not want to listen to him if he pops in here.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

When I use Hornady loads I always use the higher end of their scale.

Same with Nosler.

 

[RiverRider]

Lot-to-lot variations in powder might be partly responsible. Could be any of the components used. Case volume varies by headstamp (I have seen up to 18 grains of difference in water capacity between cases from different time periods, all R-P headtamps!). Maybe differences in pressure measurement equipment, or even firearms used.

I'd want to know what the recorded velocities were, if they were given, along with barrel lengths.

Ultimately, your guess is as good as anyone's.

 

[Dawico]

@Dawico just increases until the primers fall out and calls it good so you may not want to listen to him if he pops in here.

No. When the primers pop out you have to drop the charge down at least 2%. Loose primers can jam up your firearms.

You gotta use your head man.

Btw @orbitup, how much pistol powder fits in rifle brass? I have only had to pick up blown out primers, not rifle parts.......

 

[Dawico]

Also depends on the brass used, capacity of LC is smaller(7,62x51).

I'm not sure if it's an old wife's tale or just from before civilian companies made good brass but this simply isn't true.

Last time I checked cases the LC brass was in the middle of the spread.

I've had civilian brass that a full charge of book confirmed powder would spill over the top. All a guy can do is hammer a bullet in and fire away..........

 

[RiverRider]

Last time I checked cases the LC brass was in the middle of the spread.

Last time I fiddled with 7.62 NATO brass, it was about the same as any commercial .308 I checked.

I've had civilian brass that a full charge of book confirmed powder would spill over the top. All a guy can do is hammer a bullet in and fire away..........

 

[orbitup]

Btw @orbitup, how much pistol powder fits in rifle brass? I have only had to pick up blown out primers, not rifle parts.......

IDK how much fits but I know how much is too much.