so ive only used varget for .308 but its scarce and im looking at other powders

picked up a pound of IMR 4064, here is what i loaded for my workup this weekend. gonna pull my chrono out and hope to find an accurate load around 2625 fps
I consulted my lyman data and hodgdon data as well

savage 10 FCP-HS
175 grain matchkings
federal brass
CCI br2 primers
seated at 2.803' (this has been perfect with varget in my chamber)

41.5
42
42.5
43
43.5

lyman listed the max at 44 grains and hodgdon max was 45.3c i think so I should be under max and shouldnt see any problems. it seems there is VERY little room between the powder and the bullet at 43.5 grains, does this sound normal?


I also have some 30 cal 165 grain tracers pulled down from 30-06 surplus, they are a bit longer than a 175 grain matchking so I loaded at 38.5 for them (lyman data for 165 grain bullet start charge) and seated at the same depth

everything look good to you more experienced guys?

Here is a thread on the 30.06 AP rounds loaded into .308 there is a little load data in it from other members. I have been reloading the 308 with the 4064 powder and your charges look safe enough. As always start low and work up!

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/412690_30_06_AP_Black_Tip_Projectiles.html

I actually have that thread bookmarked from a previous post where we discussed it, I havent tried any of the AP rounds yet, but they are alot longer than the tracers even.

is it just me or does the powder seem bulky even at 43.5? seems like 44 grains would definately be a compressed load.

all shots will be over a chrono so if I find accuracy and the velocity I want i will probably just pull the hotter loads and save bullets.

The 175gr match king data looks good.  43gr of IMR 4064 gets me around 2650 fps I believe.  I'd need to look at my notes to verify though.

As far as the 165s go, 38.5 is probably a safe bet to start with.  They are long, but only .010 longer than a berger 185, and those can be run up to 45gr of IMR 4064 generally speaking.  You'll probably be able to get up to 42-43gr without issues, but start slow and work up.

I have the same rifle, but I cut the bbl to 20"
I use 44.7 of Varget with 168SMKs <----cloverleafs all day
I think around 45.4 i start to hear compaction

No.  But then I don't like to burn up barrels with tracers.  In fact, never have unless Sam was paying the bill.

If it were a normal bullet and you loaded within Mfg's specs.  I'd say go for it.

This is not the case