Long Ranger 308 handloading
Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2019 7:49 pm
My load:
Bullet: 150g Nosler E-Tip - I chose the .308 150 grain Nosler E-Tip for its high (for weight) BC, its speed out of a 20 inch barrel (high compared to a heavier cup & core bullets) and its good penetration ability (very high for weight).
Primer: CCI 200 LRP
Powder: BL-C2 - 43.5 grains (Hodgdon recommended) Less powder due to shorter than usual COAL.
Case length: 2.015” (Spec) max
COAL: 2.750” (Nosler recommended for the above bullet)
The chamber on my rifle is very tight, near or tighter than match spec. Therefore:
1. Case length is critical for chambering. Anything longer than spec would not chamber.
2. A small base sizing die is required or the round would not chamber.
3. Any hint of a crimp causing a slight bump in neck diameter would not chamber. The Redding seater die is too short for this COAL and causes a very slight crimp bump. RCBS dies are recommended.
Using a 4x scope, the load produces a MV of ~2725 FPS and a 4 shot 1.2” inch group at 100 yards.
I’m satisfied.
Bullet: 150g Nosler E-Tip - I chose the .308 150 grain Nosler E-Tip for its high (for weight) BC, its speed out of a 20 inch barrel (high compared to a heavier cup & core bullets) and its good penetration ability (very high for weight).
Primer: CCI 200 LRP
Powder: BL-C2 - 43.5 grains (Hodgdon recommended) Less powder due to shorter than usual COAL.
Case length: 2.015” (Spec) max
COAL: 2.750” (Nosler recommended for the above bullet)
The chamber on my rifle is very tight, near or tighter than match spec. Therefore:
1. Case length is critical for chambering. Anything longer than spec would not chamber.
2. A small base sizing die is required or the round would not chamber.
3. Any hint of a crimp causing a slight bump in neck diameter would not chamber. The Redding seater die is too short for this COAL and causes a very slight crimp bump. RCBS dies are recommended.
Using a 4x scope, the load produces a MV of ~2725 FPS and a 4 shot 1.2” inch group at 100 yards.
I’m satisfied.