[captain-03]

Well, I got some loaded and sent downrange -- disappointed with my first attempt to load cast for my M1A. Loaded up 27 rounds --

6 different loads using 3 different powders (Red Dot, H110, and IMR4756 - just because these were the ones I had on the bench).

Did not test for accuracy; just to see if they would function the action of M1A. NONE DID!! These are relative fast burning powers and they must not be generating enough pressure to work the action. Got to move to a slower burning powder!!

Well, the good news -- they look good and had no leading in the barrel ... the quest continues!!

 

[msredneck]

When can I place my "order" for some bullets....

 

[captain-03]

When can I place my "order" for some bullets....

I am actually going to load up these again using the same data ... try for accuracy ... these may be just the thing for some "bolt" guns; even though I do not own any in .308!

 

[Hammer]

Looks like a group of Titan missles ready for launch.
Sweet!!!

 

[AKMan51]

Look here http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=3558

 

[msredneck]

Darn good looking bullets dude...I wanna try some in my Bolt rifle

 

[encoreman]

Unt sum. Hey Cap, you got any 125-150 grainers? I like the lighter bullets in my Encore pistol. Been thinking about casting some rifle bullets myself.

 

[captain-03]

Look here http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=3558

Thanks, I have read that thread ... some interesting data .. it, too, suggest a slower burning powder.

 

[captain-03]

Only had two powders on the bench that I could try (with safety in mind) - 4759 and 2400. Loaded up 12 different loads with these two powders.

4759 - started out at 19.0gr and went up to 23.0gr
The 21.0gr, 22.0gr, and 23.0gr loads all extracted the case and reset the firing pin - but would not chamber the next round. Here are the 6 shots @50yrds with 22.0gr and 23gr.

2400 - started at 18gr and went up to 24gr. All loads all extracted the case and reset the firing pin - but would not chamber the next round. Here are the all 12 shots @50yrds with the 2400. Don't know about the bottom two holes - I did not check the target after each shot and/or powder charge change.

Guess it is back to the loading bench. I did not use any crimp on these loads. Will try some with a light crimp. Also, may try to play with the gas system a little -- it I can figure it out!!

Good news, no pressure signs (shouldn't be - not enough to fully work the action), no leading and I think I am about there!!

 

[Beladran]

a friend of mine uses IMR 4064 shooting lead in a 30-06 If I remember right he also used it in his BAR

 

[captain-03]

a friend of mine uses IMR 4064 shooting lead in a 30-06 If I remember right he also used it in his BAR

Thanks -- don't have amy 4064 on the bench ... would really like to get 2400 to work -- got a bunch of it!! Also got a bunch of RamShot TAC .. may try to find a load of it ..

 

[z06]

Looks good captain. If it is not picking up the next round doesnt that mean its still not traveling back far enough? Wouldnt you need another grain maybe?

 

[z06]

I dont know anything about those powders. I dont know what max load is

 

[msredneck]

Hey cap...what weight are the bullets...my bolt rifle likes 150 gr bullets on jacketed. 165 gr and 180gr only soso.

 

[captain-03]

Hey cap...what weight are the bullets...my bolt rifle likes 150 gr bullets on jacketed. 165 gr and 180gr only soso.

They are weighing out at 173-175gr dressed (lube & Gascheck) ...

 

[captain-03]

Looks good captain. If it is not picking up the next round doesnt that mean its still not traveling back far enough? Wouldnt you need another grain maybe?

Yep -- not enough pressure being generated to push bolt all the way back ... going to try a little crimp and see if that helps ... Already up the suggested maximum loads ... however, brass show no signs of excess pressure ...

 

[Beladran]

hmm ok this may sound funny but I have heard of people putting their charge in then putting cream of wheat in on top of it to make a compressed load.. is this a bunch of BS or is there in merit to it??

 

[Hammer]

Never heard of that, but I can see how it would bump up the pressure with the same powder charge. Don't think I'll be putting cream of wheat in my cases tho.

 

[Beladran]

Well my dad had a AMT 30carbine and was having similar issues because he to wanted to use powder X becasue he had a ton of it. It was suggest to him to try that but the idea seemed to off the wall so he just broke down and changed powders

 

[z06]

I have seen a few people that load use that stuff that looks kind of like pillow stuffing you can get from the craft store. I cant remember the name of that stuff to save my life. These guys shoot bolt guns and they load for accuracy.