308 with Ramshot Big Game

[baldhunter]

I tried Big Game in my 308 Win with a 26" barrel using 168gr Nosler Ballistic Tips.My load manual didn't show a load for the 168gr,but it did show a max compressed load 51.0grs for a 165gr bullet with a pressure at 51,552psi.At that pressure,you will never get enough Big Game in a 308 Win case to ever get over pressured,it would be more of achieving enough velocity to make Big Game a viable powder to use in the 308 Win.I loaded a couple of rounds to test for velocity with a 168gr Ballistic Tip using a Magneto speed chronograph,Win case,WLRM primer.50.0grs-2757fps 51.0grs-2815fps.Those velocities are about the same I get with TAC,Varget and IMR 4895.So yes,Big Game can be used,may be better with 168gr or heavier in the 308 Win.

 

[Budget'06]

I tried Big Game in my 308 Win with a 26" barrel using 168gr Nosler Ballistic Tips.My load manual didn't show a load for the 168gr,but it did show a max compressed load 51.0grs for a 165gr bullet with a pressure at 51,552psi.At that pressure,you will never get enough Big Game in a 308 Win case to ever get over pressured,it would be more of achieving enough velocity to make Big Game a viable powder to use in the 308 Win.I loaded a couple of rounds to test for velocity with a 168gr Ballistic Tip using a Magneto speed chronograph,Win case,WLRM primer.50.0grs-2757fps 51.0grs-2815fps.Those velocities are about the same I get with TAC,Varget and IMR 4895.So yes,Big Game can be used,may be better with 168gr or heavier in the 308 Win.View attachment 625756

That's almost exactly what I figured. The rifle I will be loading for has I assume a 23" barrel, but the rifle I bought yesterday (savage 12vss or whatever it is) has a 26 inch barrel I believe. Thanks for the input. Have you tried using a magnum primer to get a little more out of it? I've done that with compressed H4831sc in the 30-06

 

[AussieWriter]

As someone who handloaded for magazine articles, I can state factually that many maximum loads listed in manuals chrongraphed up to 200fps less than advertised. The .30/06 and .280AI being among my poorest performers.

H4831, being the Australian AR2213, also being among the worst offenders (IN SOME CARTRIDGES AND NOT OTHERS FROM THE SAME LOT OF POWDER)

Because I have used this powder since it was created in the '80's, my experiences are commensurate with its evolution into todays product.

There is no better advice than developing loads over a chronograph (I use an Oehler 35P) and recording as much information in a log book where you can back refetence as your records grow.

BTW, H4831 is still a terrific powder, working very well and producing high velocities and great acvuracy in some cartridges, but it is wise to verify with a chronograph, the suitability for your given barrel as with any other powder.

 

[baldhunter]

That's almost exactly what I figured. The rifle I will be loading for has I assume a 23" barrel, but the rifle I bought yesterday (savage 12vss or whatever it is) has a 26 inch barrel I believe. Thanks for the input. Have you tried using a magnum primer to get a little more out of it? I've done that with compressed H4831sc in the 30-06

The ball powders are supposed to work better with a Magnum primer.The only reason I used one was because I load a lot of magnum cartridges.I tested them in my non-magnum cartridges.They all performed excellent,so I started using them instead of switching back and forth between large rifle and magnum primers.I really didn't see much difference in velocity between WLR and WLRM primers anyway.

 

[Budget'06]

The ball powders are supposed to work better with a Magnum primer.The only reason I used one was because I load a lot of magnum cartridges.I tested them in my non-magnum cartridges.They all performed excellent,so I started using them instead of switching back and forth between large rifle and magnum primers.I really didn't see much difference in velocity between WLR and WLRM primers anyway.

I saw a roughly 75fps increase when swapping from a federal 210 to a 9 1/2 magnum. But that wasn't ball powder

 

[Budget'06]

As someone who handloaded for magazine articles, I can state factually that many maximum loads listed in manuals chrongraphed up to 200fps less than advertised. The .30/06 and .280AI being among my poorest performers.

H4831, being the Australian AR2213, also being among the worst offenders (IN SOME CARTRIDGES AND NOT OTHERS FROM THE SAME LOT OF POWDER)

Because I have used this powder since it was created in the '80's, my experiences are commensurate with its evolution into todays product.

There is no better advice than developing loads over a chronograph (I use an Oehler 35P) and recording as much information in a log book where you can back refetence as your records grow.

BTW, H4831 is still a terrific powder, working very well and producing high velocities and great acvuracy in some cartridges, but it is wise to verify with a chronograph, the suitability for your given barrel as with any other powder.

I do all load development over a chronograph. I've found the Nosler manual to be pretty accurate. 165SST with RL22 at 2999fps in the 30-06. 195grTMK with H4831sc at almost 2800fps.

 

[baldhunter]

I saw a roughly 75fps increase when swapping from a federal 210 to a 9 1/2 magnum. But that wasn't ball powder

I've seen that much difference between different magnum primers.

 

[AussieWriter]

I do all load development over a chronograph. I've found the Nosler manual to be pretty accurate. 165SST with RL22 at 2999fps in the 30-06. 195grTMK with H4831sc at almost 2800fps.

Powder burning discrepancies can get frustrating but worse when it is caliber or cartridge applied.

Never understood why it can produce normal high velocities in say, a .25/06 snd be down a couple hundred fps in a .30/06 from the same can.

 

[captrjc]

@baldhunter what loading manual is that in the picture you posted?