Ok, I worked up a great load for my Savage 308 Precision Carbine 20" 1in10 twist. Using new Nosler brass, Federal 210M primers, 178 grain A-Max bullets and 43.2 grains of Varget. I could get 1/2 groups at 100 yards. When I went to buy more brass I couldn't find any Nosler and with all the great things I've been hearing about Lapua I thought I'd give it a try. I worked up a ladder test using the same other components and starting with 43 grains of Varget. All the groups were around MOA but no where near the accuracy I was getting with the Nosler brass. I worked up to 44.2 grains in .3 grain increments with the Lapua. Should I have started lower because of the Lupua having less case capacity?
Nosler Brass vs Lapua Brass, what gives?
- Thread starter Denny2277
- Start date
Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum
MudRunner2005
Well-Known Member
My 700 5R .308 doesn't seem to be too picky....It loves every brand of brass, and every load I've ever shot through it. I'm up to about 190 rounds down the tube and it shoots light's out! Lapua brass, Hornady, Hornady Match, Federal, Nosler.... Think I'll send some more down her this weekend... I love shooting that gun. Send some down the STW, 7Mag, and .257 Wby, too...
And no, I didn't use the clean & shoot break-in proceedure. Nothing wrong with it, I just never have, and never will, unless I get a high-end custom barrel. I shoot some rounds and let it get warm, then let it cool, then continue that for 50 or so rounds and then I scrub the bore polished, then she's good to go! Done that with all my guns and it works fine for me.
My "top brass" loads are all stuffed into Lapua brass. My developing loads are all in cheap old Hornady Match that I've had tons of sitting around for years before I reloaded. I think I'm good on .308 brass for about half the life of the barrel, before I'll need more brass. That'll be a long time! LOL
Broz
Well-Known Member
Yes, lower case volume most times will produce more pressure. You could be above the accuracy node.
Was the Lapua brass new?
Did you fire form it first or have you tried the second loading after it was fired in your rifle?
Jeff
The Lapua brass was new. I did run it through a full length sizing die but it had never been fired. The only thing I did to the Nosler brass was prime it and load it. I do remember the neck tension on the Nosler brass seemed to be a little tighter than the Lapua brass. I have since preped the Nosler brass and have it ready to load. I may try it again now and see what affect this has on it.
Broz
Well-Known Member
I am not familiar with the case volumes of these cases. But if you are sure the Lapua has less volume I would drop back 1 1/2 or 2 gr below the original load and work back up testing some groups. That and fire forming to your chamber just might be the answer.
Jeff
Jeff
