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308 reloads????

rchawk
Alright all you hi-power shooters, what would be a military ball equivelent reload for a SA M1A? (bullet, powder, velocity, etc.)
We want to try to duplicate ball ammo.
We would like to develope a load using 168 grain FMJ bullets and LC Match brass.
Also, how necessary is it to use "military" primers as opposed to WW or regular CCI large rifle primers?
I know the answer is out there.
Thanks

Hawk


I would rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • Laredo Lefty
    Hawk... I have reloaded thousands of rounds of 7.62 for my Springfield M1A's.
    I duplicate the military loads from my copy of the "Army ammunition data sheets" for small caliber ammo. I also use LC brass.

    The 7.62mm Ball "Match" round uses a 175.5 grain bullet and 44 grains of WC846 powder. It shows a chamber pressure of 50,000 psi. but no velocity. I would guess about 2650 fps.

    There are two "Ball" loads, the M59 and M80. They both use 46 grains of WC846 powder, but the M59 uses a 150 grain bullet, and the M80 uses a 146 grain bullet. These two loads show a velocity of 2750 fps 78 feet from the muzzle, and chamber pressure of 50,000 psi.

    Win large rifle primers have served me well. You will have to swage or ream the primer pockets if using once fired LC brass. Since the original ammo had the primers staked in place, you could experience some primers backing out with the reloads. If that happens, reduce the powder slightly, maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of a grain. I have had this occur with 5.56 reloads but not with 7.62 reloads.
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  • rchawk
    Thanks Lefty,
    I have reloaded a few thousand rounds as well, but mostly for hunting and for my 45. I have several hundred rounds of LC "Match" brass with no "stakes" on the primer pockets so one less hassel.
    Where can I get the data sheets you referred to?
    I would like to try and match the velocity, pressure and energy using WW primers, 168 grain FMJ bullets and either the AA 2230C powder I have or one of the appropriate substitutes.
    Thanks again,

    Hawk


    I would rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!
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  • Laredo Lefty
    Hawk,,,,,,,

    Go to gunbroker item # 8317218. This seller has the data sheets on CD or in print form.
    This manual has load data for just about every military round from .38spl to 40mm.
    A source of military powder can be found in the Shotgun News under reloading components.
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  • Matt45
    Hawk-

    That military load data book is a great deal if you are shooting .38, .45, .30-06, .223, and .308


    The only input I can give is on the primers-

    Standard Lg Rifle primers may slamfire, that's basically the reason the military had developed a heavier primer. All that really means is that in the military primer, the "cup" is of a stouter gauge of metal than civillian or standard primers.

    CCI http://www.cci-ammunition.com/ sells the appropriate primers and provides an online usage chart http://www.cci-ammunition.com/. What you want for this application is the No. 34 Primers- "7.62 mm NATO, 30-06 and 7.62x39. NATO sensitivity to reduce slam-fire in semi-auto rifles."

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  • GPWEAPON
    rc the common load for the lc w 168's is 42 grains of 4895 that's moving at about 2600 fps it will flated out your primers and limit your once fired to about 2 reliable reloads with your M1A after that it's case seperation chances. I prefer to keep them at 40.7 grs. @ 2400 fps, less wear and tear on gun. you shouldn't have any problem with any of the large rifle primers currently available. resize brass with small base dies and buy a case tolerance gauge this will keep slam fires from destroying your gun. the cost of duplicating ball ammo for the .308 is not worth the effort with the portagee stuff going for 14.5 cents from aimsurplus.com delivered.
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  • beachmaster73
    I'm currently shooting 168 grain BTHP's and Lake City Match brass with Winchester large rifle primers and 43 grains of VARGET. Slightly less velocity than factory but adequate across the course. I used to use the same bullet, primer, brass combination with 42.5 grains of 4895 for practice and 43 grains of 4895 for matches. It's probably my imagination but the VARGET feels a little easier on my shoulder than the 4895 so I've stayed with it. All of these are safe and accurate loads in my M1A and Navy M1.Beach
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