Reloading for these rifle, in this caliber is a challenge. Components can be more
expensive and common thought is to use 0.311 inch bullets. There is not a large
selection of bullets in this diameter. The selection of 0.308 bullets is quite large.
This diameter seems to work well in my Tigr. Graf makes brass for this caliber,
but I do not recommend it. Have had partially blocked flash holes on some and
less uniform length of brass. Lapua brass is very uniform and is a bit cheaper than
Norma. Midway USA has it, and you get a bit of a discount, if you have an FFL.
They accept either a standard FFL or an C&R . In my opinion, Lapua is the way to go.
The bullet manufacturer Sierra has very good information on reloading for a semi-auto.
I recommend following this information.
The following information should be used at your own risk. No warranty expressed or
implied. Each rifle is different, so reduce the powder charge, and follow your own reloading
manuals recommendation.
Have been using CCI#34 primers for many years, in Garands,
with no issues, so I went with them.
This rifle/caliber load is a work in progress. I can't get passed the "first round effect" . The first round will
be low, then the rest of the rounds will group well. Believe, when the rifle loads a round, the bullet gets
extracted a bit, resulting in a higher impact. Have tried crimping the bullets in, but have had poor accuracy
with this method. Currently experimenting with neck annealing and neck resizing dies. Using one "seating"
round, prior to firing a group works, but would like not to have to do this. New brass seems to be less of
an issue with this.
Brass: Laupa |
Length 2.085" |
Bullet 0.308 |
Sierra 168gr MK |
Powder |
XMR2495 46.5 gr |
Primer |
CCI#34 |
COAL |
|
Using a "seating" round, the first round will be near the other rounds.
The first round effect seems to be cured. Between better brass cleaning and frequent annealing, groups have improved.
On the down side, .308 bullets do not group as well as they used to. Maybe the barrel is a bit worn now making it less
accurate with .308 bullets. The .311 bullets still group well.
Brass: Laupa |
Length 2.085" |
Bullet 0.311 |
Sierra 174 MK |
Powder |
IMR4064 46.0 gr |
Primer |
CCI#34 |
COAL |
|
Sierra 174 grain .311 , IMR4064 46.0 grains. Group is 2.3" and was fired at 200 yards.
Velocity 2650fps, ES 30.03, STD 10.0, ten round average.
Brass: Laupa |
Length 2.085" |
Bullet 0.311 |
Barnes TSX 150 gr |
Powder |
IMR4895 45.5 gr |
Primer |
CCI#34 |
COAL |
|