[Reddog927]

I want to put together a load using a 168gr A-max bullet and IMR 4064. Anyone have some good recipes for me to give a shot? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

[stex shooter]

I have some IMR 4064 waiting on my new LTR .308 to get out of layaway. Let me know how your load development goes. I was going to use it with 168gr matchkings and 165 gr. gamekings.

 

[reloader]

I use the following out to about 500 yards with good results:

Case length 2.004"
OAL 2.800"
44.0 grains IMR 4064
168 grain SMK

Steve

 

[Reddog927]

Thanks reloader!

I will give that little recipe a go once I get my next order of bullets. I had another question maybe you could help me with, how do you go about working up a load. How many rounds of one batch do you make?

 

[quaid]

Hi Reddog,
Starting with a reduced charge that is 5% below listed maximum, you can go up in half grain increments, in a 308. For a 223 I go up in increments of 0.2 grains.
A chrony is handy when working up loads. You will see velocities rise with each increase but at the same time the increases will not be regular. That is, velocities do not increase by the same amount for each half grain increase and you will see that that you are not getting much more velocity, for burning more and more powder.
It is around this stage that you could start shooting for group at 100 yards. Three shot groups would do for a start.
At all times you would be watching for pressure signs.
If you are without a chrony just go with 3 shot groups of each load at 100, checking each shot for pressure. As you gain expertise you will be able to set up a chrony and shoot "try-out" loads for group at the same time.

Good luck, mate.

 

[Reddog927]

Thanks for the tip, that is a great starting point. Once I get some loads going I will take a couple of pictures of the progress.

 

[reloader]

Always use a manufacterers recommended load data.They will give you a starting point and a max load not to exceed.I use sierra's reloading manual for the 168gr matchkings i use.Usually a bullet maker or powder manufacterer will have load data.Hope this helps.The OAL is recommended but you need to measure the chamber on your rifle to determine your best OAL length to start working a match load.