Gas gun .308 powders

**czgunner** · 01-11-23, 16:00

I'm looking to load some .308 for my 18" Stag 10.
Reading through my manuals, I was wondering since they all use bolt guns for their testing, is there anything I should consider before dropping powder?
I've been loading for lots of other cartridges, but this is the first time for .308 semi auto.
Brass is once fired Saltech. I'll be using CCI LR primers from several years ago. Bullet is Nosler CC 155.
Just looking for something accurate at the range, not competing and won't shoot past 400.
I've got 4 pound jugs of Varget and TAC and several 1 pounders of various Hodgden powders in my stash.

**markm** · 01-11-23, 16:12

Varget or TAC will work fine. I'm fixin to whip up a IMR 4064 load with 155 TMKs for gas gun this week. This is to save the Varget on hand for the guns that really like it.

For Gas gun, I generally want a little less pressure for reliable cycling compared to hotter bolt gun ammo. And my sizing die is different. (more "bump" for gas gun shoulders to feed) I was using the same sizing die once, but got a lot of Lapua Case separations because I was sizing my bolt gun ammo down too much. Very tragic situation.

**Pappabear** · 01-11-23, 17:03

And 4064 was the most accurate we found for the gassers. Can use a lot of powders for 308 but we generally use 4064 for gas guns and Varget for Bolt guns. Obviously you can switch and swop but that is out experience.

PB

**czgunner** · 01-11-23, 17:20

Thanks for the info.
I put a ladder together of TAC from 42.5-44.5. All my books show way different loads for a 155 BTHP.
I put my OAL at 2.78", leaves a bit of room in my Larue mags.

**bfoosh006** · 01-11-23, 20:15

Is Saltech brass the same internal volume as USGI / LC brass ? ....I have never used it.

And I'd check the brass weight , compared to USGI / LC brass.

Just to be on the safe side.

BTW, How did the Saltech shoot for you and your rifle (s) ?... I still wish I had bought some.

**markm** · 01-11-23, 20:44

Yeah. The brass variations can swing widely. Never tried Saltech though.

**czgunner** · 01-11-23, 21:04

I don't have any USGI to compare it to, and don't really know how to measure case volume.
Saltech cases weigh between 175 and 176 grains.
I only bought 2 cans and regret not buying more. I'm not a great shooter, but out of my Stag 10 I get 2" 5-shot groups.

**markm** · 01-11-23, 21:08

Originally Posted by czgunner

I don't have any USGI to compare it to, and don't really know how to measure case volume.
Saltech cases weigh between 175 and 176 grains.

Is that decapped weight? Or just fired? I can weigh some of my brass for a general idea. People put way too much worry in measuring case volume. I've NEVER done that nonsense.

(Weighed a decapped & cleaned Lapua, and it was 171.5 gr. So your brass is in the good range. I'm not a fan of the thin neck Win/Hornady 308 brass for my set up.