I use an RCBS 2die set with Lee factory crimp die. The rcbs comes with a smaller (for .308) and larger ( for .311-.312) expander balls. I recently did a test loading .311 bullets in brass sized for 308 and brass sized for .311. Same powder charges and seating depth, long story short, they both shot the same. Same point of impact same group size. My rifle does shoot better with a light crimp though.
JTD
Interesting info. I will keep it in mind when I'm ready to load up some new ladder loads. My expanders won't arrive until Monday. I will experiment with crimping as well.Originally Posted by JeffreyDeGraff
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A few weeks ago, I loaded up some Speer .311" 150gr sp spitzer flat base bullets (#2217) that I got from Wes a while back. I seated them at 2.840" col, going off of Hornady data. H4895 at 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44.0 grains. These cases were sized previously with a .308 expander in Lee Pacesetter dies, by bumping the shoulder back a few thousandths. As the photos show, the lighter charges seemed to be more accurate and closer to elevation zero on the M39 as well. Heavier powder charges put the poi 6 to 8 inches below the poa. Not wanting to replace or modify my front sight, I will probably play around between 40 and 41 grains. A charge of 39.7gr can propel a Hornady bullet at 2,400 fps, plenty enough for a whitetail deer. I don't need velocity as most shots are below 120 yards. The 2" orange target circles weren't easy to see at 100 yards today.20200912_235751.jpg20200912_235631.jpg20200912_235641.jpg20200912_235650.jpg20200912_235700.jpg
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That 40.0gr load has perfect elevation, and shoots well too. I seat that bullet at 2.900”. Did you crimp these test loads? Ive got some good groups with H4895, I’m trying out IMR4320 next. Sorry for all the jumbled random thoughts.
JTD
Thoughts are good! I may try 2.900" next time around. I didn't crimp these. May try a light crimp next time as well. Minus the 1 flyer, it's a 1.5" group, good enough for deer hunting.
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My rifle shoots better with a light crimp, that why I was asking. 1.5” is plenty good enough. Keep me updated with any progress.
JTD
Will do. I just seated these to spec today and was running out of daylight to try a crimp. Thanks for all your help!
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