308 Quickload check?

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308 Quickload check?

Postby slash2 » Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:49 am

Anybody have Quickload? I'm curious about .308 Win, 20" barrel, Hornady .308 165 gr. SST.

Lots of info out there for longer barrels, but I'm not having much luck finding load data for a 20" barrel.

Thanks
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby BD1 » Mon Jun 08, 2009 1:54 pm

I'd need to know the powder(s) of interest, and the cartridge over all length.
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby slash2 » Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:51 am

IMR 4064 with and OAL of 2.8. Thanks
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby BD1 » Thu Jun 11, 2009 2:25 pm

For IMR 4064 under the 165 grain SST in a .308 W with a 20" barrel, Quickload tells me:

43 grains yields 48,905 psi / 2511 fps
44 grains, (full case) yields 52,340 psi / 2567 fps
45 grains, (slightly compressed) yields 56,022 psi / 2623 fps

Quickload tells me the Max load, if you can get it in the case, would be 46 grains for 59,973 psi / 2679 fps

The .308 is a very well documented round and both the powder and bullet are in the data base. Also, Hogdon's web site lists 46.3 grains as max load so I think you're on firm ground here.

BUT, Quickload is only an estimating tool. If the velocities of the starting load do not coincide with the model, STOP THERE. If you go ahead witth loads based on Quickload alone, with no chronograph data to verify the estimate against, you're taking a risk. I recently had Quickload lead me astray with heavy bullets in the .450B, without the chronograph to alert me it would have been trouble.

In general it looks like a decent combo, combustion over 99% all the way. I wouldn't think the extra 56 fps predicted for a max load would be worth the effort and risk of dealing with a 105% capacity compressed load.

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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby slash2 » Thu Jun 11, 2009 2:55 pm

That looks great, thanks, it'll save me a lot of trips back and forth to the range!
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby slash2 » Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:10 am

Hey BD1, can Quickload account for different case capacities? I have some NATO Lake City brass, it's capacity is 55.2 grs of water whereas my Winchester brass has 57.5 grs of water. Is it possible to calculate a charge using the LC brass that has the same performance as the regular load?

If this stuff is a pain in the butt to figure out then don't bother, I can do it the 'ol fashion way, start low and work up!
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby BD1 » Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:21 pm

Quickload does take case capacity into account. If I have time tomorrow I'll look at the default value and try the LC capacity. Keep in mind that this is just a program that estimates results. Until you have some chrony data to compare it to, you won't know if it's a realistic estimate or not. There are some critical parameters you need to enter for real accuracy. The diameter, weight, length and shank seating depth of your lot of bullets. And the hardest one, the actual cross sectional area of your particular rifle's bore.
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby slash2 » Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:56 pm

BD1 wrote:Quickload does take case capacity into account. If I have time tomorrow I'll look at the default value and try the LC capacity. Keep in mind that this is just a program that estimates results. Until you have some chrony data to compare it to, you won't know if it's a realistic estimate or not. There are some critical parameters you need to enter for real accuracy. The diameter, weight, length and shank seating depth of your lot of bullets. And the hardest one, the actual cross sectional area of your particular rifle's bore.
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I know these are just general estimates and are not meant to be used as accurate and safe loads for every situation, and that anyone requesting this information should do so with the knowledge that it is their responsibility to use the estimates as reference only, and that all loads need to be worked up from a conservative starting point.

I've been told 2,5 grs less for NATO brass is a good place to start, I was just curious if the data proved that out. So really, if it's any trouble then don't bother, I just wanted a second opinion. You've already been busy enough as it is putting this forum together!

BTW, do you do websites?
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Re: 308 Quickload check?

Postby BD1 » Mon Jun 15, 2009 10:03 am

Quickload uses 56 gr. H2O capacity as the default for the .308 W. Plugging in 57.5 gr capacity gives a max load of 46.7 grains of IMR 4064 yeilding 59,841 psi @ 2693 fps. Plugging in 55.2 gr capacity gives a max load of 45.5 gr of 4064 yielding 59,980 psi @ 2670 fps. YMMV

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