I knew the answer before I even asked

[KnotRight]

Last night while trying to reload some 308s using Hornady bullets I noticed that the max velocity listed in their manual was 2600 ft/sec with maybe one powder going to 2700 ft/sec. While at Bass Pro today, I looked at the same bullet in 308 and the listed velocity on the box was over 3,000 ft/sec.
Called Hornady and asked why they are selling bullets that are 200 ft/sec over what their manual shows. The answer that I expected is "we are using our own powder blend".
With me loading 400 ft/sec below shelf bullets velocities might be why my consistence is lacking with that gun.
I know about working up a load but I would not even come close to published max loads when reloading.

 

[rdinatal]

Published max loads don't always give the best accuracy.

 

[Goofyfoot2001]

Accuracy should be independent of the load other than a smidge of barrel twist preference, I would think, consistency is where the load / powder type comes in.

 

[ronn47]

Also you don't have a barrel like they used to test those loads.

 

[KnotRight]

I would think that in long distance shooting it would pay to push you bullet (if the accuracy hold up) as fast as you can to keep it supersonic out to 1000 yards.

 

[Etruett]

Check different manuals. You might find one that gives a load that is over 3000 fps. Some manuals will give lower charges than others on max powder. For those, I start a little lower and then work my way up watching for pressure signs. Also you might want to try another powder if the one you are using is giving inconsistent results. Different powder/bullet combinations give much different results in each gun.

 

[Charlie]

I have some Hornady 308 rounds that a friend gave me after they would not function reliably in his Browning lever action rifle. Notice the statement that they should only be used in fixed breech rifles.

 

[KnotRight]

View attachment 182836 View attachment 182840 I have some Hornady 308 rounds that a friend gave me after they would not function reliably in his Browning lever action rifle. I assume they loaded them hot because I seem to recall reading on the box that they were not for autoloaders or lever action rifles.

Charlie, that is one of the boxes that I looked at today in BP. The Hornady manual the top velocity is 2,800 FT/sec with SW Tactical Rifle, IMR 4895, RL-15, CFE 223 and Power Pro 2000 MR. They have eight others with the top velocity of 2,700 ft/sec.

 

[Charlie]

I doubt they would want to provide the data they used to load what must be a fairly hot round not suitable for all rifles using powders that may not be available to the general public. I have not yet shot any of these but would shoot them out of a bolt action Ruger rather than out of any of my autoloaders.