Seating depth for 308 Win

ltc444 · August 19, 2012, 11:39 AM

This is a subject which has probably been discussed at length.

I mostly reload pistol ammo and have started working on loading 308 win.

Specifically, I am developing a 110 grain load for my M-77 in 308. My questions are:

1) How deep should I seat the bullet.? (Sierra 110gr Varminter Left over from my 30 Herritt)
2) What should be the overall length? (On my 722 257 Roberts I initially seated bullets to accommodate the length of the action and then shortened the overall length until I found the most accurate load).

I know there is a lot knowledge out there and I am looking for a starting point.

Jim Watson · August 19, 2012, 11:43 AM

Sierra thinks 2.60".

steve4102 · August 20, 2012, 07:14 AM

Here ya go.

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...highlight=coal

mohr308 · August 21, 2012, 01:27 AM

I used that method from the Nosler manual also, I found my COL to the lands was something like 3.015". Needless to say that rifle is being traded in tomorrow! Everything I try for hand loading and purchasing factory made ammo, nothing really gives me good groups at 100yds.

chiefr · August 21, 2012, 09:39 AM

I have been reloading 308 for 30 yrs or so. I have never used bullets below 147gr. Having said that, I would go with whatever data recommended by the bullet manufacturer. I concur with your method of developing accuracy by experimenting with the seating depth. Not sure how much latitiude the light bullets will offer.

ltc444 · August 21, 2012, 10:38 AM

Thanks for the response.

Jim I found the link extremely useful.

Chiefr I liked the effect of the Sierra 110 bullets from my TC 30 Herritt. Have a bunch left over and want to use them on Coyotes. Also used them in my 30-30. Single loaded them in my marlin 336. Very effective on feral dogs which were attacking my goats. (unsafe to load in the mag)

Have my first batch loaded. When it stops raining (strange condition for the high desert of eastern az) I am going to test.

Once again thanks for the info. if you have further thoughts feel free to share.

shredder4286 · October 12, 2012, 09:35 PM

So how'd they shoot? I read the thread and it made me curious.

August 19, 2012, 11:39 AM	#1
ltc444 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2011 Location: Vernon AZ Posts: 1,195	Seating depth for 308 Win This is a subject which has probably been discussed at length. I mostly reload pistol ammo and have started working on loading 308 win. Specifically, I am developing a 110 grain load for my M-77 in 308. My questions are: 1) How deep should I seat the bullet.? (Sierra 110gr Varminter Left over from my 30 Herritt) 2) What should be the overall length? (On my 722 257 Roberts I initially seated bullets to accommodate the length of the action and then shortened the overall length until I found the most accurate load). I know there is a lot knowledge out there and I am looking for a starting point.

August 21, 2012, 01:27 AM	#4
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	I used that method from the Nosler manual also, I found my COL to the lands was something like 3.015". Needless to say that rifle is being traded in tomorrow! Everything I try for hand loading and purchasing factory made ammo, nothing really gives me good groups at 100yds. __________________ Lock and load, the zombies (democrats) are coming (to take your guns)!

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August 19, 2012, 11:43 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,528	Sierra thinks 2.60".

August 20, 2012, 07:14 AM	#3
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,951	Here ya go. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...highlight=coal

August 21, 2012, 09:39 AM	#5
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	I have been reloading 308 for 30 yrs or so. I have never used bullets below 147gr. Having said that, I would go with whatever data recommended by the bullet manufacturer. I concur with your method of developing accuracy by experimenting with the seating depth. Not sure how much latitiude the light bullets will offer.

August 21, 2012, 10:38 AM	#6
ltc444 Senior Member Join Date: March 3, 2011 Location: Vernon AZ Posts: 1,195	Thanks for the response. Jim I found the link extremely useful. Chiefr I liked the effect of the Sierra 110 bullets from my TC 30 Herritt. Have a bunch left over and want to use them on Coyotes. Also used them in my 30-30. Single loaded them in my marlin 336. Very effective on feral dogs which were attacking my goats. (unsafe to load in the mag) Have my first batch loaded. When it stops raining (strange condition for the high desert of eastern az) I am going to test. Once again thanks for the info. if you have further thoughts feel free to share.

October 12, 2012, 09:35 PM	#7
shredder4286 Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: NE Washington Posts: 361	So how'd they shoot? I read the thread and it made me curious.