max/min loads for .308

[a77ssii 0]

Has anyone played with a max/min load for the .308 Saiga? I would assume within reason chamber pressure wouldn't be an issue I'm just worried about damage to the bolt with a max load and a non feed with a load too light.

[buckandaquarterquarterstaff 5]

The saiga is very forgiving in that regard. I've shot loads that were just slightly below listed starting loads, and also hand weighed max loads (per reputable manuals). No noticible difference in FTE/FTF's since there weren't any with either. I think the long travel of the saiga's bolt does alot to solve most of the issues you're worried about.

[a77ssii 0]

That makes things easier. I wasn't worried as much about a misfeed due to low powder charge as much as damaging the bolt from a heavier charge. I typically load 5 rounds of each "experimental" load (Min or Max by the book, no wildcatting) and see how they work. Did some loads in 110gr Sierra HPBT's for my .300 and they were vaporizing about 3" after leaving the barrel, talk about getting looks from the guy next to me. Actually looking at another Stevens 200 in .308 to "guinea pig" the loads before feeding them into the Saiga so I don't hurt it.

[buckandaquarterquarterstaff 5]

Vaporizing after leaving the barrel? That's something I've never seen before. Most bullets can be pushed damn hard before they would upset from the pressure behind them. Anyhow, just follow the manuals and it's all good...

[turbo1889 1]

The "vaporization after leaving the barrel" thing is real with light weight bullets in some of the big burtha cartridges. I had it happen to me when I loaded some hollow core varmint bullets in my 300 Weatherby. I think it's a matter of centrifical force. If spun fast enough without the barrel walls to hold it together the bullet structurally fails and shreds itself. Reason I say that is because with a slower twist barrel you can push them that fast without having them self destruct. In my mind that tells me its too much spin not too much velocity.

[LKB3rd 0]

I think it was in the speer manual where they recomend not pushing lightweight .223's above 3000 fps in fast twist barrels because they spin themselves into oblivion. It was only in the lightest .223's and I believe they were saying in regard to 1:7 barrels that they were cautioning against it, but I guess we have an instance reported here showing it is not just .223.

Edited February 22, 2008 by LKB3rd

[a77ssii 0]

I actually emailed Hornady re it and was told that it was a combination of a "max" load, light bullet and elevation (less air friction on the bullet) since the area I shoot at is at about 10,000'. They said is was unusual being it was a .308 bullet but was possible, LKB3rd is correct in that it is alot more common in the .22 class be it .223, .22-250, .220 swift, etc.