Utilizing 307 load data for 308 cases?

HighDesertWolf · 07-25-2005, 05:39 AM

I was figuring out what components i needed to buy and I realized I load more often for my 308 than I do for my 30-30, as I went through my stuff and noticed I have a bunch of bullets for my 30-30 I have 200 winchester 150 grain power points and 200 sierra 150 grain pro hunters. I know the 307 win is basically a rimmed 308 win and the data is very similar, but i also noticed the 307 win uses the same style bullets as a 30-30. What I'm getting at here is Im wanting to use 307 win load data with these extra 30-30 bullets in my 308. Now my question is are there any stipulations that would keep me from doing this? I already planned on using H4895 powder since I already use it for reduced loads in my 308 and I figure it would help lower the possibility of under charging my loads. My other question is should I use 307 win COL's or 308 win COL's?? thanks in advance

Gundigest · 07-25-2005, 08:03 AM

I think the 307 and 308 are the same except for the rim and the 307 was used in lever action guns like the 30-30 which is why the load data is less than the 308 and the bullets are similar to the 30-30. There should not be a problem loading them in the 308, just make sure the bullets are .308 diameter.

Jeep4x4 · 07-25-2005, 08:37 AM

The .307 is basically a rimmed .308 so the loads should be ok.

Roskoe · 07-25-2005, 04:29 PM

Are you sure the .307 is loaded to the same pressure limit as the .308?

Vapodog · 07-25-2005, 08:59 PM

By all means you can use the bullets intended for use in the .30-30 and .307 as long as they are .308 diameter bullets in your .308 Winchester. Why not use the load data for the .308 then?.....

I've loaded .30-30 bullets in a .30-06 using data for the .30-06 and those 170 grain bullets move right along.

handloader1 · 07-26-2005, 12:01 AM

As Vapodog said, "use the load data for the .308 Win.".

Measure your chamber and set the bullet .020" from the riffling. You could use the C.O.L. for .308 Win.150 gr. RN, but if you have any resistance when chambering the round, the C.O.L. is too long and the bullet is hitting the riffling,so you will have to seat the bullet deeper into the case.Make sure you start with a MIN. load. Good luck.

HighDesertWolf · 07-27-2005, 03:39 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Roskoe

Are you sure the .307 is loaded to the same pressure limit as the .308?

I think the 307 is actually loaded to a slightly lower SAAMI pressure then the 308, in my load data it shows the 307 to be loaded 2 to 3 grains less then the similar loading in the 308.

HighDesertWolf · 07-27-2005, 03:46 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Vapodog

By all means you can use the bullets intended for use in the .30-30 and .307 as long as they are .308 diameter bullets in your .308 Winchester. Why not use the load data for the .308 then?.....

I've loaded .30-30 bullets in a .30-06 using data for the .30-06 and those 170 grain bullets move right along.

My thought for using the 307 data was because, well I might be mistaken but i always thought 30-30 style bullets were designed to perform better at the lower 30-30 velocities and that they may not handle the 308 velocities, or will they more likely act as a fast expanding varmint bullet? which may not be to bad since these loads will be used most likely for plinking and an occasional coyote or jack rabbit.

Roskoe · 07-27-2005, 12:07 PM

I would suspect that you are right in this regard. .308 Win. loads are normally 600 fps or more faster than .30-30 ammo with the same bullet weight. Varmints or plinking sounds like the best application.

thndrchiken · 07-27-2005, 06:28 PM

I can tell you this firsthand from loading the 307, 308 and 30-06, load the bullet to the cartridge specs, i.e. use the 308 data. At respectable ranges the 30-30 bullet will perform just fine at 06 and 308 velocities. It may not like the hotter loads just start from the low end loads and work your way up, you probably won't achieve the same velocities but you won't lose that much speed.