I've just started to work up a load using Sierra .308 pro hunter bulletts and Blc2 powder with CCI large rifle primers in Lapua cases my problem is the conflicting load data Sierra states 40- 44gns, Hodgdon 45-48, where do I start

Rgds

Ian

What bullet weight are we talking about? There are 12 different style/weight combinations for .308 in the Pro Hunter line.

In my experience, the Sierra manual works pretty well. I don't have it in front of me right now, so I cannot look at it.

sorry 150 gn sierra prohunter flat base soft point

Ian

tikka 3006, you should always start with the most conservative data you have. After firing a few rounds, check for signs of pressure. If there are no signs of pressure and you are statisfied with the performance of the load (i.e accuracy and speed) then you are finished! If you are not satisfied, try a higher amount of powder in small increments. I usually go up at a 0.3-1.0% increase (0.3-0.5 gr). Again, you should check for signs of pressure. Your goal should be an accurate load for a given speed within the pressure limits of your gun/ammo components. I have never used a maximum load. The reason being is that I always find the best accuracy at a slighly less than maximum load or I change powder and try again. Typically the load will be somewhere around 1-4% less than the maximum stated load for the cartridge. I always chose accuary over speed and I think most other reloaders do to.

I'd generally start with the bullet manufacturer's recomendations and work from there.

204Shooter wrote:

I always chose accuary over speed and I think most other reloaders do to.

Yep.. agree to this statement
in fact, almost all loads I shoot regardless of the caliber are the lowest possible load that have accuracy. <- whatever that mean... I got stones in my head today..

Always start at the lowest and work up to your best performance. I usually try to get both speed and accuracy. Also, I've heard that Blc2 is temperature sensitive. It doesn't like cold temps. H335 does a good job for me with other calibers and it's a real clean burning powder and it's not temp sensitive. Varget gives the best velocity. Benchmark is good too.

Almost forgot. Here's the number for the Sierra bullet techs; 1-800-223-8799. They can give you all the info you need

i get my best groups at 45.0 gr with this same combo.great deer round.