Sometimes you just get lucky...

[Tenntrapper]

Few months ago I bought a new 308. Hadn't fired it and figured it was time. Had mounted a scope but obviously wasn't sighted in yet.

Had everything to load for it but have been messing with 243 instead.

The bullets I was trying were something I had never heard of. Rather, they were from a company (brand) I had never heard of.
So data would be a guessing game. They were 167g, so I found a similar profiled 168 and started there.
Admittedly, I didn't start at bottom...more in the middle. My plan...just run up the ladder and see where I hit pressure. I made it to half grain below max...no pressure signs. Backup a minute. First round I loaded to book specs (2.80) didn't want to go in chamber. It did...it was just tight. I gave the adjuster a random twist and loaded next one...it fit fine. This was a pressure test...I'll fool with coal later. BTW..this ended up being 2.68".
Loaded 3 more at that charge to just see where I was group wise.

Grabbed a box of factory 150s to sight in the scope. Got that done.
Ok...let's see what these do....

3 shots were .217" ctc. Can't argue with that.

I'll load some more to confirm, but looking like I got lucky and found me an easy load.

 

[MUP]

I really like it when that happens

 

[DaveB]

That will get the job done for sure.

 

[BPhunter]

Few months ago I bought a new 308. Hadn't fired it and figured it was time. Had mounted a scope but obviously wasn't sighted in yet.

Had everything to load for it but have been messing with 243 instead.

The bullets I was trying were something I had never heard of. Rather, they were from a company (brand) I had never heard of.
So data would be a guessing game. They were 167g, so I found a similar profiled 168 and started there.
Admittedly, I didn't start at bottom...more in the middle. My plan...just run up the ladder and see where I hit pressure. I made it to half grain below max...no pressure signs. Backup a minute. First round I loaded to book specs (2.80) didn't want to go in chamber. It did...it was just tight. I gave the adjuster a random twist and loaded next one...it fit fine. This was a pressure test...I'll fool with coal later. BTW..this ended up being 2.68".
Loaded 3 more at that charge to just see where I was group wise.

Grabbed a box of factory 150s to sight in the scope. Got that done.
Ok...let's see what these do....

3 shots were .217" ctc. Can't argue with that.

I'll load some more to confirm, but looking like I got lucky and found me an easy load.

Sounds like a keeper!
We shoot a lot of high power modern rifles here. But, we hunt with and shoot a lot of traditional muzzleloaders(filinlock & sidelock). The boys make their own black powder. Have you ever heard of TP black powder. it has a muzzle velocity between 1690 & 2000+ fps, depending on what grade they make and shoot. And cheap to make.