[cj307]

I saw some old threads (early 2009) regarding working up some loads for the 160 gr FTX for the .307 Win, has anyone experimented with this beyond Hornady's publishing?
I've used Varget a little and am wondering how conservative (low) Hornady's #'s may be?
thanks.

 

[seatleroadwr]

Hornady's loads are conservative. I use 42.3 grains of RL 15 in my 307 Marlin. Hornady lists 41.2 as the max for that powder. In a Winchester, you should be able to exceed that by another grain or so. The Marlin can't take full 307W power. Velocity is 2450 from a 20" barrel.

I've used Varget but have not exceeded the publised load of 41.7 grains. In a 20 inch barrel this gives 2450 also. You should be able to go up a grain or so in your Winchester.

 

[cj307]

Thanks,
I went as high as 43.0 with WLR primers getting an ave. vel of 2,525fps but then realized I was out of WLR primers so I worked up again with CCI's but they only averaged 2,468 or so.....which was about the same as what I had with Hornady's prescibed max of 41.7 and WLR's. Case Head Expansion and minimal primer flattening seem to match factory loads, possibly even less still.
This is the first time I've gone over book, but the felt very low, with low CHE and no primer effect.
Since I'm now out of primers (WLR), my hunting loads this year will probably be the box I already loaded at 41.7 anyway. Bear season is on now (deer just around the corner) and I'd like to see how they work.
C

 

[seatleroadwr]

Well good luck. I shot a large black tail buck with the 41.7 grain Varget load last year and the deer dropped in its tracks. The bullet performed great.

 

[cj307]

Thanks again....
I'm blessed with the tough choice of what to carry every time I step out.....and I've always enjoyed loading (new or old) bullets trying to get the most out of these guns. The FTX and my desire to test it will likely outweigh my other desire to test my 7-30!! (which is still untested on game!!!)
C

 

[7mm08steve]

Marlin In 307

Hornady's loads are conservative. I use 42.3 grains of RL 15 in my 307 Marlin. Hornady lists 41.2 as the max for that powder. In a Winchester, you should be able to exceed that by another grain or so. The Marlin can't take full 307W power. Velocity is 2450 from a 20" barrel.

I've used Varget but have not exceeded the publised load of 41.7 grains. In a 20 inch barrel this gives 2450 also. You should be able to go up a grain or so in your Winchester.

Hi Steve here. Do you really have a Marlin rifle chambered in 307. First one i have ever heard of. Can you tell me a little more about it. Thanks

 

[seatleroadwr]

Yes. Regan Nonneman builds these. I've had a couple of them. Below is one of the threads that mentions the rifle.

http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=53835

I"ve been experimenting with another round that William Iorg helped design that I call a 30 Lever Maximum. It appears to have a little more potential in a Marlin than the 307 chamber. Below is a thread I started for that round.

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,63928.0.html

I'll do a complete write up on the round in a month or two. My access to a range that allows me to set up a chronograph is limited right now.

 

[broom_jm]

Seattle,

That 30LM is an interesting beast...did you give any consideration to using the 309JDJ, in a lever gun? That idea has always appealed to me, since it has a longer case and the right operating pressure to keep things safe. I'm taking a SWAG here, but the two would probably be pretty dang similar in performance?

 

[seatleroadwr]

I don't know what a 309 JDJ is.

Edit:

I found it on lline. The COAL looks like it is really too long for a marlin action. Maximum COAL in my rifles is about 2.600.

 

[broom_jm]

I don't know what a 309 JDJ is.

Edit:

I found it on lline. The COAL looks like it is really too long for a marlin action. Maximum COAL in my rifles is about 2.600.

Yeah, that would be cutting it real close, or result in deeply seated bullets, so probably not a good candidate.

 

[William Iorg]

Eric,
I just returned from a three-legged trip to San Diego, Oklahoma City and Wichita. While in OK City, I stopped by the H&H gun range and picked up a bottle of IMR 8208. I think I have a good variety of powders now and if I am able to stay home for more than three days in a row, I am ready to load and shoot. I have plenty of The Hornady FTX bullets so we should answer a few questions on them too.
Looking out the back window and the back lot has four deer in it now. Things are dry up here and while the deer are in good shape, they are becoming pressed for food.
The gun scene looked bleak in OK City.

 

[seatleroadwr]

Glad you're back Slim. Let me know how you like the 8208.
Edit:
I'm shooting 39.5 grains of 8208 in my 307 marlin right now with the FTX bullet. It is roughly equivalent to 42.3 grains of RE 15 and 41.7 grains of varget. All three loads chrono at around 2450 in my rifle. Note that I'm using Lapua brass so the volume is a bit less than a win 307 case. Your winchester can probably take a bit more powder.

 

[cj307]

Tested the .307 with the 160gr FTX on the 24th! It dropped a medium sized 8pt VT whitetail in its tracks....likely because the shot was thru the back of the neck as he was trying to get away. I did recover some of the bullet, the back half of the jacket, the lead had separated and disintergrated while hitting and breaking bone. This was close range at about 40 yards with the load starting at 2450+/- fps.
So overall, good results, I just wish the lead hadn't separated out.
I look forward to seeing tests and loads from the new powders.....please keep me posted.
CJ

 

[Ssg3000]

I am shooting the FTX 160gn and useing 41.8 gn of varget excellet load sub moa at 100 yards off the bench. I often shoot it at 300 yards hitting ballon targets. Fun to shoot.