Thread: .308 178gr ELD-M Load development questions

Originally Posted by JL12

@Flyblown Just wondering what overall length did you use for the 178 ELD-X and what velocity did they go out of curiosity? I was looking at this myself for my Model 7 and went for another bullet because I wasnt sure if they would fit into the short action.

I've loaded two lengths, with next to no difference in accuracy. 22" barrel.

2.917" COAL tip to primer, which is .030" off the lands, powder 0.5gr over book max for a 100% case fill. This will only fit in the aftermarket 10-shot mag.
2.800" COAL tip to primer, which is way off the lands, powder 0.5gr below book max. This fits in the factory mag.

Velocity for both was exactly the same - 2590fps.

I haven't gotten through the this batch of pills yet, which were loaded with AR2208. The next round of reloading I'll be trying out SAAMI COAL with reduced loads of AR2208 to look for an accuracy node a bit lower down the scale, would be happy with 2400-2450fps. This because the 178gr ELD-X generates a fair thump and I want to control recoil more for better field accuracy. I should be able to reduce recoil by 10-15% with no reduction in lethality.