Of the many commercial .308 Winchester loads, few, if any, are designed for barrels shorter than 16". The one that follows helps address this gap while remaining simple to suppress and light on the wrists.
Hornady’s new line of Sub-X bullets offers a heavy-for-caliber, 190-grain option that serves as the basis for this load. Its sleek nature makes it flatter-shooting than many others out there and offers reliable expansion at subsonic velocities. It’s also inexpensive enough to shoot on a regular basis. Although pricier, I find Lapua’s softer, more malleable cartridge cases to be one of the best options for low-velocity loads. They seem to more readily expand to seal the chamber under reduced pressures, and they last for a greater number of reloads, particularly if you anneal regularly. Ironically, one of the best ways to push heavy rifle bullets slowly is by using fast-burning pistol powders. A charge of just 9 grains of Accurate No. 2 goes a long way and efficiently utilizes the shortened barrel to generate velocity. Although a ball powder, it ignites without much trouble, so a standard CCI Large Rifle primer works well.
These loads can be quickly assembled using Hornady’s custom-grade dies—an affordable option that features an adjustable roll crimp built into the seater. After charging the cases, I seat to an overall length of 2.715", which covers most of the cannelure. Crimping isn’t required for single-shot firearms, but it’s not a bad idea to impart a quarter-turn’s worth if you’re going to be filling a magazine with these.
Accurate No. 2 has a fine, sand-like consistency and flows through measures extraordinarily well, so putting together a couple hundred rounds in a morning shouldn’t be a tall task. Setting up a progressive press helps create enough ammunition for an entire season in just a few hours. Then again, as enjoyable as this load is to shoot, you might find yourself struggling to keep your inventory topped off.
