Reloading experiment guidance

[Redneck Hippy]

So I have a problem: couple thousand .310-.312" projectiles, but only .308 bored rifle at this time. Started thinking, "why not?". Seems our old pal P.O. Ackley fired a .35 cal down a .30 cal barrel with no ill effects. .05" vs .002" shouldn't even notice right? So has anyone here done that? With what results?
Accuracy? Lack of?
Don't say "just buy an Enfield or SKS!" I'm going to try it, it's my rifle and face, but I can't be the only one who's ever had this thought.

[Dick284]

You'll probably need a larger expander ball in your sizing die, plus you'll likely need a bit of a sloppier chamber in the rifle.

Fired bullet swaging is the least of your worries IMO.

Let us know how this turns out for you.

[Nyksta]

Curiousity killed the cat.... is this experiment worth the consequences if it goes wrong?

You could sell the bullets.

Of course it could go horribly wrong and once the news and politicians hear of your experiment they could always responde by passing some law to make sure no one else makes the same foolish mistake.... then more restrictions for all of us.

You decide if going against the proper designed usage of your equipment is realistic or necessary.

[kingrat]

Just make sure to load them a few grains over max so there's enough jam to push them out.

[Dean2]

You will have absolutely zero problems due to the larger bullet EXCEPT, there is a pretty good chance you won't be able to close the bolt. I tried some .311 bullets in a 300 mag and a couple of 308s as an experiment. They seated into the brass fine using the standard 308 expander but would't chamber in one of the 308s, a Rem 788, nor in the Huaky 300 Win Mag. (Obviously these two had really tight chambers. Had I turned the necks I am sure I could have got them to chamber.) They shot fine out of the other 308, Rem 700 BDL.

I have shot lots of oversized bullets through other guns with absolutely no issues. .379 in 375 bore, .224 in .223 bore, old 22 Hornet with the smaller European bore etc. The 3/1000s difference won't make any difference as long as they chamber AND you have a big enough neck to allow the neck to expand at least 1 or 2/1000 on firing. I could see no accuracy difference either.

Start at min load and work up. Let us know how it goes.

[elkhunter11]

The worst possible scenario is that you can close the bolt, but the case neck with the bullet seated is almost size for size with the chamber. The result could be a serious over pressure situation.

[Sashi]

Originally Posted by kingrat

Just make sure to load them a few grains over max so there's enough jam to push them out.

BAD Bad bad idea, Your already concerned with over pressure, don't need more.

[Dean2]

Quote:
Originally Posted by kingrat View Post
Just make sure to load them a few grains over max so there's enough jam to push them out.

Originally Posted by Sashi

BAD Bad bad idea, Your already concerned with over pressure, don't need more.

Pretty darn sure he was just kidding.

Elk is right about enough neck clearance. I mentioned it too. There is nothing wrong with experimenting when you are hand loading but you REALLY REALLY need to know what you are doing if you are going to stray from standard loads and procedures at all. As long as you understand the variables and what to watch for you can learn lots. If you make a mistake you can also learn LOTS!.

[Flieguy]

Originally Posted by Redneck Hippy

Don't say "just buy an Enfield or SKS!"

7.62x54R also use that diameter. Buy a mosin :P

not something I would screw with but hey, as mentioned it's your face and your rifle

[Nova316]

Are they lead or plated or FMJ?
If they are lead it should be fine, but FMJ or even jacketed may pose a problem.
Although it maybe worth selling the 311-312 and buying 308 projectiles since 311 are harder to come by than bulk 308

[mgvande]

I run .311 in a 3030. No issues. They are lead and this size is not abnormal. If your .312's are flat based and 170 to 180gr I will buy them off you.

[Redneck Hippy]

to clarify: most of the projectiles I have are the 123-125 gr weight, about half are of the plated lead variety. I mic'd out the case necks of a bunch of sized brass and selected the ones with the thinnest neck walls. Loaded up a few and re-checked the neck and looks like I'm still well within SAAMI spec. (-.004"?) In any case I'll obtain the reamer print for my rifle before firing just to double check. My goal is 14-1500 fps with the lead and 2300-2500 fps with jacketed. Nice lite practice and varmint loads. Been seeing gophers out this week
Looks like it will be about 2 weeks before I can do any testing however
I'll update then

[Livefree23]

Good info guys. Looking at starting to reload.


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