hula1

Where would I find load data for M118 match and LR, especially type of powder used?
Thanks

M14E2

My Barnes Cartridges of the World , 7th edition , has the specs & reciepies for most USGI loads in a section in the back. It list two loads for M-118 , one using 44grs of WC-846 and one using 42grs of IMR-4895 with the 175gr bullet.

relics6165

Hula1:

Look at Sniper's Hide Forums and Jouster's CSP Reloading Forums. The search function and Google are your friend...........

I'm thinking Lake City is using Reloader 15 now, but I could be wrong. Lotsa guys are trying to duplicate M118 and M852 these days, seein' how everybody wants a buck a pop (or more) for it!

I have been wrong before..........

Once.

HTH

M14E2

I've heard the same thing. Heard they also used it for M-852 and Federal is using it in GMM.

My book is several years old.

jasonk

The Relaoder 15 we can get isn't the same stuff used in M118LR ammo. ATK uses a 'non-canister' grade RE-15. The RE15 that us reloaders buy is produced overseas and it is reject Vihta N135. I would suggest you get a chronograph if you don't already have one. Shooting over a chrony is the best way to verify the load equals the USGI load you are trying to duplicate. Vihta N135 gives me the same velocity over different ambient temperatures from spring to fall and winter to summer. Vihta N135 also gives the lowest ES and SD. Vihta also burns real clean and looks the same as RE15. I suspect that RE-15 is reject VihtaN135 for whatever reason. Don't be taken aback at the price of Vihta N135...it is usually sold in two pound container so depending on your charge you can load 385 cartridges per container as compared to the 180+ of RE15.

GhostFace

The above poster is right,the RL-15 we isn't the same as what Uncle is getting but you can clone 118LR using RL-15, it's just going to take a little more powder to get there. The RL-15 Uncle gets is pretty fast, there were quite a few members at SH who took apart 118LR and tried to duplicate it using RL-15. All had to use more powder to various degrees but they got it done though. He is also right about getting a chrony too. I wouldn't worry so much about using the exact same componets as Uncle uses. Just take a proven powder (IMR 4895/4064) and a 175 SMK ( I use 178 AMAXs), load to 2600-2650 FPS and you be GTG.

MBRBELIEVER

I'll add one caveat to the above....watch for signs of pressure as you work the load up. Don't just focus on what the chrony says for velocity.

Some powders will get you to that 2650 fps, but their burn curve may do so with excessive pressure.

There are so many variables in primers/powder/temp/guns (headspace, etc), brass (thicker making for less internal volume that drives up pressure), that watching for signs of excessive pressure, as you work up, is good adivce.....even with loads from manuals, or that work in someone elses rifle.