.308 Norma Magnum?

[Nevada Mike]

The current Nosler manual (No. 9) has data on the 308 NM. The Norma has data (for Norma powders), the VihtaVuori manual - for VV powder. I find the Nosler manual the most helpful, but there are other, older manuals, as mentioned, that contain data for this cartridge.

Thank you for your infantry service.

 

[hvnorton]

The current Nosler manual (No. 9) has data on the 308 NM. The Norma has data (for Norma powders), the VihtaVuori manual - for VV powder. I find the Nosler manual the most helpful, but there are other, older manuals, as mentioned, that contain data for this cartridge.

Thank you for your infantry service.

My pleasure Sir. I may consider ordering some custom reloads from Hendershots as a stop gap as @TucsonFX4 mentioned. Is there a consensus on a preferred round by hunters using .308 norma for medium to large game? I use 180 grain mostly out of habit but I see they have options for Hornady 180gr Spirepoint, Norma 180gr Oryx, Nosler 180gr Accubond, Sierra 180gr GameChanger (TGK), to name a few. I hunt mule deer and elk most often at an altitude above 5,000ft.

308 Norma Magnum Extreme Custom Ammo

308 Norma Magnum Extreme Custom Ammo Ammunition

hendershots.net

 

[perttime]

What kind of distances would you typically shoot at game?

 

[hvnorton]

What kind of distances would you typically shoot at game?

I would say normally under 300 yards but because of this new Leupold custom dial system I would take a shot up to 500 yards if wind was under 10mph.

 

[TucsonFX4]

With that caliber, there is no need to use a bullet below 180gr (in my opinion). Everyone will have there favorites, but my two picks from that list would be the Oryx or Accubond.

 

[cash_tx]

The .30 caliber magnums seem to really shine with bullets between 175-220 grains, so I say make the 180 grain your gold standard. I've run some pretty hot 150 grain loads in my 308 Norma, and the accuracy was just "meh". Accuracy was substantially improved with 165's, and I think will be even better with 180's.

 

[Desperatezulu]

With that caliber, there is no need to use a bullet below 180gr (in my opinion). Everyone will have there favorites, but my two picks from that list would be the Oryx or Accubond.

Agree with this! I and many others have found Norma Oryx to be particularly accurate, although maybe not the best BC for real long range work.

If you come across 200gr ABs, Oryxs or Partitions, I would consider those too - 200gr work well in 300 mags and arguably have a better balance of momentum (hitting power), aerodynamics and not excessive velocity.
Don't forget the Swift offerings - 180gr Sciroccos and 180/200gr A-Frames are good stuff in 300s too.

Some of the fancier premium bonded boattails can be challenging to get grouping. I.e. more load development may be necessary.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@

Absolutely I’ll attach some photos. I just have the 60 rounds I purchased on gunbroker. I try to go mule deer hunting every fall with my dad in the high sierras. Our family is from mammoth lakes so we will be hunting the minarets this year on horseback. I will also be doing an elk hunt in Utah this year. I will likely only be shooting 5-10 rounds per hunt between zeroing and hopefully filling a tag. The photos of the rifle are how I received it but I have since added a Leupold optic. It believe it was custom made but possibly a Husqvarna mauser 98 or maybe a .30-.06 conversion in the 60s-70s. Hard to tell with so little information anywhere on the rifle besides “802A” and “.308 Norma Mag CL” stamped on the barrel.I have rifles but this has become somewhat of a passion project for me due to the sentimental value. It is beautiful wood and blued with floral engravings. Accordingly I will spend the money to get into reloading initially for just this caliber in order to continue using it.

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@hvnorton
As others have said read as much as you can about the reloading process. Keep it simple no progressive presses. A good single stage press will turn out all the ammo you will ever need.
Lee makes a good affordable press that will last you a lifetime.
Even if you only load for one caliber it is an enjoyable passtime that let's you know more about your cartridge and rifle. Will you recoup the initial cost of the set up just reloading on caliber. Probably not but what price do you put on enjoyment and knowledge.
The 308 Norma is a great round, it's a shame it didn't catch on. Next you will be looking for a nice hasquavana int it's stablemate the 358 Norma mag.
Be warned reloading is addictive.
Enjoy your new hobby and be SAFE.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

There's a number of companies that produce good single stage reloading presses, or kits that also include other stuff that you'll need (or want). Hornady, RCBS, Redding. I must be missing some.

@perttime
You missed Lee, excellent value for money and comes in a kit with everything you need to start with sans the dies.
I've had mine 15 years and forgot how many 1,000s of rounds it's done.
Bob

 

[hvnorton]

@
@hvnorton
As others have said read as much as you can about the reloading process. Keep it simple no progressive presses. A good single stage press will turn out all the ammo you will ever need.
Lee makes a good affordable press that will last you a lifetime.
Even if you only load for one caliber it is an enjoyable passtime that let's you know more about your cartridge and rifle. Will you recoup the initial cost of the set up just reloading on caliber. Probably not but what price do you put on enjoyment and knowledge.
The 308 Norma is a great round, it's a shame it didn't catch on. Next you will be looking for a nice hasquavana int it's stablemate the 358 Norma mag.
Be warned reloading is addictive.
Enjoy your new hobby and be SAFE.
Bob

Thanks for the note Bob. As I mentioned, the only return on investment I am looking for is the continued use of the rifle. Regardless, I have never regretted a single dollar spent on hunting. Thanks again!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thanks for the note Bob. As I mentioned, the only return on investment I am looking for is the continued use of the rifle. Regardless, I have never regretted a single dollar spent on hunting. Thanks again!

@hvnorton
I get as much enjoyment out of reloading as I do hunting. Getting an animal in the freezer with a load I have developed myself for the game hunted and a good end result of velocity, accuracy with that load is a joy as you have done it making your own ammo.
Anyone can buy store bought ammo. The joy is in making your own.
Enjoy the learning process. Never be afraid to ask a question even if you think it's a stupid question. Some one else may be having the same problem but be afraid to ask it.
May your freezer always be full.
Bob

 

[Boyd Brooks]

I second all the reloading comments I have read on here. I started reloading 38 special for Police Pistol Combat competitions at a rate of 250 per week for my wife and I. Now I only reload rifle cartridges for myself and a couple of trusted friends. The most wonderful thing has been I can load for calibers that are not available commercially, like my 416 Taylor. Also have premium bullets that I want rather than setting for just what is on the shelf. There is the advantage of tuning a load for your rifle and reloading lighter loads just for some fun range time. I really believe learning about reloading and understanding ballistics has also made me a better shooter.

 

[perttime]

@perttime
You missed Lee, excellent value for money and comes in a kit with everything you need to start with sans the dies.
I've had mine 15 years and forgot how many 1,000s of rounds it's done.
Bob

Actually, I've used the very minimalistic (mallet operated) Lee Loader to make some rifle ammunition. Works OK, at least reloading cases that were fired in the same rifle. I put every powder charge on scales, to be certain I put in the right amount. A manual gets me suggested loads, and a chrono tells me if I'm getting the right kind of velocities.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I've used the very minimalistic (mallet operated) Lee Loader to make some rifle ammunition. Works OK

I started reloading 50 years ago, at age 13, with a 12 gauge "mallet" Lee Loader kit.
Those were the days when a young kid could buy a pound of gunpower and a few flats (boxes) of primers at the local feed store. That feed store is gone now and is most peoples' common sense.