NAS3 - .308 Tests

[Russ-T]

I started to post this info but felt like I was hijacking someone else's thread.

I recently received a batch of the NAS3 cases in 7.62x51.
As people have stated, these aren't really reloadable so far, but I wanted to test them with a few different bullet/powder combinations and see how they do.

My fired case capacity is 60.85 gr of H2O.

First ladder test is with 175 LRX and Varget.

After calibrating GRT for powder lot: This is what it's showing:

 

[Russ-T]

First Ladder Test Results:

 

[Russ-T]

NAS3 cases say they can be loaded to much higher pressures, so I loaded up to 75k psi.

 

[Russ-T]

I'll load a couple spots to see if I can find decent accuracy at the higher velocities, but it's a little too compressed at the top charges and I was starting to get rings on the bullets from the seating stem. I may use a different seating die for the next round of loads to see if it's a bit more forgiving.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

I'll load a couple spots to see if I can find decent accuracy at the higher velocities, but it's a little too compressed at the top charges and I was starting to get rings on the bullets from the seating stem. I may use a different seating die for the next round of loads to see if it's a bit more forgiving.

Thanks for sharing. I'm interested to see how this goes for you.

So what I'm gathering is you load these case once and then discard?

 

[Russ-T]

Thanks for sharing. I'm interested to see how this goes for you.

So what I'm gathering is you load these case once and then discard?

Not yet.

I have a neck sizing die.
Pulled out the expander ball.
It sizes fine, but is a little too much tension extracting the case and compromises the connection between the case and base.
Inside measurement after sized w/o the expander ball should be a good -.001-.002

The next experiment would be to gently push the case out from the inside with a small dowl. I think this can be done without marring or damaging the crimp around the flash hole.

I will give this a try on the next round and report any findings.

 

[huntinfool18]

I've used this brass in 223 a little bit. It's pretty impressive.

 

[BRADMOTO]

How do the primers look?
I would want to make sure the barrel steel was also up for the cumulative stresses brought on touching off thousands of rounds of something 75K PSI. Like, more than just 416R stainless. Jus a thought.

 

[LRhunter514]

Just for fun try Reloader 15 powder, will give more velocity than Varget

 

[Russ-T]

How do the primers look?
I would want to make sure the barrel steel was also up for the cumulative stresses brought on touching off thousands of rounds of something 75K PSI. Like, more than just 416R stainless. Jus a thought.

I haven't seen any primer issues at all.
No typical pressure signs, but I don't think this is an analog.

I'm specifically using this for hunting and will likely not be shooting thousands of rounds on this rifle.

 

[Russ-T]

Just for fun try Reloader 15 powder, will give more velocity than Varget

I would if I could get some at a sane price.

 

[Russ-T]

Following are the first and second 3-shot tests with different charges, looking for possible accuracy nodes at 100 yds.
I shot them on two different days with entirely different weather conditions. First day was 50 degrees with 20mph wind gusts. Second day was 75 degrees and clear, calm skies.

I think next tests with this powder/bullet combo will be some seating depth adjustments, but the consistency of the powder and loads seems to be good. Who doesn't love Varget?

 

[Russ-T]

For reference:

This Combo in .308 is at the very top of (and beyond) 30-06 velocities.

 

[lancetkenyon]

I didn't see it with a quick look, but what is your barrel length?