Hi folks, I'm new on this forum, and hopefully some of you can help me with some reloading data for my 308 Norma Mag. I have some 220 gr Nosler Partition bullets I'd like to try. The powder I'm using is VV N-160 and I use Remington 9 1/2 LRM primers. And when I'm first posting, reloading data on 180 or 200 gr accubond would also be highly appreciated if someone has experience with this type of loads .

I don't have any experience with the powder you have now but when I had a 308 NM two powders stood out in my gun, Norma MRP and IMR 4350. I loaded up the 220 gr Noslers with the MRP to around 2700 fps it grouped well and was quite a hammer on a Black Bear I shot with it. I mostly used 180 gr Speer Mag tips (with IMR 4350) and 200 gr Grand Slams (with MRP). If I had the gun today I would try hard to get a 200 gr Accubond load to shoot in it. Not exactly what you were asking for but both powders would be great for you to try if you can find them. Good luck finding a good load.

As I am a pack-rat when it comes to old load data, I sited through my files and found data for the 308Norma from a 2002 edition of their load guide. With the 220gr bullet, you can use a max load of 65.1gr of N160, working up from 10% below that as a start charge. I may have more, but that's all I've seen so far. That load was tested with the Hornady round nose bullet, so adjust accordingly when you load with the Partitions. I suspect you'll see a lower max charge overall, with the Partitions, just due to higher pressure generation across the board, in my experience. For the 180gr and 200gr, the max charges are 70.7 and 66.4gr respecitvely. Work up carefully, especially since you will be using a different bullet than the ones tested.

Thanks for the replies, guys, I will try to work up some loads based on your replies.

@Gerry- may I ask how much MRP powder you used on your 220gr NP load?

Check PM!

I ended up at 67 gr with the 220 gr Partition for right at 2700 fps. Make sure if you use this data that you start quite low and work up carefully with a chronograph. It would be interesting to see what Norma recomends now for the 220/MRP combination. Good luck in finding your load.

i can offer this little bit of info for you. my uncle has a 308NM and he put a custum barrel on it with a 1in9 twist for heavy's and so far the only powder we can find that works well is IMR7828. and man it works. and now they offer that shortcut version so a guy can get more in his case. and the gun we work with is an old converted M98 mauser so its short. his bullets are into the case alot but with that powder and 180's on up its a shooter. funny thing that 1in9 barrel caused so much torque it snapped the wood stock in two pieces right when it was shot, in his left hand was the front of the stock. ha should have used some glassbedding