.308 Win - 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos

Published on June 12, 2017
Duration: 41:16

This video provides a detailed guide to reloading .308 Winchester ammunition using 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets. It covers case preparation, including neck sizing and priming, powder charging with Accurate 2230, and bullet seating to a specific overall length. The guide emphasizes testing in two different firearms, the Tikka and Savage, to evaluate accuracy and velocity across various charge weights, while also highlighting safety and pressure sign observation.

Quick Summary

Reloading .308 Winchester with 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets involves using Starline brass, Accurate 2230 powder, and CCI No. 200 primers, with a recommended OAL of 2.785 inches. Testing showed excellent accuracy in a Tikka rifle but less so in a Savage Model 99, emphasizing firearm-specific load development. Lead-free bullets are increasingly important due to potential bans.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: .308 Win & Starline Brass
  2. 00:51Bullet: 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos
  3. 03:30Bullet Cost & Lehigh's Offerings
  4. 04:13Lehigh Defense Load Data & Powder Choice
  5. 05:01Accurate 2230 Powder & Load Range
  6. 05:30Testing Firearms: Tikka & Savage
  7. 07:22Primer Selection & Case Prep
  8. 08:15Neck Sizing Process
  9. 09:45Chamfering & Deburring
  10. 10:13Priming Cases
  11. 10:49Reloading Details: Load Data & OAL
  12. 11:39Bullet Seating & Neck Tension Concerns
  13. 16:03Accurate 2230 Powder Characteristics
  14. 18:02Range Setup & Target
  15. 19:01Tikka Rifle First Shots (38 Grains)
  16. 21:32Savage Rifle First Shots (38 Grains)
  17. 24:05Tikka Rifle (38.5 Grains)
  18. 25:19Savage Rifle (38.5 Grains)
  19. 26:08Tikka Rifle (39 Grains)
  20. 27:59Savage Rifle (39 Grains)
  21. 28:53Tikka Rifle (39.5 Grains)
  22. 30:08Savage Rifle (39.5 Grains)
  23. 31:14Savage Rifle (40 Grains)
  24. 32:14Tikka Rifle (40 Grains)
  25. 33:23Final Analysis: Tikka vs. Savage Performance
  26. 34:47Potential as a Hunting Bullet
  27. 35:27Brass Inspection & Pressure Signs
  28. 36:36Bullet Setback & Neck Tension Discussion
  29. 37:33Savage Bolt Closure Issues & Full Sizing
  30. 38:08Overall Impression & Lead-Free Ammunition
  31. 40:21Savage Performance Re-evaluation with Old Loads
  32. 41:08Conclusion & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key components for reloading .308 Winchester with Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets?

For reloading .308 Winchester with 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets, you'll need Starline brass, Accurate 2230 powder (or Ramshot Exterminator), CCI No. 200 primers, and the bullets themselves. Ensure you have appropriate reloading tools like a press, dies, powder measure, scale, and seating die.

What is the recommended overall length for 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets in .308 Winchester?

The recommended overall length (OAL) for the 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullet in .308 Winchester is 2.785 inches. This length is designed to be compatible with most standard .308 magazines, ensuring reliable feeding in semi-automatic and bolt-action firearms.

How did the Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets perform in different firearms?

The 145gr Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets performed exceptionally well in a Tikka bolt-action rifle, producing tight groups. However, they did not shoot as accurately in a Savage Model 99 lever-action rifle, highlighting the importance of firearm-specific load development and bullet compatibility.

What powder is recommended for reloading .308 Winchester with Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets?

Lehigh Defense recommends Accurate 2230 powder, which is also known as Ramshot Exterminator. This spherical powder is noted for its good metering characteristics and is used in Lehigh's factory loads for .308 Winchester.

What are the potential benefits of using lead-free projectiles like Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos bullets?

Lead-free projectiles offer an advantage as lead bullets face increasing restrictions and bans in certain hunting areas and at some shooting ranges. Using lead-free options like Lehigh Defense bullets prepares reloaders for future regulations and ensures continued access to shooting and hunting activities.

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