Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Accurate 1680 Powder ?

I read a comment a few weeks ago of someone using this powder in a .308 Win. I can't find reloading data for it in that caliber. Has anyone loaded for the .308 with this powder and have a source for loading info?

The reason there is no load data is because it is really not an appropriate propellant for the .308, it is too fast. Sure, you can use almost any powder and it will go bang - Red Dot is commonly used successfully for reduced loads in the .308 and similar cartridges - but it won’t likely be recommended by the powder makers or have pressure tested data for it. AA1680 is usually placed between AA5744 and CFE BLK in burn rate.






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I've used 1680 in .22 Hornet, 7.62x39, and .32-20; all tiny cartridges. I couldn't imagine it being suitable for .308 except possibly in a reduced load, and only then if the data was from a reputable source like a powder company or a bullet manufacturer. Still, there are probably better powders for reduced .308 loads.

I wouldnt even try in a 308 way to fast.

I use AA1680 in my straight wall 357 Rimless.
.223 basic brass trimmed to 1.95 with a 180 gr 358 bullet running 2600 FPS.
Legal in Michigan. It’s a hammer with out the recoil.

Thanks guys

How did it work in the 32-20?

I was trying some new loads just last week. I don't have my notes handy, but I recall good results as far as accuracy with 1680. However, IMR4227 was a bit better. I normally use Unique in the .32-20 with 115-120 grain bullets cast from a Lyman mould. 1680 loads probably equaled the Unique loads for accuracy.

As previously mentioned 1680 is to fast for optimum performance in the .308.

I wouldn't put it in the "dangerous" category. Maximum pressures are reached at around 85% case capacity and you can expect to give up around 200 FPS when compared against more optimum .308 powders.

It worked well in my .32-20 Contender rifle....but in an unconventional use. Under 220-grain SPRN bullets it gave good accuracy. However, H110 gave similar performance. Velocity wasn’t a concern as I was keeping all loads subsonic. For more convention .32-20 bullet weights, I suspect iAA1680 is too slow based on my testing in a .30 Carbine Contender. Even 130-grain bullets left a lot of soot in the barrel.





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I use 1680 in .45-70 and it works good. I shoot 350 gr bullets or less. I have used 250 gr Barnes over 1680 and pushed it at 2400 FPS. It was accurate and very deadly on the deer and Black bear. I have not worked anything else up as I still have a good supply.
Have a great day.
Jim

Maybe as a reduced load in the 308, but nothing more. As was said above, there are better powders for reduced 308 loads.

It's my favorite powder in the .357 Maximum with 180 gr. and heavier bullets. I wouldn't use it in a .308 Win

Originally designed for the 7.62X39mm, where it excels giving, I think, the highest velocities w/ the 124gr. bullet over any other powder. Not at all ideal in the 308Win. -Mark

I also was thinking of trying 1680 powder in the 45-70. I haven’t see any data with it for the 45-70, is there any somewhere?