Please read this entire comment, updated 04/01/2024 [DO NOT TRY THIS EXPERIMENT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM- this test was conducted with hands-on help from world-class experts] A lot of you have missed the point of this video: This is a SCIENTIFIC TEST to demonstrate a few things: 1. The increased pressure capacity that Alpha Munitions brass can handle 2. The amazing strength of Bat actions, see kzfaq.info/get/bejne/jNGmededuavZg5c.html for more info 3. The IMPORTANT relationship between chamber, brass, and resizing die - see in-depth video here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/a9V_l7STqdeVm3k.html This is NOT a suggestion that 308 Winchester can replace a 300 Win Mag. [[[We got within 98.2% of Nosler's 300WM Max data]]] Here's the math: Nosler lists 10 powders/loads for 300WM 210 grain (average max load = 2807.8 fps), and 10 powders/loads for 300WM 220 grain (average max load = 2700.3 fps). The middle ground (215gr equivalent) between these is 2754.05 fps. We achieved 2706.3 here with 308, so that's 98.2% of what Nosler lists as equivalent 300WM max performance for a 215 grain bullet.

somewhere in kentucky a man named scott is touching his neck

Now, do this same test with a 300 Win Mag. 24-26" test barrel with the 215 gr. If you can reach 3100fps+ then you guys are certified badasses.

Bubba's pissin'-hot handloads

I have a feeling Alpha Muntions will be busy cranking out .308 cases for many many months as a direct result of this video. 👏 Im a big fan. Great content. Thanks!

This experiment speaks volumes about the quality and structural strength of BAT actions, Alpha brass and Gavin’s machining work.

One of the few not clickbait videos i've seen in a long time. Good entertainment.

Ammo test was good and all, but I can’t get over the view! Absolutely stunning.

Don’t try this at home!!!! This is a great video on the subject of pressure signs and how they don’t equate to max load/ max pressure. I’ve used book listed velocity as a stopping point for 30 years for this reason. That said, whether intentional or by accident, this may be the best advertisement for Alpha brass ever created. Wish Alpha Brass made 22-250, .223, 22 or 17 Hornet brass.

Any video that says “don’t try this” I can’t click on fast enough 😅

Good work men. A cut-away of Alpha brass vs other brands would be a perfect addition to these videos.

Glad see that you mic'd the case heads. I was so close to commenting mic the case heads in the first minute of the video and huge sigh of relief when you started mic'ing the case head

Outstanding! As a long-time fan and user of the 308 Winchester, I am amazed at the results obtained. :)

The 308 Winchester has been underrated for a long time it will suprise you what it can do

I load my 300 win mag long. 76gr h1000, Berger 215gr hybrid at 2900 fps.. you guys are nuts for even cracking 2700 in a 308 lol

most excellent concept and video! Would love to see same concept for 30-06 and 6.5 Creedmoor cases! Bravo!

Key insights: 1.) Case head pressure signs are depended on the type of primer, brass, and bolt face. 2.) A case failure will most likely ruin your action and could injure you. 3.) With strong brass, case head pressure signs don't appear until you are well over SAAMI levels. 4.) Alpha brass w/ SRP is tough stuff. I would love to see you test brass life w/ the 44.0 charge (did not show extractor swipe and estimated 80kpsi) Make wise decisions people....

No Kentucky Ballistics collab for this one?

No click bait here! Thanks Gavin!!!

Excellent video and appreciate the multiple safety warnings. We worked up a 300 H&H full case load with a flat base 150 grain bullet that shot fine in my pre 64 model 70 Winchester. Took one shot in a friend's Remington model 721 and had a stiff bolt opening with brass and primer pressure signs. Much caution required to be safe when pushing loads.

Absolutely amazing video guys. I’m fairly new to long range precision shooting but I’ve come a long way this past year. I lost my leg while in a coma from Covid 19. So since hunting was so much trouble I dove right in to target shooting, starting with rimfires. I watch your channel pretty often. Y’all take care from South Louisiana. Mike

Keep pushing the limits so we can all continue to learn more! Great video, great components, great gear, & great guys.

Great ammo test and testing long range with the load was cool to see in some beautiful country that is what hunters experience out west. Thanks for sharing this with us.

When you deal with tight tolerances, premium consumables, etc this is the result.Intriguing video.

I liked seeing that old Weatherby box on the shelf. I have a few of those floating around too!

As a hand loader this is equal parts scary, funny in a wow sort of way and surprising. Very interesting but I will continue to never go above the listed load data, if you need more power step up to a more powerful cartridge, this video does a good job at illustrating just how fast the pressure increases with every grain added.

Good to hear about bat machine. I hope Bruce and everyone are doing well. Back in the 80s there was a high-power shooter selling steel replacement case heads for 308 or 30 ought 6 cases. They were giving me the same 80,000 PSI pressures that sig is boasting about for their new cartridge.

This is honestly now my favorite UR video. Every aspect of it. Layout/presentation, loading, testing, data, and even some long range! Nice first round impact @ 1,300+ Gavin! 6.5 CM with CCI 450's or 6.5 PRC Peterson or Lapua with Mag primers as well, would both be interesting tests. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of the bleeding edge of DNS (do not shoot) performance. Moore 25 Creedmoor, before Hornady announces it!

You guys are nuts. Definitely a do not try at home load. I flirt with the max recommended pressures with a lot of my handloads. This is another level. Especially with that bullet mass. Fascinating to watch and a little horrifying the whole way. Truly impressive results. I'll add to the chorus. DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Ackley would be proud of you guys for this one!

In my rem 5R, I ran 185gr Berger Juggs to almost 2800fps using PP-2000-MR powder. The best load was closer to 2750, and now it has slowed down to under 2700, but still shoots the same. 1400yds on a silhouette is tough, but doable.

Thank you for this Video ! Very Interesting I have been reloading mine 308 at 43 grns And thats for me and my rifle sig blazer sweet spot , with a 168grn bullet tack driver for me!

Looking at those pressure signs in the brass made my skin crawl! Thank goodness I'm not nearly as adventurous as you people when it comes to reloading! Incredible to see the maximum potential, of the caliber, no matter how horribly dangerous.

very impressive! and the place you were shooting, that is just beautiful. Sure would love to try it. kool stuff guys!

Great video. You took it to the limit with the data and great range shooting.

Very enjoyable, interesting and informative! Thank you.

308 is no slouch . Did similar tests in 1965-66 at a mile . I was impressed then , knew how u do now . Nice job !

Very entertaining, informative, and eye-opening. Not that I will ever try this.

In 308, my accuracy load of 44.0 grs. VARGET/Hornady 168 gr. AMAX/ELD-M/Hornady brass/CCI 400. 2700 fps from 26" barrel on a trued Remington action with bushed firing pin. Rifle was built 28 years ago. I need to upgrade my equipment. Excellent video!

You guys were living the dream I would love to be able to pursue in this video.

Living every young handloader's dream!

Those last 2 or 3 test I'd of been pulling the trigger with a string & hiding behind something..that was nuts & even more nuts that it handled it well & you guys still have your faces ..lol..great video guys 👍

Thank you for sharing this great information

Holy smokes guys! This was incredible but insane at the same time! Awesome to see actual MAX EFFORT 308 loads.

I used to take my Weatherby chambered in 30-06 to 300 win mag velocities all of the time. My primers never bulged, my brass never stuck or swelled and I never had any problems of any kind. It also shot my 3100fps 150gr boattails to minute and below groups. It was my favorite Pronghorn and Mule Deer rifle for years.

I have done certain experiments I won't detail here, but this confirms my thoughts and observations from results I have gotten. To get more out of a cartridge, the brass needs to be tougher to handle higher pressures. With such brass, cartridges can be more efficient with powder to velocity. Interesting to see if we can redefine the limits of our cartridges with better brass.

In the early 90’s Handloader had an article using VV-550 to load the 308 to 30-06 levels. As a new handloader this sounded great. I proceeded to work up to their max charge weight and lo and behold my 20” .308 was achieving 24” 30-06 velocities with 165 gr bullets. Unfortunately the brass no longer retained the spent primers and thus ended my high performance 308 loads. This was either Winchester or Remington brass: I was content to load the 308 as a 308

Very cool guys. I love watching two gunsmiths seeing what they can do lol.

This is awesome brass! Ive had problems with .243 with Federal Fusion and signs of over pressured ammo. Nice vid! God Bless.

Pretty wild, nìce to know this much more can be done with the right gear and knowhow, and great marksmanship too

This is a great video! Love your channel

That scope cam at 23:52 is so cool! You see the bullet and then a perfect center punch on target.

Alpha Brass cautions reloaders about unreliable pressure signs with it's brass. It is super brass for reasons.

Excellent test of what can be done with the correct knowledge and precision equipment rig and components. I’m getting 2860 with N 540 and 175 RDF and lapua brass in a tikka super varmint so far holding up sds in the low teens and 4 firings and holding up. Just fine. Alpha may be tested after these cases are done

My rem 700 varmint comfortably pushes 168gr speer match bullets at 2820 fps with a factory 26 inch barrel and varget. I did push it to where I found pressure signs, but the velocity didn't make any real gains. Given the velocity and ES values I was getting, I was more than happy. I'm definitely in the mid range of most 30-06 factory loads. Pushing to 300 win mag wasn't even a thought lol. You're a wild man!

This was a fascinating episode. But, I’m curious as to how the recoil of your top end loads compare to an equivalent velocity load for a 300 Win Mag. Or maybe how an equivalent level of recoil in a 30-06 compares in velocity to your top end loads. Truly fascinating work Gavin! 👍👍

Somewhere in that great gun room in the sky, Ken Waters is smiling and nodding his head in approval. :)

I have been using the Alpha brass. In 6.5 CM with 147gr ELDM I have exceeded max with great results. The velocity is 2812 FPS with a 22” bbl. Very much enjoyed the 308 video. Thank you

Good stuff gentlemen. Thanks!

Absolutely amazing!

Absolutely insane!!! Love it.

This was a rifle build with good components, percision reloading and good case/primer monitoring. I would love to get some Alpha brass and compare my load data from the Hornady brass that I'm using. Great epsoide.

Pretty impressive work here. I love SRP 308 brasss. I’ve tested some lapua SRP brass in my 308 win, yielded ~100 fps more than some of my other loads in 150 grain. However if I was chasing 30 cal speed, I’d go with a 300 WSM. I like the shorter barrel efficiency, especially for suppressed hunting.

Given your backgrounds in both gunsmithing, reloading and ballistics... your channel is the one that I would put the highest level of trust in when researching the upper limits of a calibers performance. This is something that I have enjoyed doing for nearly fifty years. I have been lucky enough to be able to attend numerous conferences via ADPA/NDIA and to have the guidance of experts at the level of national labs, arsenals and proving grounds in the past with some of my projects. So the respect that I have for your channel is based on comparisons with some exceedingly strong backgrounds. My interests have included mostly interior and terminal ballistics with forays into exterior ballistics having to do aero thermal limits of projectiles. Internal ballistics checkpoints have been encountered in the both the areas of acceleration gradients and hyper-velocity gouging. Terminal ballistics limits and interior ballistics limits were ultimately determined by hydrodynamic and sound speed parameters especially where launch and impact physics transcended the communication (sound) speeds of the materials being studied! Studies undertaken in the Electro-Magnetic launch community have shown both hyper-velocity gouging and aero-thermal limits will occur in the low to mid 6,000 fps range (that may be attenuated somewhat by projectile/bore hardness tailoring) with aero-thermal limits (for tungsten/carbon nosetip projectiles) being encountered in the 3.5 km/sec. range. I have encountered the gouging phenomena multiple times with propellent guns in both .30 and .50 calibers... and it can happen with the very first shots in the high 6,000 - to low 7,000 fps range! These guns by the way are operating in pressure ranges of 200 - 250,000+psi where stuck cases have not been a problem when using the front part of a case' to locate the projectiles at the desired shot start location in barrels with significant throat erosion. Barrel life at these regimes are on the order of several dozen shots which can develop 8 - 10 inches of throat erosion. The brass case is vaporized! None of this is practical for a normal firearm and testing with them must be at a safe location with firing done remotely... even when testing is being done by DOD! Obviously, it's best to limit the bore diameters to.50 caliber and under to avoid coming within the NFA guidelines. All of the foregoing tests were either conducted by someone else (Aberdeen, Balcony...LLNL, et al.) or in the late 80's/early 90's, by me. The center fire cartridges that I have done extensive testing with included .600 Nitro vs. .50 Bmg and a .300 Chey-tac and .300 RUM vs. .30/378 Weatherby's. More recently developed a.50/416 (Rigby) that got surprisingly close to.50 BMG velocities with comparable projectiles. Back to your video... this is probably the most interesting and well documented video that I have seen in this genre...on U-tube! I don't know how you could have done a better job! These are the types of videos where my interests currently have been. Keep your powder dry (the importance of which would be an informative video)!

Staggering! My initial thoughts were very not flattering towards this excursion. But I am quite surprised. Overall conclusions make sense overall. Thank you.

Great show

Fantastic video my favorite so far !!!

I have a MCX Spear in 308. If you know anything about these rifles, you know about the 6.8x51/.227 Fury high pressure rounds. SIG is now manufacturing those stainless rimmed high pressure casings loaded in 308 too. I love the idea of pushing the 308, it's a huge round!

Just crazy but great to see all the data then the 1,390yd shot.

Been there, did it, done it, on my Ruger American and 450 bushmaster. The same action in the American 450 BM is used on the 300 win mag which is rated almost 64,000 psi if I remember. I ran a ladder test all the way to 460 S&W max load book data with zero pressure signs. Never tried it again but there were zero case or primer pressure signs and no hard bolt lift all the way to max.

That was a little mind bending. Especially watching those 215 Bergers rock that steel, you won’t ever see a 308 smack steel like that. Hybrid cases, when they come around (and they will) are gonna re-write the whole game.

I have LE Wilson dies and an arbor press for loading close to the firing line. I am legitimately jealous of your at the range reloading shack. :)

Been usin alpha.308 lg pr awhile and good to see this….i like there ammo bx too

Thanks for the data and video Gavin! Very interesting results! Would love to see the combo of 7mm-08 with the 195 EOL bullet to see if they can get to 7mmWin mag velocities..

What a beautiful property!

I'd like to be able to have small primer .243 brass. Your gunsmithing was spot on.

Great presentation and very much appreciated! Although a 300 Win Mag seems a bit out of place with a 130 grain pill IMHO, Alliant Power Pro 2000 MR claims "308 Win. Speer 130 gr hp, Federal brass at 2.8" 24" barrel Fed 210 primer 2000-MR 53 grains at 3,100 fps". No worries, aint going there! I'm happy at 48 grains of the MR 2000 behind either the Sierra Game King Spitzer or hp 165gn, Lapua brass, Federal match primers. No chronograph, so no clue other than it did match my Boone and Crockett reticle exceptionally well. I'm going back to square one again with a receiver bedded Tikka T3 Lite in a Bell and Carlson Medalist sporter, scope went cross-eyed, so I've been refreshing and your video came up.

I'm more impressed by how you were able to find large rifle primers!

Great video …can’t imagine the time you gentleman have invested in this video

I find this facinating. Im loading 308 using Lapua palma cases. Before i had a crono I tuned a great load, but I was at 3006 speeds. Base of thehead of the cases did seem shiny and had a slight extractor markfine, Im going to load 3 percent lower

Thank boys love yall.

Excellent! First class, grade A, top notch work. Had me flipping manual pages, comparing powder density burn rate chart's, and pulling up my personal favorite Vhitavouri load data. Sometimes I dig up an old out if date Lyman print and Metallic Cartridge Reloading third edition. I came up with two other powders I'd opt to see worked. Excellent shooting too,✌🏻👶🏻🚬 Smokin' baby!

Now this was fascinating! Would love to see other cartridges tested like this. 556, 6.5cm, 7mm, maybe even 338?

I think this is just a testament to how good alpha brass is

Sitting here trying to decide what to say. And all I can come up with to say is…. Amazing!

Now this is real reloading!

You guys are straight up crazy...and I respect you for that. Because the 308 can. Maybe in the future people can make a stronger case and action to make it a safe round.

I believe the chambering, the barrel strength, and action strength along with the Alpha brass has to be right or one could be asking for a trip to the hospital or even the morgue. PEOPLE PLEASE BE CAREFUL. Thanks Gavin for a great video and very informative stats.

My best 300WM load to date: 225 ELDM VO= 2,905 76.6 H1000 FEDGMM .88 inch 5 shot group 36deg F 100 yards 10mph wind - 26" preferred barrel on a Howa 1500 Action. 31ES 12.1SD, people at the range always ask if the rifle is a 300PRC. I say what's the point if you are staying under 230 grains... Love your content!

Alpha Vs. Sig Sauer…. One piece process Vs. 3 piece process.

I've leaned on a 308 pretty hard but this is another level. I'd like to see this test done again with the hybrid 277 fury cases.

This video is inspiring me to give it a big,”Hell yeah”.

I've been loading the 208 AMax to 2600 fps (22" bbl) for years. 48gr RL17 under a 208 AMax loaded to 3.08" oal. Rifle is Rem700 Varmint, cut to 22".

Thanks! Will try the 47 gr. load with my Remmie/Savage tomorrow! ;) ;) ;)

Y’all are mad lads and I’m here for it lol

The thumbnail made me laugh for a good min and watch this vid. Kudos. TO DA MOON.

Don't forget, when hunting for max pressure loads, to measure the case web diameter before and after. It's not a "visual" indicator, but IT IS a reliable indicator. Increased diameter of the web area (more than factory, of course), means it's past time to back off. Ok, should have waited to the end. You did it.

Great video!

Thanks for the quick reply. Always enjoy watching your your you tube channel. Have a good one . I own 2 308’s .

I am 100% going to try this myself.