Looking to load 308 win Match

[colsan3333]

Im looking to reload 308 win Match. So far I've settled on the brass, primers, bullet ( 168gr HPBT ) but im haveing trouble decideing what powder to use.
Any ideas.

[J.Boyette]

What barrel length?

John

[K Train]

+1, what distance do you plan on shooting? the 168 doesn't stay stable through the transonic period very well.

i use varget under a 155 lapua scenar and have hit targets out to 1200 yards. varget is a very stable load, not as temp sensative as some, but its not the best for every rifle. try different powders like 4895 as well. i think some people use R15 (i think some guys use that at some of the matches i shoot) but the most common load is varget i would bet.

[colsan3333]

22" Barrel, 5r Lands and Grooves, 1-11.25 Twist

[J.Boyette]

I would go with IMR 4064 with a charge weight around 42.0 to 43.8 and be done with it.

you will find that 43.2 to 43.6 will be the sweet spot.

John

[reloader]

I use the 43.5 grains of IMR4064, 168 SMK, FEDERAL primer.OAL 2.800" /Case trim length 2.005".The loads K-Train indicated are excellant too.Even though my load does not stay sonic, it works well to about 600 yards.

[CJK]

I use Reloder 15 and one of my friends uses Varget. Both our 308's will group ten Sierra 168's into less than an inch at 100 yards. Of course it could just be the Sierra Matchkings.

[Warning Shot]

Sounds like you have a Remington 700, 5-R, Milspec ??

[colsan3333]

Nope. GA Precision Rock in 308.

[revolverman567]

i have a r5 milspec 700 and I have found that a stiff charge of varget (45 grains) and astandard large rifle primer work very well, averages just over 1/2" @ 200 yards for me.


and I have also found that 44 grains with a magnum primer seems to work nearly as well.

loads above are safe in my gun, work up with caution, but Varget certainly deserves a look for sure, but its has a tendency to brigde and crunch in my RCBS powder thrower,

a bal powder would certainly meter much better.

[bear2004]

I vote for Varget.

44.5 gr Varget under a 168 SMK - that's my favorite load in my Tikka T3.

[butchn]

You should try different powders. I have used IMR 4064, 4350, Varget and Vihta Vuori With good results. My best groups were with the 4350 and SMK 168 but lighter bullets seem to group better with 4064. I had a stroke of stupid and sold my tack driver. I used Varget and VV N150 in another 308 with good results. I still have almost 2 lb of the VV n150 if you would like to try it. Are you close to Charlotte?

[REELDOC]

First dump the 168's. Go with 175 Sierra's, 178 Amax, 185 Berger boat tails or Sierra 190's. If you want to settle on one powder use Varget with CCI BR2 primers.

Here is an encyclopedia of loads but if you want to pick one that works in 99.99% of all 308's try 175's with 44.5 grains of Varget and check for pressure. With a Gap you should be able to increase in .2 grain increments up to around 45 grains with no problem. Look for around 2750fps.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubb...gonew=1#UNREAD

[res45]

OCW
http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspa...pes/4533485759

[dardascastbullets]

Originally Posted by colsan3333

Im looking to reload 308 win Match. So far I've settled on the brass, primers, bullet ( 168gr HPBT ) but im haveing trouble decideing what powder to use.
Any ideas.

Hi Colsan,

I will tell you the winning combination that I shot for many years and produced many cleans from 200 to 600 yards (not to mention 198's and 199's at 1000 yards).

200-300 yds -- Lapua cases/Varget powder/RWS primers/ Sierra 168's.
600 & 1000 yds -- Lapua cases/Varget powder/RWS primers/ Sierra 190's.

You may have a very hard time locating the RWS primers. However, if you search hard enough, you will be rewarded immensely!

Good luck!