.308 Reloading specs
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I'm currently working on accuracy loads for my DPMS AR in .308. I have tried several powder/bullet combinations, but have not found the optimal load for my rifle - and this is the problem with making statements of accuracy - EVERY RIFLE IS DIFFERENT...with that said, I am hesitant to give reloading data out that is available online from any of the powder manufacturers websites. Typo's can cause serious problems, so whatever is said on a forum must be followed-up by personal research to verify the accuracy of any suggested loads. I will suggest that you buy Sierra Matchking bullets in either 150 gr. BTHP configuration or their equally accurate 168 gr. Matchking BTHP. The Sierra 168gr. Matchking is the preferred bullet/weight for accuracy/sniper applications. I have been using Hodgdon powders with very good results - I have loaded fairly accurate ammo with their H414, H4895, and H322 powders. I have achieved sub 1" groups at 100 yds. but will not be happy until I can cut that in half. To that end I am trying to obtain some BL-C(2) powder, which according to their catalog has produced top accuracy in the .308 for many years and in many competitions. I also read in the Hodgdon Manual that this is the powder that was originally developed for the 7.62 NATO cartridge (.308). I have been unable to locate this powder locally and will have to order it online. That being said, the Sierra 50th Anniversay Edition Rifle Reloading Manual states that top accuracy from their test barrel was achieved using 41.4 gr. of IMR 4064 on top of the Sierra Matchking 168gr. BTHP bullet. Velocity for this load is 2500 FPS. You can get load data onlline for the .308 at Hodgdon's website which is:
WWW.HODGDON.COM I don't know how long you have been reloading, but be advised that accuracy loads are generally NOT maximum loads and for the .308 using a 150 gr. bullet, they are loaded to 2800 fps and less. Hunting applications are a different story due to the desire for maximum penetration and expansion - also for hunting, it is suggested to use Sierra Gameking bullets, not Matchking. Hope this helps.
what kind of brass are you using? ive heard alot of people say that remington will give tighter group than winchester. And im starting out with 3 different types of Nosler bullets, Federal Primers, Remington Brass, And IMR 4350 Powder. 165 GR bullets. Pulled the info from noslers ballistics site. http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=30cal&s=305.
gonna try it out and see how it works.
gonna try it out and see how it works.
You will easily get 10-15 answers for questions like this, all different but valid for the user and it's not uncommon that none of them will work for the next guy. That's because there is no secret or "magic" formula for anything, we each must find what our own rifles shoot best with.
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+1 to 1-HOLE's comment. Stick with one bullet type, one brass type, and one primer type until you determine which powder works best for you. Change only one variable at a time. It will be a long slow and somewhat expensive road to arrive at the results you want to achieve, and sometimes you will never achieve better than 1" moa. if your rifle is not capable of sub m.o.a. accuracy. All manufacturers make a good product. I use Remington brass because it's cheaper from my supplier and good enough for me.
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Remington brass has a "reputation" for being softer that most others. With repeated shooting and reloading the necks will become work hardened and potentially split. Consider anealing the necks every other loading to extend the life of the brass.
Consistancy is the key. The same primer, powder, weight, bullet, weight, seating depth, coincentricity of the brass and bullet, not to mention consistant actions by the shooter.
Extreme rifle shooters do everything in their power to make EVERYTHING exactly the same. To them it really does not matter much "where" the bullet hits as long as the next one hits the same hole.
Frequently a load that is 1-2 grains (of powder) less than max will give the best accuracy (consistancy).
Consistancy is the key. The same primer, powder, weight, bullet, weight, seating depth, coincentricity of the brass and bullet, not to mention consistant actions by the shooter.
Extreme rifle shooters do everything in their power to make EVERYTHING exactly the same. To them it really does not matter much "where" the bullet hits as long as the next one hits the same hole.
Frequently a load that is 1-2 grains (of powder) less than max will give the best accuracy (consistancy).
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I've only had this happen with one caliber, and that was the 30-30, and only because I had reloaded those cases almost a dozen times before tossing them. Otherwise I have never experienced any problems with Rem. brass. Annealing is fine as long as you don't overdo it - that will cause split necks also.
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1Hole is correct and that there isn't a "magic bullet formula", dimensions differ slightly from one gun manufacture to the next, slight chamber variations, barrel lengths, or maybe perhaps just the fit of wood to receiver of your weapon can cause bias. Want tighter groups, glass bed your weapon, free float the barrel, and then find your "that series of components" that works best for you, others loads will get you ballpark you have to do your own homework.
.308 Remington BDL
Remington case
44 grains of Varget
165 Sierra "boat tail"
.308 Remington BDL
Remington case
44 grains of Varget
165 Sierra "boat tail"
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13,934 Posts
IMR 4064, Varget, Win 748, bl-c(2), Reloader 15 are all good powders to use in the 308. The 308 works best when the case is filled almost to capacity. Here is a good article about the 308 from the guys over at 6mbr.com there is a lot of good info from guys that are very knowledgeable about the 308. It also has some load data that the benchrest guys are using.
I am having good luck with the 155gr Sierra Palma match kings. I have also tried 168gr SMK and 168gr Hornady match and A-Max bullets. Still working on shrinking group size for mine as I want no more than 1/4" at 100 yards out of my rifle. Once I find that load I am going to enter in an F-class match or two that are hear local. I am currently using Remington cases in my loads as a buddy of mine gave me 200 of them I also have 50 winchester cases both seam to work well.
I am having good luck with the 155gr Sierra Palma match kings. I have also tried 168gr SMK and 168gr Hornady match and A-Max bullets. Still working on shrinking group size for mine as I want no more than 1/4" at 100 yards out of my rifle. Once I find that load I am going to enter in an F-class match or two that are hear local. I am currently using Remington cases in my loads as a buddy of mine gave me 200 of them I also have 50 winchester cases both seam to work well.
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Whats the rate of twist of your barrel? I've noticed for some strange reason my 1 in 10" barrel seems to like bullet weights in the 150gr. range over the 168 match weight bullets. Maybe I just haven't found the right powder.
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Mine I think is a 1in 12 twist. Not to sure I have only measured with a cleaning rod and a very tight jag and patch. The barrel has nothing on it not even a caliber it is just a big old chunk of stainless steel.RL357Mag said:
I plan on stepping it up to Laupa brass as they are the most consistent out there. They cost though boy do they cost. I might even switch to Berger bullets as well too not sure though.
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I looked into Lapua brass very quickly...at $34/50 I decided I was never going to be a sniper!
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I've used 3031 for my 30-30's and have achieved bolt action accuracy. I never tried it in the .308 however. Now I will have to. I began using spherical powder years ago because of the consistent throw from my powder measure.
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