Loading for multiple rifles

[opeagle]

Let me start by saying I appreciate all the advice and tips I have been given and / or found in various threads here.
I have three .308 rifles to load for and I am thinking I want to try an OCW type of method to see what shoots well in each rifle.

The specs of what I am using.
Federal cases, because I have a decent number of them.
Full length sized with Forster National Match dies
Trimmed to 2.005, flash hole uniformed etc.
CCI BR2
168 SMK
Varget

The three rifles, which will likely be four if my one buddy wants in.
24in 5R Remmy
20in 5R Remmy
26in 5R Remmy triangular barrel
26in PSS Remmy

I am wondering what you all would think would be a good range to load the Varget. I only have one manual,Sierra 5th edition and in it they recommend 38.7 to 43.5. Given the various posts and loads I see in the Depot threads this seems light. What do you think you would suggest for a range of charge weights?

 

[Temp9]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

My Speer manual says start at <span style="font-weight: bold">42.0gr</span>, max at <span style="font-weight: bold">46.0gr</span> for VARGET and 168gr BTHP in .308 Win.

 

[gunnut223]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: opeagle</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The specs of what I am using.
Federal cases, because I have a decent number of them.
Full length sized with Forster National Match dies
Trimmed to 2.005, flash hole uniformed etc.
CCI BR2
168 SMK
Varget

I am wondering what you all would think would be a good range to load the Varget. I only have one manual,Sierra 5th edition and in it they recommend 38.7 to 43.5. Given the various posts and loads I see in the Depot threads this seems light. What do you think you would suggest for a range of charge weights?


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Its always good to have several manuals or print outs of recipes on hand. If someone comes up with a recipe I get skeptic unless it closely matchs a manual, or some one I know uses it in a similar firearm with the same aprox round count and age. As im sure you know every gun is different, shoots differently.

I have 5 different manuals, from 5 different print dates, that I consult when makeing loads, or with powders that I havent experimented with.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My Speer manual says start at <span style="font-weight: bold">42.0gr</span>, max at <span style="font-weight: bold">46.0gr</span> for VARGET and 168gr BTHP in .308 Win.</div></div>

That is what Hodgdon recommends as well so those are the numbers I would use.

Sierra's manuals are well know for being very conservative on powder chages.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

Some time ago, I developed a load for a stock 700 SPS, it was Black Hills brass, Winchester standard large rifle primer, Varget and 175 SMK

I trimmed the brass per the Lee manual and settled on 43 grains which moved it in that gun at just 2500.

A made somewhat of a mistake of loading way to much of it and when I sold the rifle I wondered how well it would shoot in the new ones.
Well, to my amazement, it has been shot in an AI, FN TSR and another 700 with great results. The AI runs them below .5 and even have done .3's Get 2525 from the AI and the FN, both 20" barrels.

It may take some time, but load 40 each per charge weight(.5 increment) so you can do 5 for each rifle and have 5 more to confirm if need be. Run with what works overall for all of them.


Hope that helps

Mark

 

[opeagle]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

Thanks guys. Is .5 grain variation pretty standard?

I am happy to load for each rifle or possibly find two loads between them. I was pondering loading 25 but your idea of 40 makes more sense, now that I think about it.

I do need another manual but until then I am perfectly happy to trust the answers I get here. I need to order a chronograph so maybe I will get another manual.

On that note, two more questions. Which chronograph do you recommend for the say $150 range? I am not set on that price range but I am not sure I want to spend a lot more. Any one manual that is recommended if I am ordering stuff anyway?

 

[insight3b]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

I use this chronograph:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/244882/shooting-chrony-beta-master-chronograph

It does everything I need it to and doesn't break the bank.
As to manuals get all that you can. If you are sticking to traditional/older type powders the older manuals can be found on the cheap. I also go to different powder manufacturers websites for free.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: opeagle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks guys. Is .5 grain variation pretty standard?

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For some it is. I prefer to use a smaller increment for my load development. Almost every rifle out there will have multiple sweet spots and often they are very narrow. Too large a development increment can let you skip right over a good accuracy node.

I start with .3gr increments. On a new powder/bullet combination I start at the bottom and load 5 for each increment of +.3 gr. I stop just below max, usually about .3gr.

Shooting "round robin style", 5 groups of 5, letting the barrel cool and cleaning it between each batch of 25 rounds I have a complete map for that powder and bullet. If I don't see pressure signs I may even continue on up but most often I find my "high" accuracy node fairly well below the max.

Targets and load data are then stored in the On Target program which gives me instant calculations for accuracy.

I used to use the Audette "Ladder" method which involves 1/5th the number of rounds but found it to be a real hassle figuring out the sweet spots. Even at 300 yards my "ladder test" looked like one small group.

If you want to short cut the process for the rifles you listed, start with the most common load for .308 of 43.5 gr Varget under a 175 gr bullet. If not satisfied with the performance then work around it in .2 or .3 gr until your happy. Record info and repeat for each rifle. You may be surprised at how close one of those loads will be in each rifle.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Re: Loading for multiple rifles

I'm a big fan of my Prochono. Here is a link to their new models. If I ever need to replace mine I'm going with the USB add on.

As far as working up a load, I'd pick the rifle I shoot the most and use it. Then if it's not a near orover max load try it in the rest to see how it performs. As an example for service rifle loads, 24 or 24.5 of Varget or RL15 with a 77 SMK is pretty much a given for most AR-15's. There are similar loads in .308 look around on here I don't shoot much .308.