168gn load question

[LorenaF]

I don't have my book yet, could you guys peek and give me a good starting and finishing load for 308+Varget+168gn SMK HPBT? I was thinking start at 40gn and finish at 46gn working in .5gn increments, does this sound right?
Help a gal?

 

[ksthomas]

Re: 168gn load question

Try 41.0 grains. That was (and probably still is) the standard Sierra accuracy load in their test range for many years. Never seen a 308 that didn't shoot it beautifully, and normall ran right around 2550 fps in the test barrels.

 

[usmc02xx]

Re: 168gn load question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kevin Thomas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try 41.0 grains. That was (and probably still is) the standard Sierra accuracy load in their test range for many years. Never seen a 308 that didn't shoot it beautifully, and normall ran right around 2550 fps in the test barrels. </div></div>

ditto. my 308 loves 41gn varget. no pressure signs at all and accurate as all get out.

 

[Beef82]

Re: 168gn load question

Start at 41, since those guys say it shoots, and finish at 45, 0.5gr is a good increment, I think 46 is over max in most manuals, regardless watch for pressure. 44.0 Varget does mighty fine out of mine.

 

[NoFail]

Re: 168gn load question

Mine likes 42.9 & 44.5 gn Varget in Hornady or Winchester brass with a 168 gn Amax on top seated to 2.810".

 

[jdgray]

Re: 168gn load question

Depending on brass, start at 43 and work up to 46. Fed brass liked 43-44 for me, and Win brass 44-45. 2.805"oal, CCI200s

 

[LorenaF]

Re: 168gn load question

I am using new and fire formed Lapua brass. So I think beef hit it right, start at 41 and go to 45 in .5gn increments. That would give me 9 sets of 5 shots. ok time to get to work.lol

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: 168gn load question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoFail</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine likes 42.9 & 44.5 gn Varget in Hornady or Winchester brass with a 168 gn Amax on top seated to 2.810". </div></div>

Likewise here. It is going to depend a lot on the rifle though as I get another real nice accuracy node with 45.5+ gr of Varget using this bullet. I just have to use an 8" drop tube in order to get crunch free charges.

 

[LorenaF]

Re: 168gn load question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Deadshot2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoFail</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mine likes 42.9 & 44.5 gn Varget in Hornady or Winchester brass with a 168 gn Amax on top seated to 2.810". </div></div>

Likewise here. It is going to depend a lot on the rifle though as I get another real nice accuracy node with 45.5+ gr of Varget using this bullet. I just have to use an 8" drop tube in order to get crunch free charges. </div></div>

What do you mean by "crunch free"?? Is that when you have it so full it crunches when you seat the bullet? I take it that's not a good thing?

 

[nfoley]

Re: 168gn load question

I have always had good luck with 44g varget in my 308s. I haven't yet seen one that didn't shoot it well.

 

[Ol' RD]

Re: 168gn load question

Depot

There are 13 pages of loads here for 308 my go to loads are on pg 7 and 13.

 

[roggom]

Re: 168gn load question

Here is the link to the Hodgdons, http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

I have used a 168 smk and 44.5 varget in RP brass @ 2.825. Mag length and very consistant. For the 168 amax I use 44.8 varget and have used 45.5 varget, but considering I only shoot this load to 600, I stayed with the 44.8 for longer brass life.

Currently I use 178 Amax, lapua brass, 44.4 Varget, WLR, 2.828. It does everything I need out to 700Y, have not taken to 1000, as I have not tried yet.

As for the varget crunch, its a compressed load @ 45.5 with a 168 smk or amax.

 

[LorenaF]

Re: 168gn load question

I this Varget crunch you are talking about is what you feel when you seat the bullet and it crunches right? Is that a good thing or bad??

 

[ksthomas]

Re: 168gn load question

LorenaF,

It's a thing, not really good or bad, unless it goes too far. Compressed charges are quite common, and these are the ones where you'll frequently feel a little crunch upon seating. Normally doesn't hurt a thing. However, like anything else, it can go too far. I've seen plenty of instances where it took enough seating force on the bullet to where it deformed the jacket. Also seen instances of insufficient neck tension, wherein the compressed powder actually exerted enough force to push the bullet back out of the case a bit. Noticeable enough that the varying OALs could be plainly seen in an MTM box of loaded ammo just by a casual glance. Moderation in all things, just use your own good judgement.

 

[Chick]

Re: 168gn load question

My M1a likes 41gr 4064, Win Lg Riflr Primers, through the Hart SS 1 in 10" barrel.

 

[LorenaF]

Re: 168gn load question

another question I figured I would post here instead of a new thread. Has or does anyone use any fine grain or spherical type powder? I have pulled a few bullets and the powder looked markedly different from the Varget I have been using. It was dark and very fine and almost shiny. What could it be??

 

[Tx_Flyboy]

Re: 168gn load question

Lorena,

Which bullets are you talking about u pulled?

You can almost never tell what a powder is just from visual inspection. You need confirmation from the ammo maker or person who loaded that ammo.

There are many loads using ball powders (BLC-2, Win 748, Alliant's 2000MR and Hodgon's CFE-223)...all these powders would work great in your 308, at the expense of temperature sensitivity compared to Varget.