.308, 168 gr match load recipe

#4
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

I worked up a 168 load with Varget. I did all the tests and got it working great at 2725 fps. Then I read the label on the front of the jug. Same exact load= 168 smk w/ 46 gr Varget.
Be careful. Rob
 
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#5
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

Look up in the Reloading Depot and there is a post on .308 loads that has pages and pages of loads. We put that there so people could share their loads and posts like this wouldn't be the majority of the reloading section.
 
#7
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look up in the Reloading Depot and there is a post on .308 loads that has pages and pages of loads. We put that there so people could share their loads and posts like this wouldn't be the majority of the reloading section. </div></div>

DUH! Thanks all and I'll check here.
 
#8
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

After opening the thread http://www.reloadersnest.com/index.asp click on rifles in the upper left. As with mine below, be very careful accepting "special ingredients" as I 'm sure you've heard before. A good book from your fav bullet maker is very wise to have.

.308, Hornady match brass, CCI BR2, 42.4gn R-15, Sierra HPBT Match, 2.856 COAL (FN SPR)
 
#13
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

I used Sierra's latest reloading manual and used the most accurate load data for 168 gr bullets. I believe it was....

42 gr RE-18
Hornady 168gr A-Max
Remington URBR Brass
Federal Small rifle match primers
Seated at Sierra's seating depth

My rifle shot below 1/2 MOA at 100, 300 and 500 yards.
 
#15
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: US Handgunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used Sierra's latest reloading manual and used the most accurate load data for 168 gr bullets. I believe it was....

42 gr RE-18
Hornady 168gr A-Max
Remington URBR Brass
Federal Small rifle match primers
Seated at Sierra's seating depth

My rifle shot below 1/2 MOA at 100, 300 and 500 yards. </div></div>
An example of why you might want to invest in a reloading manual, there is no such thing as RE-18.
 
#16
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Triple 6</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: US Handgunner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used Sierra's latest reloading manual and used the most accurate load data for 168 gr bullets. I believe it was....

42 gr RE-18
Hornady 168gr A-Max
Remington URBR Brass
Federal Small rifle match primers
Seated at Sierra's seating depth

My rifle shot below 1/2 MOA at 100, 300 and 500 yards. </div></div>
An example of why you might want to invest in a reloading manual, there is no such thing as RE-18. </div></div>


LOL. I"m sure that was a type-o, but the 8 key is two inches from the 5 key. hmmm.
 
#18
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LNO1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sierra's RL Manual suggests another manufacturer's bullet in the most accurate list?? </div></div>

A man with a dry wit!

Manuals aren't a waste of money. There are three or four highly recommended manuals that altogether won't top $65.00. Then there's the free one available from Alliant, the Hodgedon website, Hornady's website, etc.

I love tha advice I get here as a supplement to multiple additional sources.


How much is your face worth?
 
#19
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

I have a couple.....RCBS's freebee, Speer #14 (sucks) and Hornady's. Sierra (my bullet pref) is available through a friend and I recall their "earmarked" accuracy load is w/their own bullet...could be wrong. At only $35 locally, I will get one when available.

Yeah, I'm dry....pegged again.
 
#21
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

and you don`t use a Small Rifle Primer in the 308.. a word of Caution.. never trust loading data in internet forums unless you double check it against a couple loading manuals.. then back off.. and work up..
 
#23
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

win brass trimmed to 2.000( yes i know its under trim lenght)
cci 200
168 smk
42. to 43 of imr 4064
col set at 2.930( dont use the col in your gun till you know where the lands start) but 15 thousand off works for me
with this load it likes to be close to the lands and will shoot
1/4 moa if the gun is capable
and 42 to 42.5 for re 15
and federal gmm primers is my 2nd favorite
they are not barrel burners but i dont need them to be i only shoot to 600 yards and these loads are mild yet very affective. i have 5 308 rifles and they all love these to loads
good luck!
 
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#24
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

Why hasn't it been" brought up"? I read the post, and was a bit shocked. I look at reloading, for what it really is. I'm "making" a small explosive "device" that I'M PLANNING to "set off", very, very close to my brain. I do so very carefully, and spare no expense, on information {manuals}, gauges, calipers, dies, etc. I'd STRONGLY suggest getting a manual. I have three.Maybe I "read " your post wrong, but this is not the place to go "cheap".
 
#26
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

Always check any information you get on a forum against one or more manuals and/or the powder manufacturer's web site. Someone's typographical error could cost you an eye or worse. It's easy enough to make a mistake even when you have the right data...
 
#27
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

speaking of 'manuals'.

i bought the lee modern reloading second addition. i bought a few other books about reloading for techniques and so forth but that is the only spec based manual i have bought.

perhaps i missed it but there should be a sticky about reloading manuals recommended somewhere around here.

ETA . one thing i have noted is there are more than a few folks publishing reload data that is greater than the max listed in that manual. so folks need to be aware of the tendency too.
 
#28
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

My R700 AAC loves 168s, i shoot mostly 168Amax, but the same load works really well for 168SMKs in my gun.. 44.0 RL15, at 2.815, trimmed Win Cases and Fed Match primers. I boringly get 1/2moa consistenly at 100yads with either bullet, and it holds its own out to 600yards pretty well.
 
#29
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

First purchase...reloading manual.

I was able to reproduce shot placement + better grouping of the FGMM 168gr ammo with...

- FGMM once fired brass
- CCI large rifle primer
- Trimmed to spec
- Hornady 168 AMAX
- 42gr IMR 4895

Platform is a factory Savage 10FCP-SR-5R with 24" tube sitting in a JP chassis.
 
#31
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

Not tryin to be preachy or a smart ass,but if you can't afford to get a load manual,hold off on handloading or borrow one from a friend.There is so much useful info in them besides specific load recipes,and besides,a manual is still cheaper than blowing up a gun or making a trip to the emergency room.
 
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#32
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NCHillbilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not tryin to be preachy or a smart ass,but if you can't afford to get a load manual,hold off on handloading or borrow one from a friend.There is so much useful info in them besides specific load recipes,and besides,a manual is still cheaper than blowing up a gun or making a trip to the emergency room. </div></div>

+1 to that


by the time you've pressed your first 100 round batch of reloads your manual will be more than paid for.

it doesn't pay to be cheap when it comes to personal safety.

---- edit ----

fwiw if your budget really is that much of a concern you may want to look into the One Book / One Caliber series. I usually buy mine at cabela's when i'm picking up a new set of dies for a fresh caliber as a compliment to my Hornady 8th edition i bought with my press last year. I've seen them at several LGS, and of course all over the net. I don't think I've seen one priced over $12 or $13.

I edited this post to include this info because i didnt feel it was right of me to offer criticism without also giving a possible solution to both problems - your budget <span style="font-style: italic">and</span> your safety. I cant verify all the info in the books, but from what i can tell based on the 223/308/30-06/.40acp ones i own in the series the hornady info looks to be straight from their 8th edition manual.

i cant cross refernece to other mfg's books yet because i only own Hornady's 8th edition as a complete reloading manual at this time - and then only because i'm currently only reloading hornady bullets in all of the calibers listed above.

583687_preview.jpg
 
#34
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

I notice a lot of people suggest around 46gr of Varget with the 168 BTHP, but I am getting compressed loads with anything over 44.5gr! I also started getting pressure signs around 45gr.

27" bbl length
44.3gr is giving me around 2830fps
seated ~.005 back from rifling

I wish I wasn't getting the compression and pressure issues as I recorded 10fps difference from 45.0 to 45.5; which suggest that a load in that range would provide low SD numbers.
 
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#35
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

I wouldn't go near 46gr of Varget personally as I have had pressure signs at 43.9gr using Winchester and Reminton brass. The little velocity gain achieved isn't worth the risk to me.
 
#36
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

I'll stick with my first post, but I'm currently running 44.7 Varget, behind a 168 Gr. BTHP. No signs of "over pressure", and it's hitting at under 1", at 100., out of my 5R.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: joshboucher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why hasn't it been" brought up"? I read the post, and was a bit shocked. I look at reloading, for what it really is. I'm "making" a small explosive "device" that I'M PLANNING to "set off", very, very close to my brain. I do so very carefully, and spare no expense, on information {manuals}, gauges, calipers, dies, etc. I'd STRONGLY suggest getting a manual. I have three.Maybe I "read " your post wrong, but this is not the place to go "cheap". </div></div>
 
#37
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

Win cases
44 Varget (45 show pressure signs)
175 SMK
Jammed .010
24" 1" in 10"
CED M2 Chrono

Getting fps readings from 2680 to 2730
Used SW Ammo 175 match ammo to check chrono 10 shots with about 25 fps from low to high. What could cause this?
 
#38
Re: .308, 168 gr match load recipe

rem 700 5r 24 inch barrel, timney trigger set to 2.5lbs, march 5-40x 56 scope, badger 20moa rail, badger rings. all setup done by me.

been reloading about 3 weeks but i did a ton of studying before i started buying stuff. just got a chrono this week and im going to focus on using only varget, though the re15 has worked well as has some some imr4895. i'd like to settle on one powder instead of jumping on the next big thing.

i have access to 600 yds with 700+ a couple of hours away. current goals are to load for 100 to 600+ yards which may end up being different load for different ranges (100, 200, 300, 500meters, 600 yards).

reloaded once fired FGMM brass. all the case prep done except trimming (which will come later as the length grows). boolits set .010 off lands.

168 AMAX, 42gr re15, .405 MOA 300 yards
TgtGfx.jpg


175 smk, 43.5 varget .355 MOA 300 yards

TgtGfx2.jpg
 
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