308 load for barrel break in

[Blackwater]

So I'm new to loading and with decent ammo being hard to find to shoot to break the barrel in and sight in the optics I decided to load. I went with the 168gr Sierra BTHP, 38.7gr of Varget (straight out of the Sierra manual) and C.O.A.L was 2.800 - 2.795 with un-fired Lapua brass with Federal 210 primer.

I know it's not a hot load by any means, 2400fps according to the manual but think this will suffice for a barrel break in and optic sighting? Being new to loading I didn't want to go overboard and risk damaging my brand new rifle and or myself and others around me.

 

[thrusty]

I think you are well within the safe operating pressures with that particular load and will be just fine.

You'll find that after some more research, Sierra is very conservative with their powder charges that they post in their manual.

But, good on you for following the manual and having respect for what you are doing.

 

[Blackwater]

I think you are well within the safe operating pressures with that particular load and will be just fine.

You'll find that after some more research, Sierra is very conservative with their powder charges that they post in their manual.

But, good on you for following the manual and having respect for what you are doing.

Great. That makes me feel a lot better. I did happen to notice that on the Varget container that it was showing 46gr to get the 168gr to 2750fps where in the manual it only went to 43gr to get to 2700fps.

 

[thrusty]

Not quite sure 43gr of Varget will get your 168gr pill to 2700fps...trying to remember off the top of my head. Really depends on barrel length and some other factors (brass, primer, seating depth.....etc)

I'm running 44.7grs of Varget behind a 175gr SMK out of a 20" barrel...I see about 2560fps on avg with an SD of 9.

Follow the manual and work up your loads until you hit a sweet spot while checking for pressure signs after each shot.

Hodgdon also has load data available for you to cross reference: GeoVario LLC - Web Access

 

[Blackwater]

Not quite sure 43gr of Varget will get your 168gr pill to 2700fps...trying to remember off the top of my head. Really depends on barrel length and some other factors (brass, primer, seating depth.....etc)

I'm running 44.7grs of Varget behind a 175gr SMK out of a 20" barrel...I see about 2560fps on avg with an SD of 9.

Follow the manual and work up your loads until you hit a sweet spot while checking for pressure signs after each shot.

Hodgdon also has load data available for you to cross reference: GeoVario LLC - Web Access

Thanks. I'm running Brux barrel finished at 22". So after the breakin and optic set I will then start working my way up and testing.

 

[fnbrowning]

Blackwater, Forget the barrel breakin and just shoot it.
The first 25 shots aren't going to affect a barrel thats rated for thousands of rounds. Anyway the more you clean and brush the easier you can damage your bore.