Re: .308 Pet load
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Win308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am just getting started reloading for my Rem 5R, I have 100 new Remington brass, CCI 220 primers, Varget powder, and 175gr SMKs. A fellow shooter recommeded 43.0 grains of Varget which shoots great groups in his 5R. I know that Remington brass isn't the best, and I wonder if I shoudn't just pony up and get some better brass to start with from square one. Thoughts? </div></div>
You will want to eventually, but the best thing I can tell you to do now is not to worry so much about what other's favorite brass is or "pet load." Seat your SMK's around 2.82 or so, do a few ladder tests with the varget and then pick the one that shot tightest. Then load up that "crappy" remington brass and go shoot, shoot, shoot. Run your dope out to 1000 yes in a program like Shooter for your smart phone and then test it. Remington will work just fine for what your starting out to do.
Your rifle/bullet/powder combo is a very good combo because it's not hard to load for and several variations in it it will work. The 175 is easily a 1000 yd bullet even starting at 2400 FPS, especially at your elevation. Don't mess with differing COAL's, or bullets that require that for now. Shoot the 175 in that brass until the primer pockets get loose and spend all that extra time you're not screwing with a sensitive bullet to go shoot more and work on your fundamentals, dope and wind reading.