.308 Win max bullet weight?

[jetmd]

For use in my .308 Win Mod 70 with 1/12 twist 26" barrel, paper targets and steel only.

What is the heaviest projectile I can use with optimum results? I know many factors influence the outcome of any load and it useage but I am looking for just a general answer.

168's, 175's....?

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[cooper_257]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

probably 175s

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

12 twist favors the 155

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

Guys are using 12 twist's to shoot 208 a-max so you should be fine with ever thing up to that class.

JBM stabilty shows 190 vlds as stable in a 12 and I have shot them many times in 30 degree temps at 2500ish fps so I KNOW you can shoot 190's...

 

[lsm62]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

I shot a 185 vld out of a 1:10 twist but getting a good velocity was a pain.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

I shoot 175 and 190 in my 1-12 twist krieger, holds half MOA to 1000 yds when I do my part.

 

[vman]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

You should be right to shoot most things up to 210.

IMO thats pretty heavy for the ol .308win but each to their own.

I think for this above 180gr, a faster twist will give you better performance.

 

[jwoolf]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

it's not about the 308 other than the twist rate of the barrel ( I'm sure you know this ) so, it's been said that you shouldn't use probably heavier than maybe a 178gr amax but, as others have said here, they've had luck with heavier bullets.

Personally, I wouldn't load anything heavier than the 190s or, I'd go with a 1:10 twist barrel to move up.

Hell, the right bullet for my 300wm is the 208gr amax. That's where I get the best performance out of that round. I'd load the 178s and call it good. That way you know you've got a stable bullet downrange.

In my own experience, those that are trying to turn the last bit of performance out of their ammo ( at the high end of performance )may have chosen the wrong round for the job. If you're running on the edge all the time, you're wearing out brass and, your rifle isn't made for doing that with.... work within what it was made to do and will treat you better in the long run, IMHO.

A 1:12 twist isn't made to even shoot 190s with. ( I'm not saying it won't do it however )

 

[Leaddog]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">12 twist favors the 155</div></div>

Actually, the 12 twist favors the 168's and 175's. For 155's the preferred twist is a 13 or 14.

 

[Grump]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

It's more the bullet length than the actual weight.

220-gr RNs are shorter than BTHPs like Sierra Matchkings. A slower twist that might not like the long pointy ones often does just fine with the shorter ones, same weight.

And twist-imparted bullet stability and accuracy is influence by the density of what you are shooting them through. Loads just fine at 60 F can keyhole at 0 F, because of air density.

IMO, the upper limit in .308 is 190 grains, not for stability reasons (they do just fine in a 1:12 down to 20F for sure...) but because of their speed limit. Too many clicks up for zero out past 600 yards for variable-distance targeting. But if you're shooting KD at 1,000 yards, or Palma at 800, 900, and 1,000 and that's not a factor 190s work okay and if your numbers show less wind drift that SAFELY fast-driven 155s (no. 2156 is a bit better, and that's what you say you have), then use 'em if your barrel shoots them accurately enough.

Windage and/or elevation advantages don't mean squat if your bullets are in a 1.5 MOA dispersion cone.

 

[30378]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

I shoot Sierra 200gr game king boat tails out of my 1x12 remington pss with great results.

 

[turbo54]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Grump</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's more the bullet length than the actual weight.

220-gr RNs are shorter than BTHPs like Sierra Matchkings. A slower twist that might not like the long pointy ones often does just fine with the shorter ones, same weight.

And twist-imparted bullet stability and accuracy is influence by the density of what you are shooting them through. Loads just fine at 60 F can keyhole at 0 F, because of air density.

IMO, the upper limit in .308 is 190 grains, not for stability reasons (they do just fine in a 1:12 down to 20F for sure...) but because of their speed limit. Too many clicks up for zero out past 600 yards for variable-distance targeting. But if you're shooting KD at 1,000 yards, or Palma at 800, 900, and 1,000 and that's not a factor 190s work okay and if your numbers show less wind drift that SAFELY fast-driven 155s (no. 2156 is a bit better, and that's what you say you have), then use 'em if your barrel shoots them accurately enough.

Windage and/or elevation advantages don't mean squat if your bullets are in a 1.5 MOA dispersion cone. </div></div>

Great post. Stability and associated twist rate is based mainly on the length of the bullet and how fast (in revolutions per unit time) the bullet is spinning. It just so happens the heavier a bullet is, the longer it tends to be, so weight/vs twist is a dumbed down way of considering twist rate. I have found a 180smk with 40gr Benchmark @ 2300fps (1:12) wasn't terribly stable, and would keyhole in cold weather. 43gr Varget @ 2550 with the same bullet was good to go in the same temperature.

 

[jetmd]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jwoolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">it's not about the 308 other than the twist rate of the barrel ( I'm sure you know this ) so, it's been said that you shouldn't use probably heavier than maybe a 178gr amax but, as others have said here, they've had luck with heavier bullets.

Personally, I wouldn't load anything heavier than the 190s or, I'd go with a 1:10 twist barrel to move up.

Hell, the right bullet for my 300wm is the 208gr amax. That's where I get the best performance out of that round. I'd load the 178s and call it good. That way you know you've got a stable bullet downrange.

In my own experience, those that are trying to turn the last bit of performance out of their ammo ( at the high end of performance )may have chosen the wrong round for the job. If you're running on the edge all the time, you're wearing out brass and, your rifle isn't made for doing that with.... work within what it was made to do and will treat you better in the long run, IMHO.

A 1:12 twist isn't made to even shoot 190s with. ( I'm not saying it won't do it however ) </div></div>

This is exactly what I am trying to avoid, I have no need to ring every last ounce out of my handloads, nor do I want different loads for warm days, cold days, rainy days ect.

I have been shooting 168 SMK's with good results, but thought I might be able to get away with something heavier without a barrel change. The current barrel is in Great condition, and I will not rebarrel just to shoot a different bullet.

Thanks to all who have posted, I enjoy meaningful discussion.

Maybe I will give the 175 SMK's a try?

 

[BCP]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

Give them a try, try the 178amax or 178bthp too. If they shoot better then great, if not then life goes on.

Also, if your rifle likes 168's check out the nosler 168 custom comps they shoot like the sierras but are 200 per 1k bulk packs.

 

[shooter308]

Re: .308 Win max bullet weight?

I personally think the 180 gr bullets would be a 1x12 max possible a 190 but thats pushing it. I SHOOT the 210 amaxs but i have a 1x10 thats all i feel will work with it.