.308 Winchester

Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

factory DPMS .308 24"
175 gr. nosler custom comp
fc brass
cci-200
RL-15 45 gr.
308group-1.jpg
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

At this time I am using Varget with Winchester Brass and Winchester primers. For the bullets I have tried 155SMK and 175SMK, but am willing to try anything to get better groups. I would like to use this rifle on steel out to 800yds.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGN</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At this time I am using Varget with Winchester Brass and Winchester primers. For the bullets I have tried 155SMK and 175SMK, but am willing to try anything to get better groups. I would like to use this rifle on steel out to 800yds. </div></div>

Well, it seems to me most varget guys are using 43.5-44.5 so I would start at 43 and work my way up. What accuracy are you getting now?

I use AA2520, its burn rate is slightly faster than Varget. 43 grains behind a 175 and 2.8 overall is my load. They group 1" or better, usually first 3-4 are touching but after that it grows.

WLR primers are smaller in diameter than CCI's, I learned this when one came out and got stuck inside my magazine
frown.gif
So stick with CCI primers if you can get them.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Armalite AR10A4
21" Stainless Steel Noveske barrel, 1/10" polygonal rifling
Tubb CWS with Tungsten "heavy" insert, ~4oz
MGI RRB Buffer, 7.2oz
Tubb Flat-Wire Chrome-Silicon Buffer Spring


46gr Varget, 155gr Scenar, New Win Brass, CCI BR2 primer, .003" neck tension, COAL 2.842"

1. 2770
2. 2766
3. 2751
4. 2725
5. 2749
6. 2729
7. 2744
8. 2732
9. 2733
10. 2726


Conditions: 70deg, cloudy, 52% humidity, 52deg dewpoint, pressure 30.03, winds from ENE 9mph
Shooting direction: North Elevation: 152ft

Avg. 2742.5 fps
ES: 45fps
SD: 13.5fps

45gr Varget, 175gr SMK, 2.82" everything else the same as above.

1. 2634
2. 2639
3. 2641
4. 2613
5. 2644
6. 2636
7. 2626
8. 2616
9. 2613
10. 2651


Conditions same as above

Avg. 2631.3 fps
ES: 38fps
SD: 11.44fps

Velocities recorded using Shooting Chrony Gamma model.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Savage 10FCP McMillan
24" 1:10" barrel

Hornady 208gr A-Max
COAL 2.980" .020" from lands, still feeds from Savage DBM
New Winchester brass
CCI BR2 primers
RL-17 Powder
Neck sized to .003" neck tension


48.5gr

2570fps avg

49gr

2578fps avg

49.5gr

2588fps avg

50gr

2632fps avg

50.5gr

2669fps Avg

51gr

2705fps Avg

The 51gr load is hot, maybe a bit too hot in warmer temps. 1/5 pieces of brass show some slight ejector flow and signs of gas nearly escaping around the primer. Curiously, the primers aren't flattened and only the slightest amount of cratering is present and it only occurs on 1/5 pieces of brass. I think I'll load 50.5gr is new brass and 51gr in once-fired.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bullet???? </div></div>

Sorry about that. Fixed it now.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Savage 10FP, 24" barrel, 1:10 twist.

168gr SMK
Hornady Match Brass
44gr IMR 4064
Fed LR primers
2.800 OAL

This ran 2780fps out of my gun and out of my friends VTR (18" barrel not including muzzle brake and action) he clocked in at 2600fps average.

168gr SMK
Hornady Match Brass
45.2gr IMR 4064
Fed LR primers
2.800 OAL

2825fps average

MIke.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

175gr SMK
Black Hills brass
Fed primers
42.6gr of Varget
2.805 COAL

Fired out of a 22" Hart tube with a velocity of about 2600fps if JBM is correct. Shot at various distances out to 1005 yards, recorded the dope and worked back to get the numbers to match using the G7 drag.

I've only shot this for groups once and at 125 yards I had a group of right around .6"
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Remy 700 SPS Tac 308 20inch BBL 1 in 12 twist

168gr Amax
43.0gr Varget
Remington Brass trimmed 2.08
CCI200
Coal 2.800
3 shoot group at 100yd- .532

178gr AMax
Remington Brass trimmed 2.08
43.3gr Varget
CCI 200
Coal 2.800
3 shoot group at 100yd- .572
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ejd049</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
178gr AMax
Remington Brass trimmed 2.08
43.3gr Varget
CCI 200
Coal 2.800
3 shoot group at 100yd- .572</div></div>

I'm looking for a load to try with the 178gr AMAX. I will start here.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

700p 26"bl 1:12

155smk
H4895 45.0
OAL 2.82
BHA Brass trimmed to 2.010
.570 @ 100yds

155smk
RL15 49.0
OAL 2.82
BHA Brass trimmed to 2.008
.468 @ 100yds

No Crono yet, Primers were cci

no presure signs I am at sea level and both loads were tested above 90 deg.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ejd049</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
178gr AMax
Remington Brass trimmed 2.08
43.3gr Varget
CCI 200
Coal 2.800
3 shoot group at 100yd- .572</div></div>

I'm looking for a load to try with the 178gr AMAX. I will start here. </div></div>

I've found a accuracy node for my 26" 700VS at 44.6gr of Varget, CCI Br-2, Lapua brass. @ 2.849 my mag length. didn't have the crono with me at the time so next time I'll drag it out. I would imagine it's in the 2550 to 2600 fps range.

Edited: OK, got the crono data... boy was I wrong.
Crono'ed @ 2695fps avg from 12ft giving a muzzle Velocity of 2703fps
ED was 23.4
SD 10.8
AD 8.6
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ubet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anyone have a good load for 155 amaxs, varget, ccib2 shot out of a 5r? Have read through the thread and didnt see to many for the amaxs, do they not shoot as good as the scenars?
Thanks </div></div>

I have some 155 Amax bullets. They don't have a problem with accuracy, but their BC isn't in the same class as the Scenar. That being said, I've loaded up to 47.2gr of Varget under them with BR2s and Winchester cases. I seem to get a little bit more velocity out of them then I do with the Scenars.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 308sako</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Robot Doc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ejd049</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
178gr AMax
Remington Brass trimmed 2.08
43.3gr Varget
CCI 200
Coal 2.800
3 shoot group at 100yd- .572</div></div>

I'm looking for a load to try with the 178gr AMAX. I will start here. </div></div>

I've found a accuracy node for my 26" 700VS at 44.6gr of Varget, CCI Br-2, Lapua brass. @ 2.849 my mag length. didn't have the crono with me at the time so next time I'll drag it out. I would imagine it's in the 2550 to 2600 fps range. </div></div>

FWIW: I shoot 44.6 grains of Varget with 175 SMK's in my 26" ROCK, and Velocity is 2780 ft/secs.</div></div>

It wouldn't surprise me, but I'm shooting 168 Amaxs with with 44.5gr Varget with CCI 250s (mag primers) and only getting 2770fps out of them But others are getting varying fps out of the same load. Chambers and lands really do make a difference I think.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Just finished a workup with IMR4895 and 168gr SMKs. Used the OCW method and shot all groups Round Robin style, and allowed 1 minute between shots and 10 minutes between strings for cooling.


Sierra 168gr Match King
IMR4895
Win/BHA brass, Win LR primers, COL = 2.005, OAL = 2.810
Book Max 45.4
My Max 44.0
Start Wt. 43.1
Grp POI Notes
Rd1 43.1 0.525 Way low No flyers, scope needed adj
Rd2 43.4 0.750 Low/Rt No flyers, felt good
Rd3 43.7 1.300 Center No flyers
Rd4 44.0 1.150 Rt One flyer; minus flier group was .500

Grp POI Notes
Rd1 43.1 1.750 Inconsistent Not sure what happened?
Rd2 44.0 1.100 Slightly right One bug hole, one flyer

Grp POI Notes
Rd1 43.1 0.650 Low No flyers
Rd2 44.0 0.825 Low No flyers

<span style="font-weight: bold">Result ... Groups seemed to open up for the second and third load, then start to close up again as the charge went higher. Selected 43.1gr IMR4895 under the 168gr SMK selected. Shot an average of .575" at 100 yards. Will take it to 200 and 300 Monday to verify. Then run thru dope to 600 yards when I can find somewhere to do it.</span>
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Found one for my bone stock 700 ADL 26" 1:12" (Big5 special, flimsy stock and all).

175 SMK
42.5 RL15
WIN/BH Brass
CCI BR2
2.830 oal

capable of just under .5" at 100yd (5 round).
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

ArmaLite AR10A4
21" Noveske Barrel 1:10" Poly
Tubbs CWS
6.5oz Buffer

Lapua 155gr Scenar
New Winchester Cases
CCI BR2 Primer
2.845" COAL



47gr Varget

1. 2846
2. 2821
3. 2834
4. 2823
5. 2838

2832.4fps Avg

ES 25
SD 8.4

Conditions:

Sunny, 86 degrees. 40% humidity, pressure 29.74.

Shot a 1/2" 5-Shot group with this today at 100. Looks like the new go-to load for this gun.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

1st loads for Remington LTR. 41.5-44.0 varget in .5 grain increments.

43.5 varget gave best group so far.(.450) 3 shot group
Fed. Brass, lee collet neck sized once fired.
175SMK, 2.05 oal
Br2 primers

I was quite surprised with the 1-12 twist and short barrel the rifle shot the 175 smk well. Although it is only 100 yards.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

OCW results for the 168gr Amax over IMR4895.

Weapon is Savage FCP-K .308; 24" heavy fluted barrel with muzzle brake.

Using Winchester/Black Hills brass, Win LR primers, COL = 2.005, OAL = 2.815.

R1 42.6 .850
R2 42.9 .700
R3 43.2 .525
R4 43.5 .650
R5 43.8 1.100
R6 44.1 1.050

R7 43.2 .500 1.250 @ 200
R8 43.5 .575 1.700 @ 200

R9 43.2 3.125 @ 300
R10 43.2 3.625 @ 350
R11 43.2 3.800 @ 400
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Reduced Load with the 168gr SMKs
Rifle is Marlin XS .308, 22" sporter barrel, floated and stiffened forearm and bedded recoil lug.

Sierra 168gr Match King - Reduced Load
IMR4895 PMC NATO brass, Win LR primers, COL = 2.005, OAL = 2.760 to 2.775
Book Max
My Max
Start Wt. 26.0
Grp POI Notes
Rd1 26.0 1.250 Low, adjusted Seated deep; best group and little recoil.

Rd2 26.5 1.750 Low, adjusted

Rd3 27.0 2.550 Centered

Rd4 27.5 2.875 Way high Seated 2.775; Shot way higher than other loads.

* Groups shot from sticks while seated, not from loaded bipod and bag.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Stock 5R milspec

155 AMAX
47 gr IMR 4895
2.800 oal

Have not chronied yet but pretty sure she is moving...

<.5" at 100m

I am having a hard time getting a 155 scenar load to work out well. I cant get anything below .5 MOA. Anyone got a nice load for the 5r using IMR4895?
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

I have been using LC brass with 43 varget + 168 nosler, 2.8 overall with no pressure signs. Just under 2500fps out of an 18" DPMS upper so probably 2600+ out of a 24".

Edit: new load, same primer(CCI LR), brass and powder charge but a 178 amax instead. Shoots a LOT better, can't believe how much harder that amax hits steel vs those 168s. Velocity was 2450, but for some reason point of impact at 200 was an 1" higher than the 168s...
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

175smk
43.9g varget
fed 210 primers
Lapua brass
2.815 coal
2745fps out of my factory savage fcp-k with a 24" barrel, 10" twist. More accurate than me, but I still shoot SUB-MOA with it.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Sako TRG-22 26" .308 Win with the factory muzzle brake installed, off a bench with bipod and rear bag.

175SMK
unfired Lapua brass
44.0gr Varget
Federal GM210M Primer
2.888 COAL
2.3065 Ogive
.007 off the lands
Functions in Magazine

5 shots went .309 MOA @ 200 Yards

TRG226-11-2010175SMKVarget001-1.jpg


175SMK
unfired Lapua brass
45.0gr Varget
Federal GM210M Primer
2.888 COAL
2.3065 Ogive
.007 off the lands
Functions in Magazine

*Case Head showed ejector swipes* - Bolt lift tiny bit stiff

5 shots went .533 MOA @ 200 Yards
5 shots went .459 MOA @ 200 Yards

TRG226-11-2010175SMKVarget003.jpg


TRG226-11-2010175SMKVarget002.jpg


No chrono data this trip. Wanted to see if it was worth the effort.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

DPMS SASS 18" 1-10" twist >>>trying to stay supersonic for 1000yds

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Hornady 208 AMAX</span>
All Win/BH brass full length resized
- CCI BR primers
-<span style="text-decoration: underline">COAL <span style="color: #FF0000">2.820</span> (magazine length)</span>
*********************************
Hybrid 100V powder
43.9gr (compressed)
2205 fps
85 deg @ 1800 alt

This is the best velocity I got from the short barrel, YMMV with a longer barrel. No primer deforming even up to 44.6gr but no real velocity increase either. This powder is a bit too slow for this barrel. The velocity actually went down 200fps with loads starting at 44.0gr and slowly started to build back up.

<span style="color: #CC0000">Take care working up this load. 100V should be usable in a longer barrel</span>
**********************************



 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

DPMS SASS 18" 1-10" twist >>>trying to stay supersonic for 1000yds

Hornady 208 AMAX
All Win/BH brass full length resized
- CCI BR primers
-COAL 2.820 (magazine length)
****************
Hodgdon VARGET
90 deg @ 1000 alt
CED2 chrono @ 10ft
Single fed into chamber

42.0gr 2244,2240,2249
42.5gr 2250,2252,2243
43.0gr 2260,2248, none
43.5gr* 2250,2257,2249
44.0gr* 2303,2306,2272 couldn't get these <2.830COAL
44.5gr* 2292,2305,2291 " " " " "

The *'s are compressed loads and when seated, marks were evident on the bullet. No flattened primers except the 44.5 grain load had very very slight cratering. I almost missed it. Well 2250ish is going transonic at 1100 yards, but let's try and get rid of those compressed loads....breaking out the 4895 for the next round!
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Alright...finally! H4895 did it! From JBM :

208 AMAX @1000yd -11.5mil 1285.4fps Mach 1.113 762.9 ft/lb

Specs and rifle as above...

powder Hodgdon H4895
95 deg 3900 DA

42.5gr 2354,2383,2368 ave:2375 es:15.0
43.0gr 2378,2370,2374 ave:2374 es:8.0
43.5 2320...stopped for cratered primer (this was a compressed load)

Time to work up OCW leading up to 43 grains. H4895 looks just like Varget, I hope it behaves when it gets cooler. I've been hitting baseball sized rocks @ 500m while chrono-ing, so it's definitely stabilized
smile.gif


 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Stock 5R (bedded HS stock) with 639 rounds down the tube. I did Remington's M24 recommended 100 round break in procedure which cut the fouling and copper by over half. Then I hadn't shot over 15 rounds before stripping the copper out with KG12, but most of the time it was cleaned after 5-10 rounds each time. Yeah I went through some KG12. It still held too much copper for my liking until about 512 rounds. From 512 till now I have shot 34 rounds through it without a lick of copper in the barrel. I then cleaned it only for carbon and it seems to have smoothed out. I would consider a barrel that took 512 rounds to break in to be a little stubborn. But all is well now.

Here's what's been working for me:

F/L sized FGMM brass 2.005
175smk
imr4064 43.1
2.80oal
.5" or better

F/L sized FGMM brass 2.005
175smk
RL15 42.1
2.80oal
.4's
This load is easy on the FGMM brass.


N/S FGMM brass .337 bushing
175smk
imr4064 43.2
2.80oal
.4's

RL15 43.2 same bullet and N/S brass
2.80oal
.4's also

Hornady brass F/L sized 2.005
168amax
RL15 43.6
2.800oal
.112 !!!

Will shoot Hornady TAP 168AMAX in the .4s regularly .... 2680FPS

Hunting load-------

F/L Lapua brass 2.005
155SST
RL15 46.6
2922 FPS
seated to Hornady load manual depth
.229" at 100

It will only shoot the infamous 45.0 grains of varget in VIRGIN win brass in the .4's as well. 1x fired brass won't hold but in the .8s
frown.gif
I cant fiure out why?


 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

Wow.In my 20" Rock barreled AR10 I use 43.5 gr H-4895 with the 168gr Amax, and just decided to bump the charge to 43.8gr. Win brass, 2.805" oal. At 2650fps, its 3/4 moa and easy on the brass. Do you plan on shooting your 208 Amax load at 43+Gr H-4895 on a regular basis? Does it tear up the brass? Seems hot to me.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tangodown911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
It will only shoot the infamous 45.0 grains of varget in VIRGIN win brass in the .4's as well. 1x fired brass won't hold but in the .8s
frown.gif
I cant fiure out why?


</div></div>
Have you run the other loads through virgin brass and fired brass with equal sized groups? I initially thought that a little work hardening from the first firing might change the neck tension slightly, but if it only happens with the Varget 45.0 grain load... that makes me wonder too.
 
Re: Loads For .308 Winchester

After OCW, I settled on a load of 42.5 grains of H4895, I still get a little bit of crunch when seating, but it's not bad. I went out and was sticking it to a 10lb propane can at 1000m among the other unsuspecting rocks. 12.2 mils with 1.5mil hold for the wind here in Bullhead. I'm going to try the Benchmark powder next and see if I can eliminate the bullet crunching down on the powder at all. May not be worth it, this combo seems to work OK, but we'll see