.308 Winchester

[deadly0311]

45.2 grains of Varget
175 SMKS
CCI BR2
Fed brass
COAL 2.840

Shoots 1/2 MOA or better and running 2670 out of y 18" Oby tube.

 

[generalzip]

45.2 grains of Varget
175 SMKS
CCI BR2
Fed brass
COAL 2.840

Shoots 1/2 MOA or better and running 2670 out of y 18" Oby tube.

What rifle you shooting out of?


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[deadly0311]

Rem 700 short action

 

[Bbowl1]

GAP rem700 24" mike rock 1-11.25

43.0 varget
175 SMK
.025 off lands
Lapua brass
Win LR primer

 

[Irokcrawl]

rem 700 5r 20" tube

44.5gn varget
185gn Berger VLD's
CCI 250 primers
Federal brass
2.8750 COAL
unknown velocity, dont have a chrono..

shoots great at 100 yards out to 1200 which is as far as I have been able to stretch it. The VLD's did very well on a pretty windy day out to 725. Constantly on a 5" circle with far less hold for wind than the 175gn SMK.

Velocity is 2740fps avg..

 

[Deadshot2]

unknown velocity, dont have a chrono..

Nothing wrong with the old fashioned method of "extrapolation". Zero at 100 yards, shoot at 200 with no change in scope setting. Measure drop and repeat at 300, 400, etc until you run out of distance. You'll need some tall targets at the longer range or just put them on a "tomato stake" and set the bullseye at higher distances off the ground.

When you have your "drop chart" then go to JBM ballistics and input various speeds (good guesses work fine here) and see which speed gives you the same "drop chart".

In many ways this is even more accurate than just relying on a Chrono as you now have your Dope card for that ammo and at that point actual speed is just something to talk about. You've corrected for over or understated BC's and rendered the G1 vs G7 argument moot.

 

[Irokcrawl]

Nothing wrong with the old fashioned method of "extrapolation". Zero at 100 yards, shoot at 200 with no change in scope setting. Measure drop and repeat at 300, 400, etc until you run out of distance. You'll need some tall targets at the longer range or just put them on a "tomato stake" and set the bullseye at higher distances off the ground.

When you have your "drop chart" then go to JBM ballistics and input various speeds (good guesses work fine here) and see which speed gives you the same "drop chart".

In many ways this is even more accurate than just relying on a Chrono as you now have your Dope card for that ammo and at that point actual speed is just something to talk about. You've corrected for over or understated BC's and rendered the G1 vs G7 argument moot.

I've done that to verify dopes. I get 2705fps inputting off my data card when shooting paper out to 1000 in 100 yard Increments. I don't see my 20" barrel slinging a 185gn pill that fast but it is a semi compressed load with zero pressure signs. I was figuring 2550 or so. I've loaded up to 46.1gn with the same setup and had some pretty noticable primer deformations. It works though and is my go to load now.

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[Irokcrawl]

44.5gn of varget with the 185gn vld's that is.

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[Deadshot2]

I've done that to verify dopes. I get 2705fps inputting off my data card when shooting paper out to 1000 in 100 yard Increments. I don't see my 20" barrel slinging a 185gn pill that fast but it is a semi compressed load with zero pressure signs. I was figuring 2550 or so. I've loaded up to 46.1gn with the same setup and had some pretty noticable primer deformations. It works though and is my go to load now.

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Just remember the words of wisdom in the Bud Lite commercial ---------"It's only weird if it doesn't work".

 

[Irokcrawl]

Just remember the words of wisdom in the Bud Lite commercial ---------"It's only weird if it doesn't work".

Ha. I really don't care about how fast it goes. If it allows me to ring steel everytime I pull the trigger I'm good with it. I would like to know about the deviation between rounds and that's all I really care about. Maybe my wife will stick me a nice chronograph underneath the Christmas tree here soon. That or a nice spotter which she has a list of approved ones so she doesn't buy junk. Hensoldt spotter 60 is on top of that list but I she will see the price tag and skip right over it..

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[Deadshot2]

Hold out for the spotter and just measure the vertical dispersion of the hits on steel. That will give you all the "stat's" you need as to "deviation".

One of our club's "Top Gun" BR Shooters doesn't bother with a chronograph. He just adjusts powder loads (loading at the range) until all the bullets go through a single hole and he could care less what a chrony might say. In his words "they don't give scores for low SD, ES, etc, just holes in the paper".

That said, a chronograph does help if you don't already have a dope card for your rifle/ammo. Gives you a good starting point, an average speed to crank into an external ballistic's program which will make it easier to hit the "long paper" with your first shot.

 

[USW.260]

FN SPR A1A 20" 1-12" twist
.308win
155gr Hornady A-Max
FC 308 brass
Fed 210 primer
42.0gr Benchmark
2.780"

I chrono'd at 10' average velocity was 2689fps. The rifle is solid accurate and repeatable, it will put anything I run threw it into a nice little group. But this load made the best group. Cut a perfect circle that could be totally covered by a quarter. 300yds on steel was repeatable to the same spot. Hodgen shows 43.0grs as max and 42.0 in the heavy Federal brass showed NO sign of pressure...could...and will try to up the charge a little to see where pressure starts. I'd like to get 2700 out of it and keep the accuracy but not that important. Why Benchmark....well...couldn't find any damn thing other than that and pistol powders on the shelves. I've been wanting to try it out anyways. Meters really well. I've also used this same load in LC-77match brass with same results.

Ok..Up Date. Ran this load along side 44.0 grains of IMR 4895 out to 500yds. Hands down IMR 4895 was the clear winner in hits that day. Had a 2-6mph wind from my 4:30, 5 oclock. Velocity was 2710 average for 10shots chrono'd. I don't think it was the little velocity gain of the IMR but it was right on 1st shot with it. The benchmark worked but had to adjust more over a string to hit the same spot. Anyways 44.0grains of IMR 4895 did show signs of pressure will take it down a half grain and run with it. Side note: Hornady 155 Amax bullets are the shit!!

 

[aussiek2000]

New to the forum and precison shooing/reloading in general. Here are my loads so far that hold sub-MOA on paper out to 200yds. Powder and primer are hard to come by, hence the reason you see some oddball combos.


Remington 700 SPS varmint
1-12
26"

168gr Hornady match
40gr AA2495
Remington 9 1/2
2.800 OAL
2.005 trim length
Various brass

175gr SMK
41gr AA2495
Remington 9 1/2
2.800 OAL
2.005 trim length
Various brass

 

[Aimsmall55]

Found a good one.* WARNING IS HOT LOAD*
Rifle is a custom built on a Stiller action and a 28" Bartlein #9 1:11.25 twist.
47.3 Reloader 17
208 amax at 2.207 to ogive (2.961")
Lapua brass, fgm210m
Average at 58 degrees was 2650 fps w/ a magneto speed V2

 

[gravityoutdoors]

Remington 700 sps tactical 20" 10 twist .308
Mcree Chassis
jp enterprises comp
Federal Gold Brass
178 amax
Varget 43.5
Winchester Primer
2.814 OAL
No speed recorded
Sub .5 most

I could get hotter loads without pressure, but this was the sweet spot.

 

[levi8599]

Remmy 700 built by PCR
1/10 Rock Creek M40 barrel 24"
McMillan A4 stock
Timney set @ 2.5lbs

Lapua brass
CCI 200 primer
43.5gr IMR 4064
185 Berger OTM
2.86oal
2750fps

 

[GIXXER2000]

Well I just got the 400 178 A-MAX's I ordered and loaded up 8 round tonight. I am going to see how they shoot. I will try in my Styer SSG-04 24 inch 1-12 twist first and then if all goes well I will see how the work in the AI-PSR 308 with a 1-10 twist.

Load Data
Federal Brass
CCI BR2 Primer
44.2 or 44.4 Varget
178 A-MAX
2.830 OAL
FPS TBD

 

[levi8599]

I loaded 175 scenarL and smk with 44.5gr varget and got a very sticky bolt with both. I was getting 2800fps

Well I just got the 400 178 A-MAX's I ordered and loaded up 8 round tonight. I am going to see how they shoot. I will try in my Styer SSG-04 24 inch 1-12 twist first and then if all goes well I will see how the work in the AI-PSR 308 with a 1-10 twist.

Load Data
Federal Brass
CCI BR2 Primer
44.2 or 44.4 Varget
178 A-MAX
2.830 OAL
FPS TBD

 

[Deadshot2]

Found a great one yesterday.

42.2 gr IMR-4064
FC Brass (GMM)
175 SMK
Fed GM210M
2.800" OAL

2580 fps avg from 24" bbl.

Group size at 100 Y was .219 MOA. This was shot with an ambient temp of 28 degrees. Wanted a good "Magazine Length" load and it looks like this is it.

 

[GIXXER2000]

Just got back from shooting new loads and went very well. I had no issue with the bolt and had the primers looked great. It was very windy (25 mph+) so I just went out to get what my FPS was. I use a Magneto Speed so I know the numbers are good. The A-MAX AOL at 2.830 seated very well but will have to see how accurate they shot if the wind ever stops. All round were with the Styer SSG-04.Here is the break down:

175 GR. SMK
44.4 GR VARGET
AVG FPS = 2698
OAL = 2.800


178 A-MAX
42.2 GR VARGET
AVG FPS =2660
OAL = 2.830

178 A-MAX
44.4 GR VARGET
AGV FPS = 2675
OAL = 2.830

 

[Jackomason]

So i would be a "noob" to long range shooting but as a gun lover and a student far away from my guns I've had lots of research time so I understand stuff about (some of) the theories, i made this load in the summer for my stock 700 vls (26" barrel 1-12" twist)

Hornady 168gr bthp
42gr benchmark
hornady match .308 brass
federal 210 primers

With that I was getting just under 1/2 moa at 200yrds

I haven't played with seating depths or even types of powder and I'm not all sure where to go from where I'm at....

I enjoy loading and stuff but I really just wanna get out there and get some trigger time! any help and advice is much appreciated and again I am a noob so I need you guys to point me in the right direction. Im planning to do a long range shooting class in the summer and I feel like I could get out to 8 maybe 900 with my load now but i want to be ready for this class.

 

[Seekers]

So i would be a "noob" to long range shooting but as a gun lover and a student far away from my guns I've had lots of research time so I understand stuff about (some of) the theories, i made this load in the summer for my stock 700 vls (26" barrel 1-12" twist)

Hornady 168gr bthp
42gr benchmark
hornady match .308 brass
federal 210 primers

With that I was getting just under 1/2 moa at 200yrds

I haven't played with seating depths or even types of powder and I'm not all sure where to go from where I'm at....

First, welcome to Snipers Hide. Looks like you're headed just fine, "1/2 moa at 200yrds". Of course the next thing is to make sure that it maintains that same accuracy out to your desired ranges, "800-900 yards". I don't mean that it will get less accurate since you're not using 168 Sierra Match Kings, but instead that you have enough velocity to shoot at those distances.

I don't know Benchmark that well to know your velocity but you'll want to be in the 2600+ FPS range to be hitting targets @ 900-1000 yards. I'm pretty sure that Federal Gold Medal Match is right at 2620 or so. That will keep you supersonic till you hit your target.

 

[Jackomason]

Thank you, yeah well bench mark burns fairly fast from what I understand I know on the bottle itself it says that 42gr will get you 2650 but thats probably on a test rifle with 22" barrel. I haven't checked my MV but Im guessing that out of a 26" ill be at 2700-2725? I do want to get really far out there at some point but im still trying to figure things out a bit. from what i understand those 168's don't pass into transsonic state very well? If that's the case I can give up group size a little with those 175's and get better accuracy + no key holing out at 1000 yards.

In terms of OAL should i just seat the bullets out far enough that they just fit in the magazine? I don't think I don't think I can get my bullets that close to my lans on a Rem 700. As far as trigger time goes Im headed out tomorrow!

 

[Seekers]

That velocity will be fine for your intended distance. It's not all 168's that have a problem with going into the "trans-sonic" problem, only the Sierra Match Kings. Most people shooting 308's are using the bigger bullets or something bigger than 168 grain for 1000 yards. 175 grain Sierra Match Kings are very popular but so are 178 grain AMAX/MATCH. (When available) Also others up to 190 grain and a few using 208/210 under a compacted load.

Just depends on the rifle, barrel and twist.

As far at bullet seating, my Rem 700 has always shot well without messing with it. You may want to experiment with it after you have worked up a load of powder to your rifle.

Good luck tomorrow!

 

[Deadshot2]

In terms of OAL should i just seat the bullets out far enough that they just fit in the magazine? I don't think I don't think I can get my bullets that close to my lans on a Rem 700.

As far at bullet seating, my Rem 700 has always shot well without messing with it.

Factory Remingtons are almost impossible to have both a bullet close to the lands and still be able to feed from the magazine.

"Single Feeding" is nice when looking for a round to make "Wallet Targets" but if you ever have to do some serious business with that rifle magazine feed is essential.

On all my Remingtons I've farted around with different OAL's, looking for the extra accuracy. Funny thing though, I always ended up going back to "Magazine Length" OAL's, even for the best accuracy. One advantage of all that extra freebore is that pressure is less of a problem with hotter loads.

Until you replace your barrel or have it set back and re-chambered for a shorter freebore I'd just stick with 2.800-2.820" and wring the most accuracy out you can while still being able to use your magazine.

As for 168 gr, when my current supply is gone I'm strictly 175 SMK, 178 Amax, and if I can ever find any again, Berger 185 gr Juggernauts. The Juggernauts just like to fly, and fly, and fly. Lot more expensive but they sure work nice at long distances.

 

[aussiek2000]

Warmed up enough today to Test out my CFE223 loads. Loaded from 44-48grs. The 48 grain loads were HOT even though Hodgdon shows up to 49.0. At 48, My bolts was starting to get stuck but the primer was not showing any sign over overpressure.

Rem 700 SPS Varmint
1-12
26"


168gr Hornady BTHP
44.0 Grs CFE223
CCI 200 primer
Trim to 2.008
OAL 2.805
Various brass

 

[Ol' RD]

That's about exact match of mine.

 

[Jackomason]

I load my coyote gun (.223) with CFE but I don't see a real need for it in bolt guns. from what ive gathered its basically just cleaner but tempurature will screw with velocities a lot more. tell me what you find! I've got quite a bit of it!

 

[aussiek2000]

I load my coyote gun (.223) with CFE but I don't see a real need for it in bolt guns. from what ive gathered its basically just cleaner but tempurature will screw with velocities a lot more. tell me what you find! I've got quite a bit of it!

I'm going to clean it today and see how it looks compared to H4895. If no major difference, I'm probably going to stick to 4895.


UPDATE: Cleaned it today. 25 rounds 168gr hornady propelled by CFE223. Was no cleaner than H4895(AA2495) That I've been using. Carbon/powder fouling was about the same as well as copper fouling.

 

[stang_j_99]

Found a great one yesterday.

42.2 gr IMR-4064
FC Brass (GMM)
175 SMK
Fed GM210M
2.800" OAL

2580 fps avg from 24" bbl.

Group size at 100 Y was .219 MOA. This was shot with an ambient temp of 28 degrees. Wanted a good "Magazine Length" load and it looks like this is it.

I tried almost this exact load the other weekend except with 165 sgk. Granted mine was shot from my out of the box savage. Didn't have good luck with it. I guess it could have been me. Also haven't worked it up yet. Just threw them together figured they would be a good start.

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[eicas]

I've been lurking about a year. New to the LR game, but long time shooter, shotgun and pistol loader. First post. With the info I gathered here at SH, along with a few other sites. I performed a OCW test, did some homework, a little more tweaking (OK, a lot more tweaking), and settled on the following. It does good out to the 800yd range which is as far as I have got it too. Hopefully the weather breaks soon and I can get it out to 1K.

I'd like to thank all here for helping out the "new guy" and getting me started.


Remington 700 5R Mil-Spec
.308
24"
Elite 3200 10X
Harris Pod


Reloader 15
43.2
.010 off lands (2.329" OAL from ogive)
Lapua Brass
WLR Primers

17F
78% Humidity
28.48 inhg (uncorrected)
2493 fps

If I do my part, gives sub-half inch at 100yds and good results on steel past that. Haven't had the opportunity to really print it past about 180yds.

 

[downrange67]

REMINGTON 700 With the action trued

43.5 Varget
.010 off lands
Winchester brass
Cci 200 primer
Bartlein M24 contour 26"
175 SMKs
2710 fps
Produces 3/8" at 100 yards

 

[Tempest 455]

Specifically for Savage F/TR. What worked well in my 10BA, not so good in the F/TR. It likes a lot of jump. Just tried this yesterday.

175g SMK
43.5g Varget
Lapua Brass
CCI 200 primer
2710 FPS
2.770 COAL (.020-.030 was all good but .030" was best)

My son was putting holes in holes with this load, was under .5 MOA. Will try next weekend and see how it shoots at 500 yards.

 

[stang_j_99]

Loads For .308 Winchester

So I did some load development yesterday at the deer lease. Our shooting range is 150 yards. This was shot from my walmart special savage model 10 in .308. Sporter barrel @ 24" 1:10 twist. Leup. Vx1 3-9x40.

165 grn Sierra game king.
Hornady match brass
44.0 IMR 4064
Chamber measured 2.300 with a dummy round on the ogive.
Test loads were 2.260
CCI large rifle magnum.

Going to further refine next weekend. Have some pics will post in a sec.

The low shot was from another group.

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[Ultraman550]

Load Development with Norma 203-B
LC 11 brass once fired - trimmed to 2.005, swaged on Dillon 600, chamfer and deburred.
Tula .7.62 Nato primer
175 SMK machine pulldown

A)Shot 6 series of shots
B)42.5 g, 42.8 g, 43.1 g.....10 rounds loaded to 2.215 and 10 rounds loaded to 2.285 so 60 rounds total.
C) Wanted to test jam vs. jump
D) Chamber OAL is 2.300 so I loaded .015 off the lands and 2.215 because that is the reading I got measuring bullet ogive to cartridge base from FGMM which is 2.800 COAL
E) 1 loaded round did not go off. Light primer strike it appears

65 degrees, 3000 ft altitude, 3 mph wind, bipod, no bag, 1:10 twist Bartelin Med Palma 26" with AAC 7.62 SDN Suppressor, 100 yards

43.1 grains loaded to 2.285 was the best. 43.1 grains loaded to 2.215 was shitty.

Series 6 Shots: 9 43.1 Long (2.285)
Min 2676 Max 2721
Avg 2700 S-D 13
ES 45

Series Shot Speed
6 1 2710 ft/sec
6 2 2707 ft/sec
6 3 2676 ft/sec
6 4 2701 ft/sec
6 5 2689 ft/sec
6 6 2710 ft/sec
6 7 2691 ft/sec
6 8 2721 ft/sec
6 9 2698 ft/sec

Max load listed is 43.3 gains and there were zero pressure signs so I am going to try 43.3 loaded short and long.

 

[bruddah]

Specifically for Savage F/TR. What worked well in my 10BA, not so good in the F/TR. It likes a lot of jump. Just tried this yesterday.

175g SMK
43.5g Varget
Lapua Brass
CCI 200 primer
2710 FPS
2.770 COAL (.020-.030 was all good but .030" was best)

My son was putting holes in holes with this load, was under .5 MOA. Will try next weekend and see how it shoots at 500 yards.

Good to know. I shoot the savage model 10 TR. Thats close to my load.

My load for my Savage:
CCI large rifle BR primers
43.0 gr IMR 4046
Lapua brass
175 gr SMKs

Loaded .010"- 0.015" off the lands.

 

[Jackcrow73]

My 308 load

Berger 155 Hunting VLD
Lapua Brass
44.5 gr RL15
Fed 210M
Seated at the lands

2815 FPS out of a 24" barrel

 

[Tempest 455]

Keep in mind, like I said above the load my Savage 10 BA liked, the F/TR did not. Totally different guns. Chamber, twist and barrel length are different. One is 24" and the other is 30". Ended up with way different seating length on the F/TR. Also the BA needs more powder to get same velocity.

Here was the load the 10 BA liked for 1,000 yard F class

175g SMK
44.0g Varget
Lapua Brass
2.800 touching lands
CCI 200 primer

Good to know. I shoot the savage model 10 TR. Thats close to my load.

My load for my Savage:
CCI large rifle BR primers
43.0 gr IMR 4046
Lapua brass
175 gr SMKs

Loaded .010"- 0.015" off the lands.

 

[AZ.noob]

It may not be a barn-burner, but this one is stupid accurate in my Savage 10FCP, 10-twist 24" bbl

190 grain Sierra Matchking, .020 jump
42.3 grains Varget
CCI primers
Lapua brass full-length resized, bumped back .001. I had neck turned these, but that was 3 or 4 cycles ago. I have however annealed since


No primer flattening at all, bolt lift is smooth.
(left my notebook at the office, so going off memory here)
2610 average MV
SD in the mid-teens
2000' ASL, 73*F, BP in the low 30s, 10% humidity. 10-15mph wind at about 1-2 o'clock, not much. Beautiful conditions

Solid half-minute load. I haven't yet shot it beyond 200 yards, but it cloverleafs them if I do my job

Credit where credit is due: huge thanks to Dan Newberry

 

[Hondo64d]

Been playing with the 175gr VLDs. This one shows much promise. 5 shots. OAL includes Sinclair bullet comparator. For distance to ogive, subtract 1". 24" #5 Brux barrel, 12" twist.

John

 

[Aimsmall55]

I need some good data for the 168 Berger hybrid. Will they shoot jumping??? Also any good recipes would be much appreciated. Thanks , AS

 

[Scoby]

LMT MWS w/ 18" SS Barrel 1:11.25 twist


Hornady Cases, 2.027" length
Federal Primers
43.30gr of IMR-4064
168gr SMK
2.79" OAL...edited
Estimated MV of 2,620fps (no crono)

.791 MOA

 

[Deadshot2]

LMT MWS w/ 18" SS Barrel 1:11.25 twist


Hornady Cases, 2.10" length
Federal Primers
43.30gr of IMR-4064
168gr SMK
2.75" OAL
Estimated MV of 2,620fps (no crono)

.791 MOA

Have you tried a heavier powder charge with this bullet? Usually, when I see a group shaped like this it needs a little more "speed" to close it up. Your charge is right about the mid-point for IMR-4064 and if you haven't hit pressure signs, you might try a load closer to 44 gr.

With the 11.25 twist rate it leads me to believe that the intended bullet for that rifle is the 175 gr. With a 175 gr your target load would be around 42 gr using 4064.

>1 MOA isn't bad but with some tuning I'll bet you can cut that group in half based on my experience with a similar rifle, that powder, and 175 gr bullets.

Not being critical, just offering some free advice

 

[Scoby]

Have you tried a heavier powder charge with this bullet? Usually, when I see a group shaped like this it needs a little more "speed" to close it up. Your charge is right about the mid-point for IMR-4064 and if you haven't hit pressure signs, you might try a load closer to 44 gr.

With the 11.25 twist rate it leads me to believe that the intended bullet for that rifle is the 175 gr. With a 175 gr your target load would be around 42 gr using 4064.

>1 MOA isn't bad but with some tuning I'll bet you can cut that group in half based on my experience with a similar rifle, that powder, and 175 gr bullets.

Not being critical, just offering some free advice

No worries. Opinions and advice are always welcomed.

I went up to 43.8grs of the IMR-4064. Never saw any pressure sign. The groups seemed to open up a bit the higher loading I went though.
My old Sierra manual lists the max. for this bullet/powder combo as 44.7grs so I have some room to work it.

This is the best load I have been able to come up with after many bullet/powder combinations.
It does not like the 175gr SMKs for some reason. Even the 165gr Hornady SSTs shoot better.

 

[Jackomason]

168gr BTHP hornady
42 grains of bench mark + ladder test weights (speak for them selves)
Hornady match brass
Fed. 210 primers

This was taken at 300 yards and worked beautifully!
Remington 700 VLS .308 1:12"



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[jbrand11]

Tag for later

 

[Deadshot2]

No worries. Opinions and advice are always welcomed.

I went up to 43.8grs of the IMR-4064. Never saw any pressure sign. The groups seemed to open up a bit the higher loading I went though.
My old Sierra manual lists the max. for this bullet/powder combo as 44.7grs so I have some room to work it.

This is the best load I have been able to come up with after many bullet/powder combinations.
It does not like the 175gr SMKs for some reason. Even the 165gr Hornady SSTs shoot better.

You may also be seeing a "Jump" issue. Take the best shooting charge weight and play with the OAL's. If you want to shoot "magazine length" cartridges just start at the 2.750" length you used for this load. Load 5 at that length, load 5 more at .005" longer, and repeat until you reach a length about .005" less than the max your magazine will reliably feed. My .308 with 175's shoots "ragged holes" at 100 Y with an OAL of 2.825". Shorter or longer and the groups scatter.

Tuning a load is an "Art". First find a charge weight that shoots best with any given bullet. Then work with the OAL, varying until the group is as small as you can get. Then go back to powder charges only now work in smaller increments. For the Quick Tune use .4-.5 gr increments in a .308. After you've found the smallest group with powder and your first run through of OAL's then go back and use .1-.2 gr increments. This will adjust for the pressure changes caused by varying the seating depth as well as increasing or reducing the jump. I try to do this kind of tuning when the conditions are kind of "right in the middle". Not too hot, not too cold. This helps me develop a nice accurate load for just about any bullet I choose to send down the pipe. Only variations after this kind of tuning is than limited to bullet quality itself.

 

[Tempest 455]

Specifically for Savage F/TR. What worked well in my 10BA, not so good in the F/TR. It likes a lot of jump. Just tried this yesterday.

175g SMK
43.5g Varget
Lapua Brass
CCI 200 primer
2710 FPS
2.770 COAL (.020-.030 was all good but .030" was best)

My son was putting holes in holes with this load, was under .5 MOA. Will try next weekend and see how it shoots at 500 yards.

Specifically for Savage 12 F/TR: Tested again. Best node was 43.7g Varget for my rifle. Trying it next weekend at 1,000 and will see how it does.

 

[Scoby]

You may also be seeing a "Jump" issue. Take the best shooting charge weight and play with the OAL's. If you want to shoot "magazine length" cartridges just start at the 2.750" length you used for this load. Load 5 at that length, load 5 more at .005" longer, and repeat until you reach a length about .005" less than the max your magazine will reliably feed. My .308 with 175's shoots "ragged holes" at 100 Y with an OAL of 2.825". Shorter or longer and the groups scatter.

I must apologize. In my post I stated 2.75" OAL. It is not. It is 2.79" Will change this.

I load these for magazine length. 2.825" is a rubbing fit in my Pmags. I backed the seating depth off .035" to account for possible bullet tip and mag inconsistencies and of course reliable feeding.

Tuning a load is an "Art". First find a charge weight that shoots best with any given bullet. Then work with the OAL, varying until the group is as small as you can get. Then go back to powder charges only now work in smaller increments. For the Quick Tune use .4-.5 gr increments in a .308. After you've found the smallest group with powder and your first run through of OAL's then go back and use .1-.2 gr increments. This will adjust for the pressure changes caused by varying the seating depth as well as increasing or reducing the jump. I try to do this kind of tuning when the conditions are kind of "right in the middle". Not too hot, not too cold. This helps me develop a nice accurate load for just about any bullet I choose to send down the pipe. Only variations after this kind of tuning is than limited to bullet quality itself.

Yeah it is an art and consistency plays a big role.
I'll be doing some more testing with loads closer to the max. and see how it goes.

I was tickled to get almost .75 MOA out of a semi-auto that I understand the manufacturer claims should shoot 1.5 MOA consistently.

 

[pbcaster45]

I ran out of Varget so I started using IMR-4064, happy with it so far!

Ten shots at 200 yards (about 1.8 inches center to center) from my Savage 16FLHSS with its Lothar-Walther barrel.

Bullet: Nosler 175 gr. Custom Competition
Powder: IMR-4064 42.5 grs.
Primer: Wolf Large Rifle
Case: Lapua
LOAL: 2.850 (2.257 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2671.28 fps
Extreme Spread: 45.95
Standard Deviation: 13.78