Range Report .308 with 208 Amax and Varget [Update: 5/30]

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's your velocity diffrence between the rl17 an varget. I like the avalibility of varget but the rl17 numbers have me druling </div></div>

I can run the RL17 up to 2600fps, but it's quite hot, as in ejector swipe, and eating up brass hot. 2500fps is a easy load with the rl17, and I have a 2500fps load for it, but it's not very stable in temperature swings.

Branden

 

[Quicky06]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Ok thanks for the info. Im running a 26" tube so I should get them faster. Now is just the debate between velocity and temp stability.

Maybe just maybe I can get a ocw load that will negate that

 

[kyreloader]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I am curious why you are wanting to use the 43g load instead of the 43.3g or 43.6g load?

It seems as if both of those loads shoot better than your 43g load. With the same POI, I would think that you are closer to a node at 43.4 or so than at 43g. I understand that 43.6g may be a little hot, but you mention no pressure signs at 43.3g and it was 85 degrees.

What say you?

 

[308saiga]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Cool great report, thank you so much for sharing. Do you have a Case Length Headspace Gage? http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?pr...m_campaign=9315 this gauge will tell you a lot about the pressures that your shots produce (I am not an expert) from what I was told you will insert the case into this gauge and if it slides in without having to force it in the pressures in your case are fine, and of course it tests for headspace....

Please do not take this as fact just what I was told.....

 

[Quicky06]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

That's not what that's for.

That is ment for measuring headspace and case length in a go no go form.

 

[308saiga]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's not what that's for.

That is ment for measuring headspace and case length in a go no go form.

</div></div>

Like I said I was not sure, thanks for the info... I was told that it would also measure case swelling for pressure...

 

[hopps]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: [email protected]</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So would a 1 in 12 barrel 25 inch overall stabilize the 208?

I have a ton of 190 grain moly but have not gotten any 208s yet.

</div></div>

I shoot them at 2472 w/46gr RL17 in a 1-12twist 22'' ar10, they are stable and accurate @ 800feet ASL to 2500 feet ASL from 100 to over 1100 yards. I believe it is on the ragged edge though, according to Litz's SBM ballistics program or whatever.

Comments I have heard while shooting alongside other .308s

"Nate, that fuckin' rifle is loud!"



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">In theory, IMR 4064 should give almost identical results as Varget. However, the long kernels may end up limiting the charge unless some very slow trickling is done.</div></div>

Not to get off topic but wouldn't one of those drop funnels compress it enough?

And on my gas gun I see pressure signs way early using IMR 4064

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kyreloader</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am curious why you are wanting to use the 43g load instead of the 43.3g or 43.6g load?

It seems as if both of those loads shoot better than your 43g load. With the same POI, I would think that you are closer to a node at 43.4 or so than at 43g. I understand that 43.6g may be a little hot, but you mention no pressure signs at 43.3g and it was 85 degrees.

What say you? </div></div>

Those groups were opened up by yours truly forgetting some fundamentals, and after those, I pulled my head from my butt and got down to business. I am going to reshoot the 43.3 load alongside the 43.0 again with 5 shot groups, 2 or 3 groups each over the chrono and see how that goes.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hopps</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Comments I have heard while shooting alongside other .308s

"Nate, that fuckin' rifle is loud!"
</div></div>

My first match that I went to got a lot of comments on how loud it was. Most thought that it was a short magnum of some sort, they were quite surprised that it was a .308.

Branden

 

[hill billy]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dust_Remover</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's your velocity diffrence between the rl17 an varget. I like the avalibility of varget but the rl17 numbers have me druling </div></div>

I can run the RL17 up to 2600fps, but it's quite hot, as in ejector swipe, and eating up brass hot. 2500fps is a east load with the rl17, and I have a 2500fps load for it, but it's not very stable in temperature swings.

Branden </div></div>Was this your reasoning for going to Varget? Your original thread got me started on the 208's and now that I have them just about dialed and picked up a bunch of Rl-17, now you're using Varget?

Just curious. Seems like they are moving a good bit faster with the RL 17. They've been great for me to 1k, haven't been over that yet.

 

[badbot]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

rl17 is faster and when it warmed up loads started poping primers I hear.
so giving back 100fps for safer loads and everyone has varget allready, lol.
messin with you is a lucky bonus.

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hill billy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dust_Remover</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What's your velocity diffrence between the rl17 an varget. I like the avalibility of varget but the rl17 numbers have me druling </div></div>

I can run the RL17 up to 2600fps, but it's quite hot, as in ejector swipe, and eating up brass hot. 2500fps is a east load with the rl17, and I have a 2500fps load for it, but it's not very stable in temperature swings.

Branden </div></div>Was this your reasoning for going to Varget? Your original thread got me started on the 208's and now that I have them just about dialed and picked up a bunch of Rl-17, now you're using Varget?

Just curious. Seems like they are moving a good bit faster with the RL 17. They've been great for me to 1k, haven't been over that yet. </div></div>

I just wanted to try it using Varget. There were a lot of folks that said it just couldn't be done, but i'm doing it. Granted they were partially correct in that I wasn't able to achieve the target velocity of 2500fps without the risk of blowing myself up. RL17 has that honor quite handily, 2500fps without a problem with that powder. So far i've gotten better accuracy with Varget over the RL17, but I still want to do some more testing to make sure that my findings are solid. I really like the Varget powder because of it's temperature stability. So if I have to shoot 80fps slower, but I know that it'll shoot X-fps no matter the temperature, I like that more than wondering what the Rl17 is going to shoot today because the temperature it so much different than the last time I chrono'd it.

Branden

 

[81STFACP]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Has anyone tried the 208/Varget combo in the M14 platform?

 

[Falar]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 81STFACP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone tried the 208/Varget combo in the M14 platform? </div></div>

The combination of a non-ideal-for-bullet-weight powder and being restricted to magazine length would really limit your velocity. This is the reason I don't load them in my AR10 (which uses a magazine derived from an M14 mag).

On a separate note, aren't heavier bullets (starting at about 175 or so) supposed to be hard on the op-rod in the Garand/M14 system?

 

[81STFACP]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Not really intended for mag length ammo, slow fire prone only, single loading.

Shot quite a few Ks of 185 VLDs and 4064 through the M14 platform, just curious if anyone tried the 210/208/Varget/4064 combo.

 

[error4o4]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Just thought I'd bump this thread for a fellow Midwesterner. I'm just west, in Lawrence.

Nice groups. What twist is your barrel?

 

[Quicky06]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I'm curious now if the rl17 will have a larger advantage speed wise with a longer barrel because it's a slower burn rate. I'm to lazy to reread this but I think you said you were using a 20". Someone please go try this in a 26" so I can enjoy the benifits without the work lol

I like the idea of pushing them faster rather than temp stability. If they are going to be single load then they won't be a go to load anyway( meaning unknown distance) I'd use them for f class and other known distance work.

Just a little but of Jameson induce thoughts.

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quicky06</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm curious now if the rl17 will have a larger advantage speed wise with a longer barrel because it's a slower burn rate. I'm to lazy to reread this but I think you said you were using a 20". Someone please go try this in a 26" so I can enjoy the benifits without the work lol

I like the idea of pushing them faster rather than temp stability. If they are going to be single load then they won't be a go to load anyway( meaning unknown distance) I'd use them for f class and other known distance work.

Just a little but of Jameson induce thoughts. </div></div>

Yes, the longer barrel gives an advantage. On another thread for the RL17 208 amax combo there are folks getting upwards of 2750fps with the longer barrels. With my 20", 2500fps is safe, and still accurate.

I went out and shot 5shot groups for 2 loads to confirm, and get a larger chrono sampling yesterday, i'm working on writing the range report now.

Branden

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Yesterday made it out to finalize 2 loads that I wanted to run 5 shot groups, and get a larger sampling over the Chrono to know what's really going on. It was 87 degrees, only 2 degrees warmer than the previous Saturday outing so I was expecting the chrono readings to be the same, or really close, but regardless, the data was good information.

These loads below are 43.3gr, and they had the best chronograph data, however it was about 30fps slower than on the last outing. I'm thinking that because I had the chrono in the shade this time, it was getting slightly different readings.

Also, by the time that I was firing the last 2 groups in this series of 3, the range was getting very busy again, and I pulled 2 shots due to some guy to the left or right of me touching off his shot while I was in the middle of my trigger squeeze. The top 3 were all good as it was quiet at the range.

My ES' were in the teens on the 43.3 load, and with the velocities being a little higher I think i'm going to stick with that load. Next outing hopefully will be a 700y testing as long as it stays dry, and not too windy.

My wife is going to Cabelas to pick me up another pound of RL17 so I can do some more work with that as well. Going to see what I can do with mag length loads with that.

With all the data I have thus far, I can say that I get some really good consistency with the Varget/208 combo, however not quite as much velocity as i'd like. HOWEVER, 2400fps is still more than enough velocity with the 208 amax to keep it supersonic to well beyond 1000 yards, in fact it'll go just past 1200. 2500fps isn't necessary for me, however a little more is never a bad thing as long as you aren't making compromises elsewhere.

Comfort to shoot is also better with the 2400fps start. I would say that it's about the same recoil in my rifle as a 175 getting pushed hard at 2700 or more. I've shot the 178amax's as fast at 2750 in my rifle, and I would equate the recoil to being about the same.

I'll go out and shoot this load again sometime before too long. Hopefully from the prone this time, and at a quiet range where I won't get startled from others. I hate it when i get that darn good group spoiler!

Branden

 

[badbot]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Hi dust,
you are not running any coatings are you? HBN - moly?

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

No, they are naked.

Branden

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Got out today and shot a 6x3 target with the 208's/varget. My wife has the camera right now, and i'll post pics as soon as she gets back. I modified the SH 5x5 target so i could post 6 groups on the same sheet of paper, and got a 6 group average of .509" at 100m (109y). I didn't discount any fliers, as there were really any. I like the 3 shot group system better, there is less opportunity for me to screw it up! lol.

I think I could have done just a smidgen better, I had a vasectomy on Friday, so i'm a little tender which required me to have wide legs, and walk very slowly.

I did shoot 2 more groups on another target that increased my average to .533", that's likely a little more close to what my real capabilities are as there was a great .25" group that really helps the average of the first 6.

SH group rules allow me to post the 6x3, however I don't believe that I can post the 2 additional groups without violating that policy.

I didn't set out the Chrono, it would have required a lot of squatting, and i'm not up for that this week. Hopefully next week i'll shoot from the prone and see how poorly I do that way.

Branden

 

[flyboy]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dust_Remover</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Got out today and shot a 6x3 target with the 208's/varget. My wife has the camera right now, and i'll post pics as soon as she gets back. I modified the SH 5x5 target so i could post 6 groups on the same sheet of paper, and got a 6 group average of .509" at 100m (109y). I didn't discount any fliers, as there were really any. I like the 3 shot group system better, there is less opportunity for me to screw it up! lol.

I think I could have done just a smidgen better, I had a <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-weight: bold">SURGURY</span></span> on Friday, so i'm a little tender which required me to have wide legs, and walk very slowly.

I did shoot 2 more groups on another target that increased my average to .533", that's likely a little more close to what my real capabilities are as there was a great .25" group that really helps the average of the first 6.

SH group rules allow me to post the 6x3, however I don't believe that I can post the 2 additional groups without violating that policy.

I didn't set out the Chrono, it would have required a lot of squatting, and i'm not up for that this week. Hopefully next week i'll shoot from the prone and see how poorly I do that way.

Branden </div></div>

Fixed it for you. Kinda distracted from the rest of the post with that "balls shrinking into gut" feeling it gave. Otherwise, the rest of the info is nice to know.

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

 

[HD1911]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

So Dust_Remover are you done with the RL17 then? You like Varget overall now?

Im getting into reloading for the first time and wondering if I should go with this 208 AMAX setup or just shoot 168/175 SMKs. It's gonna be mostly square range and match work, with the occasional coyote thrown in there. (100 to 600 yds as of now)

Rifle is Savage 10FCP 24" 1:10 with 3" Magazine length.

I'm just not sure how to decide between all these 155/175/208 loads.

thanks

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HD1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So Dust_Remover are you done with the RL17 then? You like Varget overall now?

</div></div>

No, i'm not done with RL17 yet, I just bought another pound of it and i'm going to work on some mag length loads and see how those perform. I still need a little more chrono data on the load that i've settled with for now, and I want to run it when it gets a little hotter around here to see if it's over pressure when the temperature gets up there.

The biggest factor that you're going to have to find out for yourself is whether you can shoot them well. Due to the longer barrel time, and the increased weight of the bullets they are more difficult to shoot really well (at least that's the theory some have).

I chose the bullet because I can do everything with it, from matches, to moose, and everything in between. I just wish that I could stop torturing myself with load development and settle on something already. I'm always "trying out" some new idea.

Branden

 

[HD1911]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I see...I'm just stuck with trying to decide between say a 155 Palma Match/175SMK/178AMAX/190SMK/208AMAX

Wondering what I should do, since all I've ever shot is 168 FGMM.

Thanks for all the posts on running the 208.

 

[Belisarius]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I went thru something similar, and in my case the 208 with RL-17 took over, but after a lot of experimenting. The recoil is softer compared to N550, with less pressure, downrange performance is AWESOME!

 

[Short-bus]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Belisarius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went thru something similar, and in my case the 208 with RL-17 took over, but after a lot of experimenting. The recoil is softer compared to N550, with less pressure, downrange performance is AWESOME! </div></div>

RL17 would be the easy choice with it's velocity superiority, however I don't like the temperature sensitivity of it. I wanted a load that would shoot the same velocity in December as it would July, or at the very least, be very close to the same velocity. RL17 doesn't offer that, at least not that i've found. I willing to sacrifice some velocity, in order to get increased predictability.

Branden

 

[flyboy]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HD1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see...I'm just stuck with trying to decide between say a 155 Palma Match/175SMK/178AMAX/190SMK/208AMAX

Wondering what I should do, since all I've ever shot is 168 FGMM.

Thanks for all the posts on running the 208. </div></div>

Depend really on what your goals are. If your regularyly going to be at 1000 yards, the 208s have an advantage with wind over all the others but for say 600 yards, stick with 175/178s and they will still get you out to 1250 if you want them to, just not as easy.

 

[HD1911]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HD1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I see...I'm just stuck with trying to decide between say a 155 Palma Match/175SMK/178AMAX/190SMK/208AMAX

Wondering what I should do, since all I've ever shot is 168 FGMM.

Thanks for all the posts on running the 208. </div></div>

Depend really on what your goals are. If your regularyly going to be at 1000 yards, the 208s have an advantage with wind over all the others but for say 600 yards, stick with 175/178s and they will still get you out to 1250 if you want them to, just not as easy. </div></div>

to be honest, 98% of my shooting will more than likely be within 600 yards. On that rare and lucky occasion, I might get to shoot 800 or 1,000 yards.

 

[flyboy]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Go 175/178's then and be done with it.

You can still find a load that the 208 shoot well with and the 155's are great but not as easy to find so my vote is for 175/178's.

 

[HD1911]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go 175/178's then and be done with it.

You can still find a load that the 208 shoot well with and the 155's are great but not as easy to find so my vote is for 175/178's. </div></div>

alright, out of the 175/178 what would you recommend? Is there a do-it-all round for say, hunting/sniping/target etc that works well? And is reasonably priced and easy to get to shoot well?

thanks


*sorry to the OP, not trying to threadjack.

 

[hypertex]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Trying this combo in my 18" SASS. Looking to stay supersonic to 1000 yards with the short barrel. Went out this afternoon to try some rounds looking for where the primers were starting to flatten. Got up to 40gr without issue. I've loaded up to 44gr but I don't think I'll get that far before seeing pressure signs tomorrow. Quickload is useless with a short barrel like this.

FYI, I tried the hybrid 100 powder but couldn't get much above 2200fps. Need alonger barrel to use this powder. Nice thing about that though was that I couldn't overload it. I got all the way to 44.6gr and no pressure signs -primers normal. All loads were compressed starting at 43.5 Likely a good flash off of these at night

DPMS SASS 18" 1-10"twist
COAL 2.812"
Hodgdon hybrid 100V
43.9gr 2202fps (2214,2196,2196)
CED2 chrono @ 10ft

 

[flyboy]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HD1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go 175/178's then and be done with it.

You can still find a load that the 208 shoot well with and the 155's are great but not as easy to find so my vote is for 175/178's. </div></div>

alright, out of the 175/178 what would you recommend? Is there a do-it-all round for say, hunting/sniping/target etc that works well? And is reasonably priced and easy to get to shoot well?

thanks


*sorry to the OP, not trying to threadjack. </div></div>

Pretty much any of the rounds mentioned, and whatever shoot well in your rifle.

 

[USFTR]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I used to shoot the 210 VLD's with N550, and gave that up because of the temperature sensitivity. Go with consistency. I had several cases where, at the end of a 20 shot string at 1000 yds, I'd close the bolt and have to wait another 30 seconds for conditions to come back and I'd shoot an 8 at 12 o'clock due to cooking the round. While I don't close the bolt now until I'm ready, I absolutely hated the inconsistency.

While I will not go into details, I'm getting 2662 fps with the 210 Berger in a .308Win (chamber similar to 95 Palma). I'm using a very stable powder (not RL17).

 

[hypertex]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hypertex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Trying this combo in my 18" SASS. Looking to stay supersonic to 1000 yards with the short barrel. Went out this afternoon to try some rounds looking for where the primers were starting to flatten. Got up to 40gr without issue. I've loaded up to 44gr but I don't think I'll get that far before seeing pressure signs tomorrow. Quickload is useless with a short barrel like this.
... </div></div>
DPMS SASS 18" 1-10"twist
COAL 2.820"
Hodgdon <span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Varget</span></span>
CED2 chrono @ 10ft
Single fed into chamber

42.0gr 2244,2240,2249
42.5gr 2250,2252,2243
43.0gr 2260,2248, ***
43.5gr* 2250,2257,2249
44.0gr* 2303,2306,2272 couldn't get these <2.830COAL
44.5gr* 2292,2305,2291 " " " " "

Better speeds w/Varget 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 not going to cut it...breaking out the 4895 for the next round!

***Update****
Even tough Varget got me there, it was only 1195fps @ 1000yd. H4895 seems to be the ticket with the 208 AMAX out an 18" barrel; results posted in 308 Winchester topic

 

[wolfman]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: usftr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I used to shoot the 210 VLD's with N550, and gave that up because of the temperature sensitivity. Go with consistency. I had several cases where, at the end of a 20 shot string at 1000 yds, I'd close the bolt and have to wait another 30 seconds for conditions to come back and I'd shoot an 8 at 12 o'clock due to cooking the round. While I don't close the bolt now until I'm ready, I absolutely hated the inconsistency.

While I will not go into details, I'm getting 2662 fps with the 210 Berger in a .308Win (chamber similar to 95 Palma). I'm using a very stable powder (not RL17). </div></div>

Jeff, have you ever been told you were a tease?

 

[USFTR]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Matt-

Yes, all the time and it pisses people off too. I don't want to tip my hand to my competitors as they will use that information against me. I will say that the load probably doesn't perform as well as my standard load and I probably will not be using it. It looks ok on paper and in a long match, there are other issues I have found.

Jeff

 

[JFComfort]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Great post thanks for sharing.

 

[wolfman]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: usftr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Matt-

Yes, all the time and it pisses people off too. I don't want to tip my hand to my competitors as they will use that information against me. I will say that the load probably doesn't perform as well as my standard load and I probably will not be using it. It looks ok on paper and in a long match, there are other issues I have found.

Jeff </div></div>

you do realize that Canadian DND requires a declaration of the handload recipe before they'll let you shoot it on one of their ranges, right?

 

[kombayotch]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Maybe that's something they just do out east or in Ottawa...

I've shot at CFB Borden in Ontario several times this summer and have never been asked for my load recipes.

 

[USFTR]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Sure, right. Recipe is lots of powder, primer, and a Berger bullet wrapped neatly in brass.

I'm actually about to drop testing with the 210's. Looks good on paper, but has elevation and heat issues. My standard load just works better for me.

 

[wolfman]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

thanks Kris- ya try and mess w/ the competiion and get knifed in the back by one of your own guys!

 

[wolfman]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I've gotta say that I'm happiest when I'm not experimenting and trying to come up with somehting better. It sure is nice to have one load that you know inside and out.

 

[USFTR]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I really like to experiment, so I'm constantly trying something and keeping data on how it works and what exactly I'm doing. I have several known performing loads for 155-185 grain bullets and barrel characteristics matched to each. When the 210 load dumped on me a few weeks ago (looked good in practice, not so good during multiple 20 shot strings on a 90+ degree day), I went back to a known performing load/barrel. Result was first at the state midrange championship (moved up to high master with this match) and a gold at the LR regional with 15 points back to second place in F-TR (oh, and only 1 F-Open competitor got me, Jim Murphy on the US F-Open team). So yes, I have one load that I know VERY well, but I love to tinker on ideas and work outside the box. What works for me may not work for others.

 

[wolfman]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I should say that I like to tinker when I have time to do it properly. I used to tinker all the time. Then this little person arrived in our house, and started dictating a rather different schedule.

 

[danska]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Has anyone used magnum primers in conjuction with this load? Lookin for a charge weight to start at.

 

[jlmomaha]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I know this is an old thread but I could use a little guidance. My rifle is a rem 700 with a krieger 30" palma barrel, I have 2 boxes of 208s and 3 tubs of powder one is imr4320, h4350 and rl22.can some one please give me a good start load, I'm thinking imr is gonna be the best of the powders for my application. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[paul T]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

Did you find N550 more temp sensitive than re17 with your 210 vld loads, I have found an acurate load with 49g N550 with 185g molly VLD cci br lapua brass with my 24in barrel 308, What powder did you change to from n550?

 

[gopherslayer]

Re: .308 with 208 Amax and Varget

I shot varget and 208s when my barrel was 26" long. It showed promise but not what I wanted. I had the barrel chopped for utility to 20". Went out last weekend and 43.0gr of varget netted 5 shot groups of 1". Velocity was a little over 2400fps.

Specs: 700sps varmint 12 twist
B&C plain varmint
IOR 4-14x50 tactical

Very happy with this. Seems wierd but recoil felt the same or less than running 165s with varget.