Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

Mag 300

Mag 300

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Dec 31, 2006
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    Downers Grove Illinois
    #1
    If your using say 45 or 46 grains of varget let me know I was going some testing OCW and there is a definate liking for 42 gr of RL then next closing set of groups was at 45 gr of rl 15 I was going to try Varget at 44 to 46 grains but Quickload is telling me I am about to DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    data appreciated like fps conditions and signs of pressure . will be shooting this "MAYBE" from am AW in 308 24" barrel

    Thanks Bill
     
    #2
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Bill, with the 155 I'm running 45+ in four different .308's...no problem.

    In my experience Varget can vary quite a bit from lot to lot...always keep an eye on that.
    Good Luck, Pat
     
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    #3
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I've run 168 SMK's over 45.5 grains of Varget with no issues Go to the Hodgson Web page for Varget max loads with different bullet weights.
     
    #4
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I'm using 165gr Accubond with 42.5 gr Varget Nosler brass with a Winchester large rifle primer. My little AR-10 loves em! Just over 2400 fps on a 1:11:25 triple lapped barrel. Went up to 45gr. gun did not like it lots of pressure issues. I wish I had a bolt gun.
     
    #6
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I´m using the same combo like PGS in my L42A1 which is not the strongest action anyway, with good results and without problems.
    you will not die if you go into the QL yellow marked area a bit.
     
    #7
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Hey Bill

    Im runnin 168amax with 47gr Varget and I run the same projectile with 43.3 RL15.

    Im getting 2500fps with the RL15 20inch bbl and around 2750fps with the 47gr varget. Im eventually goin to work up another load for the RL15 based on my velocity to get to around 2650fps.

    Load-
    Lapua brass-fl sized Redding bushing die .335 bushing I only trim when it needs it due to the long necked Remy I have. Keeps the throat from deterating quicker. I can keep my brass at saami max or even a little higher than 2.015.
    Varget 47gr. In the lapua once I get the powder in and vibrate the loading block with my fingers to settle the powder it is set just below the shoulder.
    Primer- Any. Ive used 210m, BR2, CCI200, WLR's...all work well
    Projectile- 168amax
    COL-2.820
    Velocity. 2750 avg
    Pressure. No signs of over pressure. The only thing that pisses me off is the primer flowing back into the firing pin which it does that on anything I put in my rifle regardless of load. But I have no sticky bolt, no hardcore extractor swipes etc.
    Rifle
    Remy700 SPS-V 20inch bbl
    B&C Medalist Stock
    Rifle Basix trig 1.5lbs
    Seekins 20moa rail and 30mm rings
    Sightron SIII 6-24x50
    Results-.3s and 4s at 100yd and even shot .4's at 200yd with this load

    RL-15 load is the same components above with the same results but this load really isnt worth a shit past 300yds.
     
    #8
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    During load development Rem 5r (24" 11.25) loved:

    FGMM brass
    CCi br2
    Nos 165 Accubond at std rem mag length
    44.8 or 45 Varget - both shot in the high .2s and were consistent POI

    shot round robin OCW and groups opened up at 45.5 and then closed back down at 46.4 (.4s), the max I planned to shoot. Never saw any noticeable pressure signs on the way though. Since I had right at 2700fps at 45 grains I went to that for the load especially since I didnt gain much velocity with the extra 1.4 grains and would have less safety margin above 46 grains on a real hot day or cooking a round for a while.

    With the lighter bullets like 155s I would guess you could get simliar results/margins above 46 grains, but I prefer the 165 NAB and dont have any experience with the 155s.
     
    #9
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    There has been some talk about Varget being inconsistent between lots so I'd be careful when using someone else's load data....especially when that data is near max. I have pushed 155 scenars at 2933ft/s with 45.7grs Varget. Lapua brass and WLR primers....kissing the lands in a 24" Krieger 1:10. The only real pressure sign I noticed were slightly flattened primers. During good conditions I've had 1/2+ moa out to 500 yards and then .75+ moa out to 1100 yards with that load. I don't shoot that load much because my 308 rarely goes out past 1000 yards anymore. For one reason or another I can get the 175's to shoot better under 1000 yards....but that's probably because I've worked with that load a bit more than the 155's. Good luck to you Bill.
     
    #10
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Just remember the father you seat your projectile into the lands the more pressure your rifle will obtain. Then of course your rifle plays apart with how tight your chamber is, how long your throat is etc.
     
    #12
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I happen to use 47.8 gr of varget in Win cases with cci primers pushing a 155 scenar seated to 2.943" out the muzzle at 2925-2950 fps. I have shot more than 1000 of these in a singe gun. QL indicates that this is one step above what is safe, yet I have no particular pressures signs, although I freely admit it is right on the edge of safe.
     
    #13
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I run my 178 AMAX with 45grns of Varget in once fired BH(Win) brass. It's the listed max at Hodgdon's reloading center. Gives me about 2690fps from my 20" barrel. Was giving me about 2710fps from a 22" barrel. No pressure signs. I use 44.2grns with Hornady brass to get the same velocities. Slightly smaller internal capacity on the Hornady.
     
    #14
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Thanks for all the info I will be chronoing each shot and checking for pressure signs on the brass. its going to be about 20 degrees out so thats in my favor
    shooting an AW in 308 to date now my favorite rifle .
    Thanks for all the posts really appreciate it.
    if there were no replies Dont know if I would have shot the 46 gr

    Bill
     
    #15
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I run my 24" bbl AE with 45.0 Varget in Lapua brass and CCI BR2, behind either a JLK 175 VLD or a 180 VLD LBT, both seated to the lands. At 70 degrees the 175's run 2735 and the 180's run 2710. No pressure problems. That's my match load.
     
    #16
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Also depends on the internal case capacity of all the various cases that everybody is using. Find some brass with small water capacity and try using your load....and you won't have to deprimer fired brass.
    smile.gif
     
    #18
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Bill,

    I have a 20" AIAE MK2 and it likes 45gr of Var.

    My load: LC brass, SMK 175 BTHP, 45 gr var with an ogive of 2.1355 and I used BR2 primers. 2681 FPS was the average of 20 rounds fired in 2 5 round strings and one 10 round string. 1300' elevation at 55 degrees.

    No adverse indications on either the rifle or the brass. The bullet is seated to factory length so I can use this load in a few rifles.

    DSC00261.jpg


     
    #19
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    308targ2010001JPG.jpg


    Gotta love show and tell!....shot this on 1-20-10. It was 15F, dead calm and perfectly clean air.

    26" Krieger MTU 1-11". Surgeon built...one of Preston's first. Barrel has 4000+ rounds through it.
     
    #21
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Just what's worked for me but I havn't tried much else

    155 SMK both the new palma and the old ones
    BHG and Hornady brass
    Win primers
    45.4 RL-15
    Buddy's chrono said 2770 avg but thats at 4200-4300 asl.
     
    #22
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    I'm getting great results with 45 grains of Varget under a 175 SMK in Hornady match brass and BR2's. I'm out of that brass however, so I'm stuck with Federal. I've bumped down the charge to 44.5 and 44.8 and need to retest.
     
    #23
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    45.0grs Varget 168gr SMK Federal case, Fed 210 does 2650fps in 20" Savage
    3 Five shot groups @ 100yds fired back to back.

    MeasuredSavageGroup.jpg



    It takes 46.3 gr of Varget to get 2650fps in my 20 inch Rem with the same components as above.

    Shot this awhile back at a little over 200yds with Rem.

    200Y463grVarget.jpg
     
    #25
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    My best accuracy so far has been with 47.0 grains of varget behind a 155 lapua scenar loaded to the standard 2.800 OAL. It is the max load according to my data. I just hope it still works as well when the weather gets warmer. I haven't played with the seating depths yet.
     
    #26
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Hello,Folks
    I have been using 8208 XBR for a few months now and it does not care about the outside or inside temps and its SD'S are incredible
    give it a try. 308 loads are listed on the Hodgdon site.
     
    #28
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Beautiful rifle and results there PGS. Im with ya El Gordo on the factory Remys w/20" bbl. It takes alot more powder for us to get our velocity up. I just worked up slowly and eventually got to 47gr with excellent results and no over pressure. For some reason I coulnt find anything as good between 44.7 and 47gr. Hell 44.7 was only registering 2575 on the chrony but accurate.
     
    #31
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Bill,
    The 45 grain load behind a 175, Winchester Brass, CCI BR primer, has been an outstanding load. Factor in variences in lots of Varget and working up of course. Seems to shoot very well in all my rifles. DO NOT use this load with Federal Brass, it will lead to serious pressure issues.

    Damn that Surgeon is shooting good for 4000 rounds! Be great if those barrels like that would last forever!
     
    #32
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ALMAORFE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Desert HK, Is that out of an AW? </div></div>

    Yes
     
    #33
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I drive the 155 scenars with 47.4 grains of Varget, Lapua brass, 2.910", fed210 at about 3000 fps. </div></div>

    wow thats haulin ass.

    Fonso if you try this make sure you check every case as you work your way up to see how flat the primers are getting- watch for primer cratering and ejector marks on the head of your brass. If the bolt gets sticky STOP RIGHT AWAY AND DONT SHOOT NO MORE!!
     
    #34
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    155gr Lapua Scenar in Lapua 308 Win brass with 46.5gr of Varget is getting me 2900fps in a 24" Bartlein barrel.
     
    #35
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    im into the new 155 smk palma with win brass and 46.5gr of ADI's AR 2208 (varget)set at 2.80 tip to tail, is hitting half inch at 100 yards all day, in my rem sps tac... i want to play with seating depth but how much better is a factory bog stock remmy tac gonna shoot off bipod in the dirt??

    in load development i went up to 47 gr of 2208 (varget)(listed max with ADI data) with zero pressure signs, but i personally would not go any higher as the cons outway the pros in my way of thinking...id always prefer safe than sorry, especially when my face is right next to the sorry part, hahahaha

    cheers lads,

    jimi
     
    #36
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 6mmFan</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I drive the 155 scenars with 47.4 grains of Varget, Lapua brass, 2.910", fed210 at about 3000 fps. </div></div>

    wow thats haulin ass.

    Fonso if you try this make sure you check every case as you work your way up to see how flat the primers are getting- watch for primer cratering and ejector marks on the head of your brass. If the bolt gets sticky STOP RIGHT AWAY AND DONT SHOOT NO MORE!! </div></div>

    6MMFan As soon as I get my primers in I'll give you a call so you can help me out. If you don't mind ofcourse.

    Desert HK did you get your FP bushed? I've heard of people piercing primers with stout loads in an AW.

    I shot 155 Scenars under 45 of varget yesterday and they were more accurate than the factory Corbon 155. The Corbon was a bit hotter though at distance I couldn't see a difference in drop 3 mils got me on target at 530 with both loads 3.7 with 175's.
     
    #37
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    155g bergers with 47g of varget 2840fps
    1/4" groups @ 100 yards
    savage .308 24" barell
    no pressure signs whatsoever !
    this summer i will try to ingrease in by .5 grain @ time to see how far i can push it .
     
    #38
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    rem 700 p , savage 10 fcp,both of these rifles shoot very well with 45 grns varget,and 175 nosler custom comps.lapua brass.the remington cases show no pressure signs.the savage show just a little,shiny ejector.i have only started testing this load during these last few cold months,.mid 70s to mid 80s temp.sorry meant tgo say that these two rifles are ours ,not 700s or fcps in general.
     
    #39
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: teambarlar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have only started testing this load during these last few cold months,.mid 70s to mid 80s temp.</div></div>

    Thats what you call the cold months? I hate you lol.
     
    #40
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anchor Station</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: teambarlar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i have only started testing this load during these last few cold months,.mid 70s to mid 80s temp.</div></div>

    Thats what you call the cold months? I hate you lol. </div></div>

    It got to 26 in Tampa two weeks ago so.....BRRRRRR
     
    #42
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget?

    Mavrick

    Thanks this is what I am trying to get to the accuracy nodes in the higher powders. should be there again next week

    Thanks Bill

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mavrick10_2000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bill,

    I've found that in my rifle the 155's have an accuracy node at 45.6, but my higher accuracy node is at 47.4-47.6gr Varget. </div></div>
     
    #48
    Re: Anyone shooting 308 with 45 + grains of Varget

    What bullet weight Bill? I've shot 47.8 ish for a while now with the 155s. It runs about 2950 or so from 24" barrel. The brass doesn't care for it, but the targets do.
     
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