Bullet stability - .308

[Multi-Tool]

All,

I want to do some 1K loads for an early vintage Rem 700 5R, 24” ss barrel, 1/11.25 twist. I’ve been considering some of the 185 g Berger bullets: the Juggernaut or the hybrid. However, Berger’s stability calculator says the hybrid is marginally stable and also indicates that 185g is about the limit for stability.

What are your thoughts and experiences in your own reloading?

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 10043]

175

 

[Aimsmall55]

You’ll be fine running the 185 juggernauts. I shoot them out of a 20” 1:12 and a 28” 1:11.25. Both guns are .308. The good thing about the juggernauts is that they are very jump tolerant. My load for my 28 inch barrel is 43.8 Varget at 2.865” in Lapua brass.
My load with my 20” is 44 grains at 2.880”. Lapua brass. They shoot so good that I don’t think I really need to shoot anything else to get better accuracy. I’m taking my 20” .308 out to 1200 yards and they flew fine

 

[Idaho-5R]

I , too , shoot a Gen 1 5R, 308. My most consistent handholds have been with the 175 Nosler custom comps. That being said, I have experimented with the 185 Juggs. I've not found loads so far as good as the 175's, but I'm still working on it. But, looking at Mr. Aimsmall55's target, it definitely seems possible to shoot them well!!!!!! Good Luck on your ventures, & if you do have some luck, let us know!!!!!!

 

[Multi-Tool]

My 5R also likes 175s. So far, I have only tried my 175 SMK load developed for a different rifle and was pleased with the accuracy. I like high BCs, so I like heavy bullets!

I , too , shoot a Gen 1 5R, 308. My most consistent handholds have been with the 175 Nosler custom comps. That being said, I have experimented with the 185 Juggs. I've not found loads so far as good as the 175's, but I'm still working on it. But, looking at Mr. Aimsmall55's target, it definitely seems possible to shoot them well!!!!!! Good Luck on your ventures, & if you do have some luck, let us know!!!!!!

 

[Rob01]

Try the 178 ELDs. Excellent BC, accurate, good price and no issues stabilizing in an 11.25.

 

[Idaho-5R]

Multi-Tool, I guess I just feel the need to experiment..... I'm always trying something different. I'd love to get the Juggs to shoot in my 5R, but, so-far, not much luck.... But, I'll keep trying!!!! Let us know if you have any luck!!!!!!

 

[Kamerad]

Try the 178 ELDs. Excellent BC, accurate, good price and no issues stabilizing in an 11.25.

Is that more a function of the twist rate, or 5R, or both? My rifle is not 5R, wasn’t an option, and is 1-12. Haven’t tried much heavier than 168’s yet.

 

[Rob01]

Is that more a function of the twist rate, or 5R, or both? My rifle is not 5R, wasn’t an option, and is 1-12. Haven’t tried much heavier than 168’s yet.

Twist rate. They should be fine in a 12 also. That said the 168 ELDs have a great BC for a 168 and would also be a good choice if you want to stick with that weight. I have actually been using the 168 ELD factory ammo in Tac class for matches this year and it does great.

 

[OLD308]

Remember, when looking at twist rate calculators, figure your shooting ability in as well. 1-12, 1-11.25, 1-10, and 1-8 twist have hit with weights of 155-190 past 1000 for me. Twist rate stability with standard twist rates are really most applicable to transonic and subsonic flight. Twist rate has never, repeat never, been the sole issue in in load development for me with reguardless to super sonic flight.

So if your not a top level shooter lobbing rounds into the transonic flight range, don’t worry about it. Powder selection, charge weight, seating depth, and your shooting ability will have a far greater impact.

My suggestion, as a 308 addict, 155 Lapua Scenars as fast as you can push them. Cheaper than the 185, lower recoil, and always mag feedable. The higher BC of the 185 won’t matter unless your a top tier shooter. Just my thoughts, hope it helps.

 

[fxdrider]

Is that more a function of the twist rate, or 5R, or both? My rifle is not 5R, wasn’t an option, and is 1-12. Haven’t tried much heavier than 168’s yet.

I'm shooting a 1:12, 20 inch barrel (not 5R). Hornady 178 ELD-M's. Haven't had it to 1000 yet, but this past weekend I had no trouble with steel at 600. Bullets went right where my ballistic app said they would.

 

[Steel head]

175

I concur.



I’ve even shot FGMM 168’s at 1300 yards before and honestly I was a bit surprised at how well they did.

 

[pmclaine]

Buy a box of 175 FGMM and a box of the 185 Berger FGMM to run some data on.

Ive used 175 FGMM at 1000 yards through a 23 inch MTU 1/11 and I cant blame the misses on the bullet.

 

[Rob01]

The 175 SMK is a decent bullet but with the newer bullets out today there are better bullets with much better BCs and if you can get better BC in a .308 it's a good thing.

 

[theLBC]

i'm curious to know how the tipped SMKs differ from the regular ones, if anyone has been trying them.

 

[Aimsmall55]

i'm curious to know how the tipped SMKs differ from the regular ones, if anyone has been trying them.

The tipped match is a much longer bullet Witt the bearing surface much further back. You have to seat them a little longer