Can anyone approximate the .308 Winchester Federal Gold Match 175gr load

[want2learn]

Hi, I'm struggling to find a good load for my rifle (Sig SSG3000 in .308 Winchester). To date, one of the most satisfactory loads has been the Factory Federal .308 in 175gr. I was wondering if anyone has come up with a recipe that comes close to its characteristics. I've been working with Varget so far and will certainly try other powders as well in the near future. thanks.

 

[padom]

Its well known that 42.0-42.2g 4064 with 175smk in FC brass is the same. I can say Ive shot TONS of that load and its extremely accurate. I found the 178 Amax (now 178 ELD-M) with 42.4g 4064 in Lapua brass to be even more accurate.


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[want2learn]

thank you...i'll try to see if i can find that powder and projectile locally. really appreciate the information

 

[padom]

It's always on the shelf locally around me but if not Powder Valley has 1# and 8# jugs in stock..

 

[Rldr-08]

I think I ended up running 42g of H4895 and a 168g BTHP Hornady out of my 3000. It was a hammer with that load.

43g of Varget w a 178g AMAX and it was lights out as well


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[padom]

Every rifle is different. I had excellent results accuracy wise with H4895 and the 175smk but it was much slower than 4064 with the same accuracy.

 

[maggitas]

Here you go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDIu6Mivi-Y

 

[wxl]

I use 42.0 4064 for my 168 and 175 loads in LC brass for my M1A

 

[want2learn]

Wow, thank you everyone so very much

 

[ArmyJerry]

41.75 4064 is what i remember

 

[padom]

Here is Dan Newberry's Sleuthing of the FGMM factory ammo. It was 41.7g-41.8g for the 175 FGMM load. 168 is higher but watch his video. Now the factory load might not be exactly perfect for your rifle so do an OCW from 41.5-42.2 and pick the load your rifle likes best. Mine was 42g but you will find the load in that range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDIu6Mivi-Y

 

[ACK]

168 SMK 42.2 Gr For me, Fed 210 primer, FC case. Best load in my M1A; the classic load of 41.5 IMR 4895 performed well, however IMR 4064 was superior.

 

[mark5pt56]

It was very close with the MWS, 41.8 4064 and 168 SMK, 42 was tight also, but he 41.8 was the most consistent--or I was! I did try H4895/168 AMAX,close but not as consistent. Use Blackhills brass.

 

[proximo]

There was a good thread here discussing the topic back when Dan released his video:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/forum/...d-mk-316-mod-0

 

[pmclaine]

And if you don't have time to make it or you are going to a class and want some peace of mind these guys consistently have 175 FGMM at a good price...

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/federal-gold-medal-308-win-175-gr-ammo-smkhp-gm308m2-p-1744.aspx

I probably cant load it for that price but I like reloading so I don't cost my time.

Others will offer it cheaper on occasion but these guys always seem to be about this cost/rd.

TargetSports will on occasion pull the free shipping, make sure you don't buy it than.

 

[JoeBUtah]

A couple of years back, I was running low on Varget, and it was hard to find. I happened to be at a local range and was talking to a guy shooting a .308 and his groups at 200 & 300 yards were really impressive; he was using IMR 4064. On the way way home I stopped at my favorite guns shop and picked up a bottle; that's all I use in my .308 now.

 

[pmclaine]

42 grains of IMR 4895, 175 SMK, is giving 4064 a run for the money in my guns.

Load em up with either Im the weak link.

These old powders work with these antiquated out dated useless calibers.

Just like Bullseye in .45 ACP.

 

[1J04]

I highly recommend Dan's article regarding OCW and Chocolate Ice Cream. FGMM is Chocolate Ice Cream to .308's and so is the sleuthing of that round as you've seen above. My 5R MilSpec, like so many other .308's, eat's 168's and 175'a outta the box sub moa and my handloads even a tad better if I do my part. It's a boring rifle, but I'm good with that. Good luck on your .308 adventure.

 

[JoeBUtah]

1J04 that's a terrific view from your bench- can ask where-abouts that is? (I too have a boring 5R: dropped mine in a XLR chassis similar to what you show, and have nothing but fun shooting it; makes me look like I know what I'm doing....)

 

[scudzuki]

allegedly around 42.75 gr I4064 in the 168s and 41.75 in the 175s

In Lapua brass, use 43 and 42 grains per Dan Newberry

My accuracy load for my 24" barreled AIAX 10 twist barrel is
42.5 gr Varget, 175 SMK, CCI BR2, Lapua brass.
I get the exact same MV with 41.9 gr I4064. Looks like I'd get good performance out of FGMM 175 if I had to go that route.

 

[Brux]

That was the old FGMM 175. I pulled one out of a new box the other day and it had 40.6 Grains of some kind of powder.
My experience is the new stuff don't shoot near as good as the old stuff.

 

[ArmyJerry]

I just ordered a few cases from target sport. My go to is 41.7 4064.

 

[1J04]

1J04 that's a terrific view from your bench- can ask where-abouts that is? (I too have a boring 5R: dropped mine in a XLR chassis similar to what you show, and have nothing but fun shooting it; makes me look like I know what I'm doing....)

You bet Joe. It's a spot in Wahkiakium County in Washington State. Beautiful little area that is void of a lot. Feel guilty from time to time tossing rounds over herds of Elk in there, but it keeps them in shape.

 

[JoeBUtah]

..... Feel guilty from time to time tossing rounds over herds of Elk in there, but it keeps them in shape.

That's awesome man!

 

[ArmyJerry]

son is up there in Seattle, gives me a reason to visit, beautiful state.

 

[1J04]

son is up there in Seattle, gives me a reason to visit, beautiful state.

Jerry, I thought you had said in the recent past you were out here earlier this year on your Bike? Beautiful State to tour on 2 Wheels. Parents were in the "Retreads XL+" in the 70's on their GL1000 GoldWing.
Really is a lot to do out here and yes, it's just damn beautiful. I'm guessing your Son enjoys it.

 

[ianagos]

The 41.7 gr of Imr 4064 in FC or LC brass is what I use. Haven't measured the velocity but it shoots very well. I use a 175nosler rdf and a 175 nosler cc.

 

[ArmyJerry]

Son likes it out there he is looking at moving outta down town to the burbs, he loves riding the state, Yes I just rode the state twice along with Idaho, man its beautiful out there.

Jerry, I thought you had said in the recent past you were out here earlier this year on your Bike? Beautiful State to tour on 2 Wheels. Parents were in the "Retreads XL+" in the 70's on their GL1000 GoldWing.
Really is a lot to do out here and yes, it's just damn beautiful. I'm guessing your Son enjoys it.

 

[1J04]

Son likes it out there he is looking at moving outta down town to the burbs, he loves riding the state, Yes I just rode the state twice along with Idaho, man its beautiful out there.

Not to jack the thread, but I gotta give full disclosure. Embarrassed to say I haven't even been to Idaho. Been within miles of the border, but never crossed. Don't blame him for wanting outta the mix and into the burbs. Different life for sure. Washington East to West and vice a versa via different routes is pretty damn spectacular, especially again on two wheels. When ya do it again I'd hope you'd gimme a shout.

And on topic. I do 41.6 of 4064 for the 175's outta FGMM brass and it seems to do well outta my 11.25 twist. But then I dump with a Chargemaster combo that may or may not be within + - 1 grain.

 

[yej0001]

When you talked about FC case, were you referring to the FC 308 or FC xx (year) case?

 

[ArmyJerry]

FC xx. I been ordering from midway, if anyone knows better let me know.

 

[NukeMMC]

I have used 42.0-42.4gr 4064 or 40.3gr 3031 behind 175s in LC Match brass in my AR10 and accuracy and velocity were more consistent that FGMM or M118LR