.308 at Longer Ranges

Mad-Dog

Mad-Dog

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I don't own a precision rifle, but I am making this inquiry here because I have recently taken up shooting a .308 for the first time. I am using a new hunting rifle with 22" standard-weight barrel, a two-stage factory trigger, and a 4X-12X Vortex scope. I had not intended to use this rifle for long-range shooting. I expected less, and it is delivering more. I find that amazing from an American-made rifle, but there it is.

Using Federal 150gr Power-Shok factory loads - I don't reload - I am getting what the specs suggest: Zeroed at 200 metres, trajectory is about -55 inches (140 cms. I think in metric, but 55 inches may help get my point across). That factory info is about right, as far as it goes.

Question: I now want to reach out to 1000 metres. I can't find any data from Federal or anyone else at that range. What trajectory should I predict, to at least get me on the paper at 1000 metres?
 
Google ballistic charts and calculators. They will give you an idea what the 308 is capable of with the right bullets and rifle system. I believe best case you are looking at 8.5M ish, or +30MOA at 1000M. Very dependent on muzzle velocity and bullet ballistic coefficient.
 
It really depends a lot on what speed your projectiles are traveling out of the muzzle. You need to either buy a chronograph or borrow one if you want a reasonable chance of success.

I punched in some very rough numbers from what you have given me, which is not really enough info, but a very (very) rough ballpark for you.

From a 200 yard zero, you are looking at about 43.1MOA of drop, from a 200 yard zero to a 1000 yard target.


Note that this information is super rough, as I have extremely limited details to work with. It could be off by 10 MOA or more depending on all the variables.
 
You need ammo better suited to the task. A better bullet will maintain velocity better. this is important because your barrel is 10" shorter than the one I use to shoot 1000 yards. A 155 gr or 175 gr match bullet is needed.

I think your rifle will reach a target at 800 yards, but after that the wheels will follow off.
 
I accidentally left out one vital statistic in my original post, that you probably have figured out already. The -55 inches (140 cms) is at 500 metres, zeroed at 200 metres.

Better ammo for this range, will switch to match - Check. Big piece of paper - Check. A nod, a wink, and a slap on the butt from Mother Luck - Check. More comments will be appreciated, as it is obvious fellow CGNers are a very helpful group.

By the way, I never expected decent results at 500 metres using a factory $400 Ruger American. I am pleasantly surprised. That is what is pushing me onward and outward.
 
Since your interested in long range shooting you may as well learn a bit about ballistics.

Google search for the JBM ballistic calculator and then learn how to use it. It comes across as really intimidating when you first look at it but if you go step by step its pretty simple.

Also do a youtube search for TiborasaurusRex. If you watch his Sniper 101 series you will learn everything there is to know about long range shooting.
 
Mad-Dog said:
I accidentally left out one vital statistic in my original post, that you probably have figured out already. The -55 inches (140 cms) is at 500 metres, zeroed at 200 metres.

Better ammo for this range, will switch to match - Check. Big piece of paper - Check. A nod, a wink, and a slap on the butt from Mother Luck - Check. More comments will be appreciated, as it is obvious fellow CGNers are a very helpful group.

By the way, I never expected decent results at 500 metres using a factory $400 Ruger American. I am pleasantly surprised. That is what is pushing me onward and outward.
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At that range I go with an orange spray painted piece of steel. If the bullet hits you'll be able to see.
If you give me the bullet type your altitude and the muzzle velocity from the box I'll run it on a ballistic app
 
Was out at 950 yards with a buddies HB Mauser actioned .308, just yesterday.
Handloaded 155 grain Amax at 2800 fps.
35 minutes of come-up was required from a 200yd zero.
3 shots went into a 7 inch group on the gong.

That was some good fun!.

Just for interest sake, my 6.5x55 did the same with 28 minutes of come-up.
JBM is your friend, once you know your actual MV.
Or, as has been said ... a really BIG piece of paper, lol!.
:cheers:
 
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K0na_stinky said:
Since your interested in long range shooting you may as well learn a bit about ballistics.

Google search for the JBM ballistic calculator and then learn how to use it. It comes across as really intimidating when you first look at it but if you go step by step its pretty simple.

Also do a youtube search for TiborasaurusRex. If you watch his Sniper 101 series you will learn everything there is to know about long range shooting.
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Seconded for the sniper 101 vids, also 8541 tactical has some good vids, the lighter boolits are more for hunting at closer ranges to maximize penetration. You will need a slightly longer heavier bullet (175gr+ is what most people reccomend for a 308), 308 match are kinda expensive though. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out cause I'm actually interested to see what a ruger american can do.
 
I am 99% done my 308 project and have no problems past 900m. I have heavy barrel and have spent north of 5k but things still get hit out past 900.

Just sayin
 
kbleguy said:
I am 99% done my 308 project and have no problems past 900m. I have heavy barrel and have spent north of 5k but things still get hit out past 900.

Just sayin
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I believe Articcathonda was making a joke. Indeed a suitable projectile with adequate BC and properly propelled from a .308 case will hit well out past the 1K. Personally though I consider the .308 cartridge to be an inside 1000m one and shots out to one K and beyond are better achieved with a .300wm or, better yet, a .338LM
 
Tomochan said:
I believe Articcathonda was making a joke. Indeed a suitable projectile with adequate BC and properly propelled from a .308 case will hit well out past the 1K. Personally though I consider the .308 cartridge to be an inside 1000m one and shots out to one K and beyond are better achieved with a .300wm or, better yet, a .338LM
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or best yet a .284!! 7mm for the win!!
 
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