.308 dial it up or dial it down?

[rhino519]

I've finally collected enough brass to reload a batch for my Savage and Im wondering what fps should load it up for (Savage M11, 20in bull barrel)
is there point of loading it up to 2600fps? shooting in Ontario, rarely I can find a place to go 300m plus, (not impossible, just rare)
or should I try for 1800fps, with Hornady 165gr SST?
this will be for plinking purposes mostly, as the gun is too heavy to lob around the woods, and its my only platform for this caliber

 

[Lefty Dick]

You load for accuracy first, then for speed.

What good does blistering speed give you if you can’t put the pills where they belong!

165’s and a 20” bbl, you most likely will be getting topped out in the 2550-2575 fps range.

My 22” bbl .308 is only doing 2650, but that’s where it shoots best, and I’ll take that hunting every day of the week.

I’m kinda curious as to what you got for speed with factory ammo……..

 

[rhino519]

You load for accuracy first, then for speed.

What good does blistering speed give you if you can’t put the pills where they belong!

165’s and a 20” bbl, you most likely will be getting topped out in the 2550-2575 fps range.

My 22” bbl .308 is only doing 2650, but that’s where it shoots best, and I’ll take that hunting every day of the week.

I’m kinda curious as to what you got for speed with factory ammo……

unfortunately chrono is not yet a part of my kit, took a bit of time away from reloading and .308 is a first cal im coming back with

 

[SuperCub]

I load mine with 150s at 2450. It would be fine out to 200yds for deer.

Either way, it's an accurate load and fun to shoot.

 

[todbartell]

If you don't have a chronograph, you won't know the velocity

Knock a couple grains off max and go shoot some paper

 

[Grizzlypeg]

If it's accuracy you are after, then you will have to find what load produces that for you. For my 308's, they tend to prefer loads close to max for best accuracy, but you may find otherwise. Some rifles, that i don't care to chase ultra tight groups, I just work through loads stepping up to near max, or something recommended, and it its still safe, stick with that, and not worry about chasing the tiniest group, as long as it groups acceptably.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

If you don't have a chronograph, you won't know the velocity

Knock a couple grains off max and go shoot some paper

Still wise to work your way up to that load, just in case.

 

[maynard]

Load for accuracy, don't worry about velocity. Most reloading manuals will give you a starting load and a max load. Find the load between these and see what groups the best.

 

[Ganderite]

Accuracy is the objective. Start at the Start Load and load a survey - 5 rounds of each, in 0.5 gr increments. One of those will stand out. There is your plinker load.

 

[rhino519]

thank you everyone for the input, its been a while since i reloaded and i see I've forgot more then i remember about reloading, not that i knew a lot from a get go, but i appreciate you guys

 

[I Dont Care About You]

If you will be plinking inside 300 yds, why a 165 SST? The SST is an expensive hunting bullet meant for extended distances.

My Savage Precision Carbine absolutely loves the 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and Varget pushes them to 3000 fps in a 20" barrel. The lightweight bullet produces less recoil and is a delight to shoot. It is super flat and I've shot them to 700 yds with excellent accuracy.

 

[rhino519]

If you will be plinking inside 300 yds, why a 165 SST? The SST is an expensive hunting bullet meant for extended distances.

My Savage Precision Carbine absolutely loves the 125gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and Varget pushes them to 3000 fps in a 20" barrel. The lightweight bullet produces less recoil and is a delight to shoot. It is super flat and I've shot them to 700 yds with excellent accuracy.

its just the bullet i have on hand right now, it will be a while for me to be anywhere i can get reloading supplies