308Win & 215gr Hybrid load data

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Hey guys. I'm just looking for load data on the 215gr Berger hybrid bullets. My Berger load manual doesn't list them at all. Wife is buying me a new 30 cal barrel with a 10 twist and will finish at 30 inches long for Christmas. :dancingbanana: I'm leaning toward the 215 vs 230 as I've heard good things about the 215. The 230 seems to be just that little bit too heavy for the 308 to launch with authority. Any info would be great. If anyone has any practical experience with the 308 and the 230's, please post it up as well.

Thanks!
 
200's are considered the upper limit for .308. Bigger will give you OAL issues. Assuming there's a mag involved. However, I'd just use 220 grain data. 5 grains won't matter.
Oh and you're not alone. There are several other forums with the exact same question going back several years. Even before there was Berger manual. Apparently they've either not done any testing or just don't care.
 
I spoke with Lou Murdica, who does the load development for Berger, in New Mexico last summer about the 215, and 230g bullets. There were plenty of shooters there using them with success, but because of the specialized nature of the load he said that they would probably not publish their date. You can call Berger directly, and they will be pleased to help you. I witnessed F-open shooters launching the 230 upwards of 3000 fps in short magnum cases, recoil however was ferocious. Long throats and strong actions are in order for .308, and recoil seemed to be a limiting factor, especially shooting string style competition in F-Tr.
 
This will be spun onto a Rem 700 short action. It will be throated appropriately. Recoil really isn't an issue as it will probably be braked if it does kick too much. If recoil is enough that it requires a brake to shoot enjoyably, it will be kept as a gong / rock smasher. Data for the 230's is available in their book but I was curious to know what differences were achieveable and what powders people were using. Berger's 230 load data appears to use faster burning powders than I would have expected, although testing was done with a 24 inch pipe.
 
Try up to 48.0 grs (or a full case if it won't fit) of RL-17 (if you can find it).
 
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I bought some also for my new 308 and I am going to to try the data for 210 grs minus .5gr. Berger recommends the same powders for 210 and 230's so I'm sure there is some flexibility there. Freebore lengths will be the killers for these bullets!
 
Truthfully it is but I use it in a 243 wildcat pushing the 105gr hybrids with good success. I figure if nothing else, I'd at least try it.
 
200, and 215 hybrids are now very popular with the 308 in FTR. Some are playing with the 230's but control of the recoil is problematic with most bipods and stock set up.

I played with the 230's this year with promising results.

Due to non published loads, give me a pm or email and we can discuss.

You will need a long throat.

Most of the records and wins at the US Nationals last week were with these heavies.

Jerry
 
I played a bit with slower powders like H4350 in the 308 and I think it has some potential with those heavier bullets but a N550 type powder would likely give it more push, I plan to try that one with 220gr scenars next year just to see. I ran out of time to test stuff this year.

I'm assuming you're already using Lapua Palma brass but if not, its definitely worth the switch.
 
I've got 200 brand new Winchester, 200 brand new Lapua, 100 once fired Norma and 60 once fired Federals. Some where in the pile is some Canadian military brass as well. Have never found Lapua Palma brass in my travels. Will the small primer give ignition problems in cold weather?

Finding RL17 now would be like finding a rainbow crapping unicorn. I do see quite a few people using it for this job though.

Jerry, I'll be in touch for some load data! Thank you!
 
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