Does anybody know the twist in these rifles? What grain bullets should I be using? Anybody got a pet recipe to share? I understand they don't like hot loads, is this true? Thanks in advance I never really figured out this twist/bullet thing!!! Respectfully Jim
788 Remington Carbine 308 Win. 18" barrel
- Thread starter Deerdr
- Start date
If you have the rifle on hand you can measure the barrel twist with a tight cleaning patch and some tape on the cleaning rod.
Since it's 308 anything in the 150-168gr range is most likely good to go. You could try some 180's at starting loads to see how they do. Every rifle has it's peculiarities so you will be best served by developing a load from starting loads for it specifically if maximum accuracy is your goal.
A quick google search came up with people saying the 788 action is stronger than most so it should be able to handle full pressure loads easily.
Since it's 308 anything in the 150-168gr range is most likely good to go. You could try some 180's at starting loads to see how they do. Every rifle has it's peculiarities so you will be best served by developing a load from starting loads for it specifically if maximum accuracy is your goal.
A quick google search came up with people saying the 788 action is stronger than most so it should be able to handle full pressure loads easily.
Twist is not the big issue it may seem to be unless you want to shoot a very long (heavy) bullet. Then you should ask before investing in bullets. Your rifle will handle up to 200 grain ordinary (not VLD) bullets just fine.
If you are plinking, a light bullet like a 150 soft point is cheap and accurate. Soft points are more accurate than full metal jackets (FMJ) but might cost slightly more.
If you are hunting, 180gr soft point is good for the deer/moose hunts. It is a good idea to have just one hunting load.
The Rem 788 is a superb action for accuracy. It has a small cut out on the bottom for the magazine (single stack) so there is more bottom metal for bedding. The lock time is very fast, which is a bonus.
The only limitation in power is that the bolt has the locking lugs at the back (like a Lee Enfield). This means that the bolt steel compresses and a hot load will stretch the brass. This is an issue for target shooters who like to use two scoops of powder. If you stick to the loads in your book you will have no issues.
If you are plinking, a light bullet like a 150 soft point is cheap and accurate. Soft points are more accurate than full metal jackets (FMJ) but might cost slightly more.
If you are hunting, 180gr soft point is good for the deer/moose hunts. It is a good idea to have just one hunting load.
The Rem 788 is a superb action for accuracy. It has a small cut out on the bottom for the magazine (single stack) so there is more bottom metal for bedding. The lock time is very fast, which is a bonus.
The only limitation in power is that the bolt has the locking lugs at the back (like a Lee Enfield). This means that the bolt steel compresses and a hot load will stretch the brass. This is an issue for target shooters who like to use two scoops of powder. If you stick to the loads in your book you will have no issues.
