basic .308 load to tweak for my rifle

[Fenix.NZ]

well im brand new to reloading, just curious what you fellas would recommend as a basic .308 load that i can tweak for my rifle ( 1:12 twist .. 24" bbl )

basically looking for a start point.

shooting 600-1000m

 

[yukoncoyote]

Pretty hard to go wrong with Sierra Matchkings. The 168gr has a reputation of going squirrely past 600m, but that is a topic that has been discussed many times on this board. I use 175gr SMK to great effect out to 1000m. They are usually easy to find (not sure about New Zealand though) and respectably priced. Hodgedon Varget is a good powder, very versatile, lots of load data.

Thats the beauty of 308, tons of components to choose from and loads of data.
Good luck!

 

[SPRTN308]

Lapua Scenar's (155) and some H4895?

 

[punkrockboy]

Berger VLD 168 Gr and 45.5 gr Varget.

 

[Lionhill]

Hornady SST 165Gr. and 42.5 Gr. Varget. Match primers and fireformed brass is a must.

LH

 

[Longshot]

You need to figure out what bullet you wanna shoot first
then we can give you some powder load ranges.Then its up to you
to get out there and see what shoots best out of your rifle.
Like someone already said the 175 mk is a no brainer.The 168 is junk
past 600m.

 

[Fenix.NZ]

well as there is such a huge range available for the .308 its a little daunting trying to pick the start point..

thanks for the replies, i'l take what you've given me, see whats available locally. hopefully find the happy medium

 

[CanuckWR]

I am around 44gr varget and 168gr hornaday AMAX. They shoot nice to 500yrds so far.

 

[yukoncoyote]

Don't forget to buy some Lapua brass. All others pale in comparison IMHO.
Money well spent.

 

[Ron AKA]

You can find quite a few "favourite loads" at the link below.

.308 Cartridge Guide

 

[9mikemike]

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

There is some generic data there for you.

I run a 175gr SMK out to 1000m
IMR 4064 for powder, just can't remember exactly how many grains though and I don't have my recipe book at work with me.
Maybe 42.3 gr, or right around there anyway.

 

[mctonyb]

That's pretty much my load too;

44gr Varget, 168gr Amax, CCI BR-2's, and Lapua Brass. Seat the bullet close to the lands on some fire-formed brass and you're good to go.

That being said; different guns have preferences for certain bullets. For instance; my gun does not like the Sierra or Lapua bullets at all. It loves the Amax almost exclusively with the Berger VLD's in a close second.

I am around 44gr varget and 168gr hornaday AMAX. They shoot nice to 500yrds so far.

 

[todbartell]

any 168gr match bullet should work, Varget....RL15......H4895......IMR8208xbr......all good fuel

pick whatever components are most available and SHOOT!

Im shooting 168gr HPBT Nosler & 42.5grs IMR 8208xbr, shoots 3/4moa usually in my Winchester 308. 2750 fps (26" brl)

if performance past 600y is lacking, rebarrel to 6.5mm-08