Different powders for .308?

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ginnz

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Hi guys,

Ive been reloading for a couple months now, love it.... for powder so far, I've only used varget. I see guys talking about using other powders, ie: RL-15, 4058 (I think...;-)), so can someone tell me what the differences are? Im having good results with Varget as it is, what would the appeal be to use a different powder? (I know there is alot more to it than a simple answer), but can someone shed some light on this for me? BTW, im also reloading for my .223, and im using Benchmark and H335, as they are working fine for that caliber.....

thanks for now,
ginnz.
 
For me personally, I use W748 for both my .223 and my .308. I find it easier to stock 1 powder (I'm just lazy that way), and it meters VERY well. I also like the fact that it's low flame temp will give me a little longer longevity on the barrels. I get consistent speeds out of both year round. I've heard nothing but good things about Varget as well, especialy how temperature stable it is, but I see no need to switch.

I've tried H4895 and IMR 8208 XBR and still prefer the W748.

Just my opinion. More esteemed individuals will be along with better info shortly, I imagine
 
If the powders you mentioned are working for you, there's really no appeal to use a different powder...;)
Have a look at a smokeless powder burn rate chart to see how some of the powders you mentioned perform....It'll shed some light....at least it did for me:confused:
BTW....I use and love Varget in my .308's
 
I have very limited reloading for the 308, but I have tried IMR4895 which worked great in my rifle. In my other rifles of different calibers the testing with different powders, showed me that they all work but their is a difference in every powder. In one gun alone I tried four different powders designed to give me the same fps and the results were very surprising. One powder was right on target with a tight group, one powder was a tight group but it was 2 inches left and about 1 inch high. The other powder was severely scatered, and the other gave me a very tight group about 2 inches to the left. Unless you test different powders set for the same fps, you will never know what combo will work best or worst for you. BUT, if your load works good for you and you are happy, is there really a need for the testing ? I do because I love reloading and testing while others find something good and are very content.
 
As said by others, depending on what bullet you are using and your particular rifle you may find one powder gives you better results than others. For me I use Varget, Win 748, Reloader 15, and cfe223 but they all are particular to specific bullets for the same rifle. It's about finding the combo that gives the results you are looking for. Varget is a great powder and if it's doing for you what you want from it, stick with it.
 
Each rifle or handgun depending on bullet weight,shape or form along with the burning characteristics of the powder will have a effect on grouping.This is not even factoring in the condition of your barrel.I have a old 303 that shoots like a pig with .311 but will shoot the ear off a pig with with .314 cast .
 
I use IMR 4064, mostly because I saw that it works for both .308 and .223. I'm too bad of a shot to really gauge how well it works, but it goes bang and hits the target.
 
I find 4895 meters HORRIBLY. If you trickly up every round, it's great. I switched to BL-C(2) and will never look back. There are published loads for .308 and .223.
 
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