Opinions... powders for 308win

Kingofalderwood

Kingofalderwood

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Picked up a new rifle. 308win. 20" barrel. Nice bush rifle with iron sights. I've tentatively selected 3 powders to work from. H4895, Varget and CFE 223.
Two bullets to start will be Hornady GMX 165g and the Barnes TTSX 180g. Primarily for hunting. Any past experiences or recommendations?
I know that pretty much each rifle will pick its own favourite load but Id be interested to hear some or your suggestions.

Thanks!
 
VARGET and that's IT
there will be close to 500 shooting at the F class Worlds Championship and half will be shooting .308 win and there might be a few using H4895 AND VT 140 & 150 BUT 95% USE VARGET, BECAUSE ITS STABLE IN THE HEAT and extremely accurate

168 gr Berger Hybrids Target/ small primer Lapua cases and start at 42gr and work up carefully watch for pressures and you shoot one hole 5 shot groups
Do not use any double base powder CFe 223 double base ?
 
manitou210 said:
VARGET and that's IT
there will be close to 500 shooting at the F class Worlds Championship and half will be shooting .308 win and there might be a few using H4895 AND VT 140 & 150 BUT 95% USE VARGET, BECAUSE ITS STABLE IN THE HEAT and extremely accurate

168 gr Berger Hybrids Target/ small primer Lapua cases and start at 42gr and work up carefully watch for pressures and you shoot one hole 5 shot groups
Do not use any double base powder CFe 223 double base ?
Click to expand...

Funny you mentioned Varget and nothing else. I was flipping through the reload books I have and Varget is almost everywhere when it comes to 308win.
CFE 223 was a suggestion but more for a lighter grain bullet like 150g so its out for me.
Varget will work for the 165 and 180 so that'll make it easier.

Thanks!
 
What are your thoughts on IMR 4320 for .308? I have Varget and shoot .308 but I could get a few pounds for dirt cheaps locally. Might be better with a .223?
 
Everyone like to promote and defend "their" load! I love developing loads, but as stated repeatedly, feel free to use up time and components and wear out your barrel but eventually you'll settle on Varget.

The only exceptions I can think of is for bullet weights below 150 gr or above 190, but even then Varget can produce an accurate load.
 
H4895 is my staple .308 powder for bolt guns because it works well and it's extremely versatile... Benchmark is quite nice as well and I use it for my semi's because it meters very well thru my Dillon... I have half a pound of Varget somewhere under my bench that's used for 110gr Vmax loads in my 30-06 and that's about it.
 
Kingofalderwood said:
Picked up a new rifle. 308win. 20" barrel. Nice bush rifle with iron sights. I've tentatively selected 3 powders to work from. H4895, Varget and CFE 223.
Two bullets to start will be Hornady GMX 165g and the Barnes TTSX 180g. Primarily for hunting. Any past experiences or recommendations?
I know that pretty much each rifle will pick its own favourite load but Id be interested to hear some or your suggestions.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I use Varget in my .308 but I'm going to try some Win 748 in my two kid's .308s this year just to see what it can do. I know you get more velocity from it. I won't know about the accuracy until I work through load development.

I'm curious as to why you'd want to shoot 180 gr. TTSX out of yours since these bullets retain almost 100% of their weight upon impact. As to weight retention, that would be like shooting a 210+ gr. non-monolithic bullet. My Sako 85 SS shoots 1/2 MOA using the 130 gr. TTSX at close to 3000 fps with 49.1 gr. of Varget.
 
Andy said:
Everyone like to promote and defend "their" load! I love developing loads, but as stated repeatedly, feel free to use up time and components and wear out your barrel but eventually you'll settle on Varget.

The only exceptions I can think of is for bullet weights below 150 gr or above 190, but even then Varget can produce an accurate load.
Click to expand...

I can agree with your logic. Lighter/faster - heavier/ slower...

I reload 223 and 308. Varget crosses the line and produces accurate loads for both rifles ... hence a good choice if youre shooting two different guns like I am. and I like heavy bullets on both. Slower propellants works well in such a scenario. 3031 works well for lighter stuff on both rifles and if youre into economy, less powder will give you more shots per pound but you wont want to load heavies with this stuff... If im just going to the range for some "recoil therapy" and want to just blast away.... I'd consider this. IF Im looking to compete then Id go with the crowd and get commensurate results...


as for wearing it out trying different loads or such.. I sort if think that a gun should be used... like a car.. you dont buy it, fill it with premium and park it for months on end.. Drive it! Try chevron and then esso maybe shell, but have fun with it. Nothing lasts forever. Might as well enjoy it now while you can.

Choices choices... and barrels can be replaced... for better more accurate ones... Seems that what were all striving towards anyway. imho : )
 
IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 for me. Thats with 178 and 175 grain bullets. I have lots of others on hand but these 2 powders are always available and priced right. My varget is reserved for the 223 as i get more mileage out of a pound
 
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