Powder for a .308

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husqvarna

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Hi all and Happy Saturday. I'm fairly new to long range shooting and am still a novice for sure. Bought a Savage 10TR, outfitted it with a Sightron 8-32 scope and a muzzle brake from ATRS. I have reloaded for many years, but this is my first time loading for a .308. I am not asking for anyone's pet load, but would appreciate some advice on what powder 308's like most. I am currently loading Hornady 168 gr BTHP match bullets # 30501. I have shot IMR powders almost exclusively in the past, but will change to a different brand if necessary. Availability is a big thing of course. The best powder in the world does no good if its made from unobtanium. Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer advice.
Chris
 
Both Varget and IMR 4064 are excellent powders for 308win, and are almost always available. Read up on OCW (optimal charge weight) test and find what your rifle likes. I settled on 43.2gr Varget or 4064 depending on the bullet, 168gr Nosler CC&BT, 165 Sierra GK. When you find the OCW for your rifle, there will be less variance when switching components like brass, bullet, primer etc..
 
almost everyone uses varget for 308 in match competition.
shoot 1000 rounds with varget and then feel free to go test other suggestions.

I do also use 4064 on occasion depending on bullet weight.

the m14 guys will use nothing slower than 4064 to protect the gas system but doesn't matter for a bolt gun.
 
6MT said:
With winter on the horizon, varget is a good choice.
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Actually, IMR's ENDURON line is billed as being "temperature insensitive" ... and IMR 4166 performs very well in the 308. I ran a couple of pounds and could not distinguish any difference with Varget.
 
Thanks very much for the help. I use Varget in my .223 Savage 10FP, and 4064 in my sons 22-250, so I have a supply of both. Also have 4895 as mentioned in the first reply, so it appears that I have most of the suggestions covered. Any opinions on the Hornady 30501 bullet that I am currently using? A lot of folks like the SMK but I have never tried them..
C
 
I have a new 10TR as well. I've tryed 3 , 5 rnd groups so far. Nosler 150 g ballistic tips, 42,44,46 g of varget.
The groups measured 42 g .720 , 44 g .820, 46 g .915.
Soon as I get my new scope,I'm going to try 168 Berger and Varget.
 
husqvarna said:
In hindsight, I should have posted this in the reloading section. Sorry guys. Hopefully I will still get a response.
C
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I use 41.5 Grains of IMR4895 with 168 Grain, HP Sierra MatchKings. Get cloverleafs at 100 yards with my M14, but with the gas valve turned off making it a bolt action. Switching the gas valve back turns it back into a semi-auto.
 
If you want to shoot long range dump the 168's for either 155 Sierra Palma bullet or 175 SMK's. The new Palma bullets have a slight b.c advantage of the 175's. While the 155's will use a couple more grains of powder than the 175's, you will get a little less recoilwith the 155's. 46 gr of Varget is pretty standard for 155's.
 
My preference is varget but I also burn a lot of H4895.

l like the Hornady bthp- and I can't tell the difference to the Sierra. I think the Sierra seats a little shorter- but I have to check my notes, it may be the other way around. I'm only shooting a couple hundred yards though- there are better choices once you start stretching the distances.

If you aren't getting the results you want, try a different component!
 
I use reloader 15 with a 168smk
And varget in a few hunting 308's with 150 gr bullets
It isn't very picky to load for
 


42.7Gr of IMR4895, rem 9 1/2 primer, Winchester Brass, SMK 168gr at 500 yards. First tested hand loads at 500 yards, shows promis I think out of Savage 10tr, in Cadex chassis with vortex PST6x24x50 FFP
 
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