Short-barreled .308 users

blargon

blargon

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I'm loading for a Finnlight with a 20" barrel, 1:11 twist. Trying to get better accuracy with 165gr bullets, what powders work best with this combo in your guns?? I've tried Varget, now trying IMR4895.

180grs are no problem with Varget, but 165gr are no hell.:bangHead:
 
IMR 4064 is the standard powder for .308/.307. If it won't shoot with 4064, it probably won't shoot with any other powder. Varget usually produces excellent results in a .308. I am currently using Varget with 168 grain bullets with excellent groups. Both in my old LTR and new custom 24" Hart.
 
Thanks guys, I was going to get some 4064 yesterday, but none at the shop, so I thought I'd try the 4895. Have some loaded up, but might be a few days...

manitou210 said:
My .308 in Rem Model 7 18.5" barrel like 4064 light load 43gr with 150 gr hot core speer under 3/4" at 100.
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By chance do you know what the rate of twist is for that barrel?? Just curious.
 
When I loaded 308 I found IMR 4895 was the go to powder for 165 gr buyllets. You didn't say what brand you used, sometimes changing brand of bullets works. I always had good luck with Hornady, they seem to be designed with that caliber in mind.
 
My Tikka has a 23" 1:11 barrel. I get very good results using Varget with 175gr SMK's. I tried 168gr with BLC-2 and Varget, but the results were not as good - I figure my gun just likes the 175's better.
 
iceman2 said:
When I loaded 308 I found IMR 4895 was the go to powder for 165 gr buyllets. You didn't say what brand you used, sometimes changing brand of bullets works. I always had good luck with Hornady, they seem to be designed with that caliber in mind.
Click to expand...

I've been trying Hornady SST and IB's so far.... both shoot the same. I plan on trying some Accubond's as well.
 
Inmy 18.5 inch rem 760 .308, shooting 150 gr bullets, it really liked (moa) the H4350 the best -- it got the best velocity and accuracy in comparison to the other powders (i never did try 4064 tho) . It gave a good 100 ft/s over varget and the winchester powders (and still be able to work the pump), and with the better accuracy, it was the chosen one.

I find that in my 30-06 carbines with 180 gr bullets, the H-4350 or Win 760 gives the best overall performance. One may work better in one rifle, the other in another rifle.
 
I load for a friends Model Seven 308 which has the 20" tube. RL15 behind a 165 Interbond shoots well and speeds arent bad either, 2680 f/s IIRC
 
I went out this morning, tried out 6-7 different loads. The IMR 4895 really worked well with the 165 Interbonds, 3 shots into .71". Also put 5 shots into 1.13" with the SST's. Not sure of the speed, I don't have a chrony. My Lee manual says max 43.7 gr of imr4895, but the Hodgdon site says 45.5, I worked up to 45.5 no probs.

thanks to all for your input, I may still try 4064 and RL15 later
 
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i think you will find low velocity numbers, get a chrony, if you can, i got best velocity numbers with imr-4064- 3/4 inch groups @ 100 yds and pretty much max loads, short barrels didnt give good velocity for me, wade
 
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