Suggestions on long-range 308 loads?

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island

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<disclaimer>Not sure if this should be reloading, or precision rifles, but it's more about precision, so please forgive if this is the wrong place to ask but...</disclaimer>

Anyone have some favorite long-distance (600-1000yds+) .308 loads they would like to share? I've been shooting 180gr Remington PSP's w 38.5gr of IMR 4064, and have finally clued in that this might not be suitable for long distance :)

Any input appreciated!
 
you might take a look under match loads- the old formula used to be 175 grain smks backed by 43-44 grains of ww748( m118slr) but there are others
 
For long range for my .308. The load I use is 46.0gr of Varget and using the 155grs Hornady's A-MAX, Sierra Palma's, Nosler's and finally Laupa's Bullets. I 155's are an excellent bullet to use for thoughs distance!
 
You want a hollow point boat-tail bullet. Lapua's have the highest BC, Sierra's work very well, but my last barrel liked Nosler's just a bit better at long range. I loaded whatever I had on hand at the time, Sierra or Noslers. I will try Lapua's next time I get to the range but have never had luck with Hornady A-Max, some guys love them.
 
You probably best to check out 6mmbr.com and benchrest central as well
as some other long range shooting sites. They have studies of loads and bullets for different twist rates you will find very usefull. I do know Varget is
the prefered powder by most lopng range 308 shooters and best luck "lately"
is 155 grn bullets if that is what suits your rifle.
 
match 155's for palma shooting work, barely, out to 1k. 168gr SMK's are another good choice.

Personally, I wouldn't go heavier than 175gr absolute tops in the 308.

A lot of the really long range 308 shooters are using really long (30") barrels, tight match chambers, and really hot loads to keeps things nice and supersonic way out there.
 
I also use Varget and 155 Palmas, or Alberta Wildcats in my 308's.

My rifles have slow twists, BTW, so I don't mess with bullets longer tnah the standard Palmas.
Cat
 
Don't know what you mean by saying that match 155s work, barely, out to 1k. These bullets are the international standard for .308s with iron sights to 1000y, and perform superbly, fired from Fullbore (Palma) target rifles. The 168 SMK is designed for 300m shooting, and does not have a good reputation for long range, being difficult to keep supersonic. The 175-180 gr. bullets are a better choice if a heavier bullet is desired. Syxx15 mentionned 46 gr. Varget. I use this load as well. Another one is 44 gr. 4064, w/155s. Most 154/155 loads will chronograph in the 2950 - 3050 fps range, from a 30" barrel, and this keeps these 155s nicely supersonic through 1000y.
 
The 155 Scenar has a claimed bc of .508 and can go faster than a heavier bullet. Best of both worlds, the reason a heavier bullet is desired is because of the normally higher BC associated with it, not the mass.

Joe, are the Berger 175's working out better? Just learning and since you mentioned them there is likely a reason.

Cheers
 
46.0 of Varget with a 155 bullet is the load I use for Target Rifle.
I would not say it is a hot load at least in my 4 lug Millennium action or my 2 lug 40X, both sport 30 inch barrels and run about 2940-2960fps.

IIRC the Jensen or maybe it was Carmichael load used in the 92 Palma Match in Raton was 44.7 of IMR 4895 in a Winchester (92 Palma head stamped case). I think I remember hearing about some stick bolts with this load in the heat of New Mexico, but nothing too serious. Varget is not as heat sensitive as the IMR powders.

tiriaq is correct about the 168's SMK's. They worst bullet for 1000 yards. They were disigned in the 60's for 300m ISU shooting and may not always make it to the target at 1000.
 
maynard said:
IIRC the Jensen or maybe it was Carmichael load used in the 92 Palma Match in Raton was 44.7 of IMR 4895 in a Winchester (92 Palma head stamped case). I think I remember hearing about some stick bolts with this load in the heat of New Mexico, but nothing too serious. Varget is not as heat sensitive as the IMR powders.
Click to expand...

It was Jensen's Custom Ammunition in Tucson, Az. that loaded the ammo.

The load was:-

155gr Sirra Palma bullet.
44.8gr IMR4895
Federal 210M primer
OAL 2.80"
Loaded in custom headstamped Winchester brass.

Pressured tested by Winchester and IMR and runs between 51000 and 52000 CUP. SAAMI maximum is 54000 CUP.

This is from the July/August 1991 issue of Handloader magazine. Number 152.

These loads were made on 2 Dillon 1050's.

RePete.
 
island said:
t-star:

Thanks - when you say "match loads", where do you mean? Is there a place I should be searching?
sorry, newb questions :)
Click to expand...
try "308 win match loads " or 7.62x51 or 7.62 nato match loads in your search engine- that's where i got the recepie for the m118 slr( special long range) - they spec'd ww750, which is just a hair slower than ww748, which is commonly available- besides, i had already tried different charges during my work-up and found that the m14 won't cycle with 42, but will with 43-44 but goes over pressure with 45, all with 180 grainers- i didn't know about the heavy bullet/m14 problem at the time
 
Thanks Steve, of course I'm running the 175's to 2750, frikin' newbies :D [seated long, no signs] 46.1 gr Varget.
 
Unless I missed it I don't recall what twist your rifle is. If you have a 1:10 (tight) it will not shoot the 155 Scenar well. Most of the long range target guys use the 155 Scenar pushed along with Varget.

Brian
 
lcq said:
Unless I missed it I don't recall what twist your rifle is. If you have a 1:10 (tight) it will not shoot the 155 Scenar well. Most of the long range target guys use the 155 Scenar pushed along with Varget.

Brian
Click to expand...

IIRC the twists are 1:13 or 1:14 for the long tubes.

RePete.
 
I shoot a Savage 10FP LE2B, which I believe is a 1 in 10, my wife shoots a Rem 700P, which is (again, as far as I know) a 1 in 12.

I reload for both of us, so I probably need to work up different loads for each rifle.
 
I have found that my rifle really likes BL-C(2) powder more than 4064. I have also been recommended Reloader 15 from an uncle who has been reloading for longer than i've been alive.
 
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