What gr bullet to use??

zee123

zee123

Member
Rating - 100%
46   0   0
Location
Edmonton, AB
hello all, looking for reloading advice

I just got a Sako 85 Varmint laminated Stainless Steel fluted heavy barrel. the barrel is 20" long with 11" twist. chambered in .308win

what would be the best choice for bullet weight and what powder?

what I have to work with rite now for powder: IMR4895 and varget and for bullets: Hornady interlocks in 150gr and 165gr

im open to recommendations on other powders and bullets its just finding them may take some time.

the main purpose of this load is for hunting but obviously still need to be accurate enough for the longer range kills, the smallest critters I hunt is WT deer and hopefully soon elk and moose

thanks
 
What powder and bullet works best in your rifle can only be determined by trying them in your rifle. Even the same model from the same manufacturer can have slight differences that cause a load that works great in one to be mediocre in the other.

4895 and Varget are almost always great powders for 308 with 150 and 165gr bullets so you are already off to a good start. Just do some load development with what you have and see if you can find a sweet spot.
 
Here's a twist rate chart for .308 Winchester driect from Shilen.

- 7" * for heavy VLD bullets and/or subsonic ammo.
- 8" for bullets heavier than 220 gr.
- 10" for bullets up to 220 gr.
- 12" for bullets up to 170 gr.
- 13" * Ratchet rifled 4 groove
- 14" * for bullets up to 168gr.
- 15" * for bullets up to 150 gr.
- 17" * for bullets up to 125 gr.

You have two great powders to start off. I myself, have used both H4895 and Varget to great effect with Hornady 168gr Match HPBT projectiles. I have a 24 inch Varmint HB Remington 700 in .308 Win. My rate of twist is 1:12.

Cheers
 
My .308 Tikka Master Sporter has the 1:11 barrel. I use 180gr Sierra Game Kings over Varget with great results.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom