The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - .308 handloads and accuracy: please clarify.

WWWJD · February 8, 2013, 04:30 PM

I don't know that much about Vihtavuori, but I can tell you that for something like Varget, that's a pretty light charge weight. None of my handloads really started waking up until I got up in the 42-44gr region. There were some one off good groups down there at 39-40gr, but they weren't consistent. My magic charge of Varget seems to be 43.2 to 43.6gr, regardless of bullet weight (150 to 190gr).

Either way, I think you need to load 10 each starting at 40, then working up in .5gr increments to 46 while watching for pressure signs. That'll get you in the ball park of where you need to start fine tuning your charge weight in finer increments and seating depth.

Make sure you're shooting off at least a bipod and rear bag or a front and rear bag. Not knowing anything about your rifle, I'd also just throw "take your time between shots" in there for cold bore vs. hot bore. My remington 20" SPS doesn't care about cold vs. hot, So...

February 8, 2013, 04:30 PM	#2
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	I don't know that much about Vihtavuori, but I can tell you that for something like Varget, that's a pretty light charge weight. None of my handloads really started waking up until I got up in the 42-44gr region. There were some one off good groups down there at 39-40gr, but they weren't consistent. My magic charge of Varget seems to be 43.2 to 43.6gr, regardless of bullet weight (150 to 190gr). Either way, I think you need to load 10 each starting at 40, then working up in .5gr increments to 46 while watching for pressure signs. That'll get you in the ball park of where you need to start fine tuning your charge weight in finer increments and seating depth. Make sure you're shooting off at least a bipod and rear bag or a front and rear bag. Not knowing anything about your rifle, I'd also just throw "take your time between shots" in there for cold bore vs. hot bore. My remington 20" SPS doesn't care about cold vs. hot, So... __________________ *~Mark* NRA Endowment FTW Last edited by WWWJD; February 8, 2013 at 04:37 PM.