What are you loading for your semi auto 308

grubbylabs · February 5, 2014, 11:21 PM

What weight bullet are most of you all loading for your AR-10 style rifle. And where are you getting your bullets from.

I have a couple pounds of H-335,Bl-C2 and 8lbs of WC844 to experiment with.
I will be purchasing a Smith & Wesson M&P 10 with a 1-10 twist and a 18" barrel.

H-D · February 6, 2014, 07:26 AM

I'm using 168gr Sierra Matchking HPBT over 42gr or Varget.

Seem to fly pretty straight.

jmorris · February 6, 2014, 07:57 AM

I used to buy and sell Hornady LNL's and keep the bullets.

Likely one of the few guys running JSP's in a belt fed.

JefferS · February 6, 2014, 08:00 AM

I recently purchased a Saiga 308 (16" bbl) and the guy I bought it from had been loading 160 gr lead bullets (which he casts himself) over 30 gr Reloader-7.

Since I don't have RL-7 for the few pounds of bullets I got from him (and I'm having trouble finding any powder in my area), I'm thinking about trying to work up a load with IMR-4895 and a 165 gr Speer Spitzer SP.

Not that this helps you much with the supplies you have ...

hodaka · February 6, 2014, 08:04 AM

My 24" DPMS has shot nearly every match bullet I have tried very well. 155's, 168's and 175's propelled by 4064 or 4895 all are sub-MOA with the right load. Never tried the cheaper slugs.

Jimro · February 6, 2014, 09:13 AM

Nosler 168 bthps and M72 match bullets over IMR 4064.

Same loads I run through my bolt rifles.

Jimro

tangolima · February 6, 2014, 01:40 PM

PTR91 with 16" barrel.

168gr HPBT bullets from grafs, believed to be seconds from Hornady. 41gr of N135 powder. Israeli military surplus brass. WLR primers.

1.7MOA for 10 shots group. Drum sight. 100yd. Bench rest.

-TL

Pongo · February 6, 2014, 02:55 PM

Quote:

I have a couple pounds of H-335,Bl-C2 and 8lbs of WC844 to experiment with.

grubbylabs. I'm sure you probably already know this, H-335 and WC844 are the same powder.

Damon555 · February 6, 2014, 05:59 PM

Best load so far is WC844 (H335) or IMR4064 pushing a 155 A-max out of my DPMS LR-308 with a 24" 1-10 twist barrel.

Darn near stacks them on top of each other....

grubbylabs · February 6, 2014, 06:02 PM

Yes I know that WC-844 and the H-335 are the same, that's why I jumped on the WC-844 when I saw it for $150.00 for the 8lb jug. It does great in my Ar-15.

I also have 4064 about 5lbs, but I am hoping to make use of one of the ball powders so I can load it on the progressive press.

tobnpr · February 6, 2014, 09:51 PM

Only one range trip so far with my son's new AR-10, but oddly enough (or, not odd at all), it was shooting the same accuracy load for his Savage bolt gun into 3/4" at 100 yards.

175 SMK over 43.5 Varget. Varget's been my go-to powder for the .308 in bolt guns, no reason it should be different in an autoloader.

Going to try the 168's, and Amax's as well.

JMP · February 6, 2014, 11:12 PM

I've had really good luck with Nosler 180gr ballistic tips over Varget

grubbylabs · February 6, 2014, 11:29 PM

I gotta say I thought more people would be into the 150 grain bullet range a little more.

It looks like most of you are using them as target rifles rather than just fun plinking rifles.

For my accuracy loads I plan on using 4064 because it seems to work better in my bolt gun than Varget does.

Are some of you also loading up cheap plinking ammo or is surplus ammo more popular?

Jimro · February 7, 2014, 12:38 AM

You won't get best accuracy from cheap 147~150gr FMJ bullets in 308.

You can get acceptable accuracy, plenty fine for plinking.

Jimro

totalloser · February 7, 2014, 02:10 PM

I have had good luck with 46.2 of blc-2 behind 150's, but goal was relatively accurate plinking, not tack driving. I was loading resized russian 7.62 (.310ish sized to .308) projectiles and steel core US fmjbt's. The latter actually seemed pretty accurate, but hard to say since I shot them out of a socom with a holo sight.

I wouldn't buy the resized russian stuff again. "Bimetal" is garbage and cuts barrel life in half.

Oh and I loaded that load for military "heavy" brass in which it's a warmish load. Middle of the road for commercial brass.

chiefr · February 8, 2014, 12:12 AM

> 147 & < 176 gr

Clark · February 8, 2014, 03:10 PM

When I was a kid in 1965, my father was the chief engineer of a gun designing operation that sold to the army and the marines.

A government inspector assigned to the operation brought home a belt fed machine gun and invited us to his place to shoot. It was a Colt firearm with a bi pod. Probably an M60, but the memory is fuzzy 50 years later.

I was shooting up a model A Ford that was abandoned on the power lines [Now a Model A Ford would be worth something]. Every 5th round was a tracer.

The gov inspector gave us some cases of belted ammo. Our father did not want us kids taking any tracers to the range, so we had to throw those away. The ones we took to the range were very accurate, but some grown ups at the range said we were shooting incendiary, based on sparks behind the targets.

zeke · February 8, 2014, 06:44 PM

Use bullets at least 165 grains for Rock River LAr8 16 inch. Have not had near as good accuracy with any of the lighter bullets tried in the short 1:10 twist. The Sierra 168 bthp works very well, and is available regularly.

Prices of all components being what they are, and effort to load multiple 308 semi rounds what it is, am starting to believe the effort/cost spent is better served with quality bullets.

In other words, making loads with cheap rejected bullets doesn't equate with expensive powder, primers and brass for a rifle am wanting high level of accuracy from.

Another story with the slower twist open sighted rifles, purposed for shorter range.

tangolima · February 8, 2014, 07:35 PM

I shoot the same groups with 10% to 20% cheaper bullets, so why not? I will pay more when I become a match winning, record setting rifleman.

-TL

93Harley · February 10, 2014, 09:28 PM

I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 10 (.308) and like the rifle for the most part. In my thinking, it's a cross between an M16 (which I did not like), and an M14 (which I really liked). I'm currently working up loads using 165 gr Hornady ballistic tipped SST's using Varget, IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 for go power. So far, the Varget is holding tighter groups. The rifle has a lot of potential and we're eager to discover exactly what this rifle is capable of. At this point, we are both a work in progress.

Enjoy your journey.

Kevin Rohrer · February 10, 2014, 09:42 PM

My M1A uses 147-150gr FMJ I got from Midway.

ncrypt · February 11, 2014, 06:02 AM

I shoot 150 Gr Hornady through my Sig 716. I use CFE 223, IMR 4895, BLC-2, and Benchmark.

Jeff2131 · February 12, 2014, 05:23 PM

Ive been using imr4064 and imr3031 as suggested by Bart B. Was using imr4320 but since switching ive found much better accuracy. And as Jimro said, 150's are accurate enough for plinking. I stock pile 150fmjbt by the 1000's when they are in stock at Natchez.com. im shooting a DPMS SASS with an 18" fluted bull barrel. Using a Barska 6-24X50 ive been able to consistantly shoot out my bullseye at 50yrds and keep every shot in my inner most circle at 100yrds. I shoot ALOT so stock piling the 150's has worked well for me. Also, i have a RUGER m77 markII that i put 180gr. SPBT through, ive put them through my ar10 a few times and have gotten good result. Also, midsouth shooters supply is usually my go to for most bullets! Their search options are great and let you narrow by "instock". I highly recommend either of those websites.

February 5, 2014, 11:21 PM	#1
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	What are you loading for your semi auto 308 What weight bullet are most of you all loading for your AR-10 style rifle. And where are you getting your bullets from. I have a couple pounds of H-335,Bl-C2 and 8lbs of WC844 to experiment with. I will be purchasing a Smith & Wesson M&P 10 with a 1-10 twist and a 18" barrel. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie)

February 6, 2014, 08:00 AM	#4
JefferS Member Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Independence, MO Posts: 89	I recently purchased a Saiga 308 (16" bbl) and the guy I bought it from had been loading 160 gr lead bullets (which he casts himself) over 30 gr Reloader-7. Since I don't have RL-7 for the few pounds of bullets I got from him (and I'm having trouble finding any powder in my area), I'm thinking about trying to work up a load with IMR-4895 and a 165 gr Speer Spitzer SP. Not that this helps you much with the supplies you have ... __________________ *Jeff*

February 6, 2014, 09:13 AM	#6
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	Nosler 168 bthps and M72 match bullets over IMR 4064. Same loads I run through my bolt rifles. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

February 6, 2014, 06:02 PM	#10
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	Yes I know that WC-844 and the H-335 are the same, that's why I jumped on the WC-844 when I saw it for $150.00 for the 8lb jug. It does great in my Ar-15. I also have 4064 about 5lbs, but I am hoping to make use of one of the ball powders so I can load it on the progressive press. __________________ * (Swinging club) Whack! whack! whack! * Nope, the old nag's still dead . (Capt Charlie) Last edited by grubbylabs; February 6, 2014 at 06:19 PM.

February 6, 2014, 09:51 PM	#11
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Only one range trip so far with my son's new AR-10, but oddly enough (or, not odd at all), it was shooting the same accuracy load for his Savage bolt gun into 3/4" at 100 yards. 175 SMK over 43.5 Varget. Varget's been my go-to powder for the .308 in bolt guns, no reason it should be different in an autoloader. Going to try the 168's, and Amax's as well. __________________ Remington 700/Savage Rebarreling /Action Blueprinting 07 FFL /Mosin-Nagant Custom Shop/Bent Bolts Genuine Cerakote Applicator www.biggorillagunworks.com

February 6, 2014, 07:26 AM	#2
H-D Member Join Date: January 19, 2010 Posts: 18	I'm using 168gr Sierra Matchking HPBT over 42gr or Varget. Seem to fly pretty straight.

February 6, 2014, 07:57 AM	#3
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,077	I used to buy and sell Hornady LNL's and keep the bullets. Likely one of the few guys running JSP's in a belt fed.

February 6, 2014, 08:04 AM	#5
hodaka Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,010	My 24" DPMS has shot nearly every match bullet I have tried very well. 155's, 168's and 175's propelled by 4064 or 4895 all are sub-MOA with the right load. Never tried the cheaper slugs.

February 6, 2014, 01:40 PM	#7
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 3,827	PTR91 with 16" barrel. 168gr HPBT bullets from grafs, believed to be seconds from Hornady. 41gr of N135 powder. Israeli military surplus brass. WLR primers. 1.7MOA for 10 shots group. Drum sight. 100yd. Bench rest. -TL

February 6, 2014, 05:59 PM	#9
Damon555 Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2012 Posts: 384	Best load so far is WC844 (H335) or IMR4064 pushing a 155 A-max out of my DPMS LR-308 with a 24" 1-10 twist barrel. Darn near stacks them on top of each other....

February 6, 2014, 11:12 PM	#12
JMP Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2010 Location: Wyoming Posts: 118	I've had really good luck with Nosler 180gr ballistic tips over Varget

February 6, 2014, 11:29 PM	#13
grubbylabs Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2009 Location: Hansen Idaho Posts: 1,465	I gotta say I thought more people would be into the 150 grain bullet range a little more. It looks like most of you are using them as target rifles rather than just fun plinking rifles. For my accuracy loads I plan on using 4064 because it seems to work better in my bolt gun than Varget does. Are some of you also loading up cheap plinking ammo or is surplus ammo more popular?

February 7, 2014, 12:38 AM	#14
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	You won't get best accuracy from cheap 147~150gr FMJ bullets in 308. You can get acceptable accuracy, plenty fine for plinking. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

February 7, 2014, 02:10 PM	#15
totalloser Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2007 Location: Fort Bragg, CA Posts: 679	I have had good luck with 46.2 of blc-2 behind 150's, but goal was relatively accurate plinking, not tack driving. I was loading resized russian 7.62 (.310ish sized to .308) projectiles and steel core US fmjbt's. The latter actually seemed pretty accurate, but hard to say since I shot them out of a socom with a holo sight. I wouldn't buy the resized russian stuff again. "Bimetal" is garbage and cuts barrel life in half. Oh and I loaded that load for military "heavy" brass in which it's a warmish load. Middle of the road for commercial brass. __________________ You only truly believe in freedom if you believe in the freedom of those you disagree.

February 8, 2014, 12:12 AM	#16
chiefr Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: AR Posts: 1,401	> 147 & < 176 gr

February 8, 2014, 03:10 PM	#17
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	When I was a kid in 1965, my father was the chief engineer of a gun designing operation that sold to the army and the marines. A government inspector assigned to the operation brought home a belt fed machine gun and invited us to his place to shoot. It was a Colt firearm with a bi pod. Probably an M60, but the memory is fuzzy 50 years later. I was shooting up a model A Ford that was abandoned on the power lines [Now a Model A Ford would be worth something]. Every 5th round was a tracer. The gov inspector gave us some cases of belted ammo. Our father did not want us kids taking any tracers to the range, so we had to throw those away. The ones we took to the range were very accurate, but some grown ups at the range said we were shooting incendiary, based on sparks behind the targets. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

February 8, 2014, 06:44 PM	#18
zeke Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 1999 Location: NW Wi Posts: 1,671	Use bullets at least 165 grains for Rock River LAr8 16 inch. Have not had near as good accuracy with any of the lighter bullets tried in the short 1:10 twist. The Sierra 168 bthp works very well, and is available regularly. Prices of all components being what they are, and effort to load multiple 308 semi rounds what it is, am starting to believe the effort/cost spent is better served with quality bullets. In other words, making loads with cheap rejected bullets doesn't equate with expensive powder, primers and brass for a rifle am wanting high level of accuracy from. Another story with the slower twist open sighted rifles, purposed for shorter range.

February 8, 2014, 07:35 PM	#19
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 3,827	I shoot the same groups with 10% to 20% cheaper bullets, so why not? I will pay more when I become a match winning, record setting rifleman. -TL

February 10, 2014, 09:28 PM	#20
93Harley Junior Member Join Date: March 30, 2013 Posts: 12	M&P 10 I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 10 (.308) and like the rifle for the most part. In my thinking, it's a cross between an M16 (which I did not like), and an M14 (which I really liked). I'm currently working up loads using 165 gr Hornady ballistic tipped SST's using Varget, IMR 4064 and IMR 4895 for go power. So far, the Varget is holding tighter groups. The rifle has a lot of potential and we're eager to discover exactly what this rifle is capable of. At this point, we are both a work in progress. Enjoy your journey.

February 10, 2014, 09:42 PM	#21
Kevin Rohrer Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2010 Location: Medina, Ohio Posts: 1,049	My M1A uses 147-150gr FMJ I got from Midway. __________________ Member: Orange Gunsite Family, NRA--Life, ARTCA, and American Legion. Caveat Emptor: Cavery Grips/AmericanGripz/Prestige Grips/Stealth Grips from Clayton, NC. He is a scammer

February 11, 2014, 06:02 AM	#22
ncrypt Member Join Date: December 3, 2013 Posts: 72	I shoot 150 Gr Hornady through my Sig 716. I use CFE 223, IMR 4895, BLC-2, and Benchmark.

February 12, 2014, 05:23 PM	#23
Jeff2131 Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Spring City, PA Posts: 497	Ive been using imr4064 and imr3031 as suggested by Bart B. Was using imr4320 but since switching ive found much better accuracy. And as Jimro said, 150's are accurate enough for plinking. I stock pile 150fmjbt by the 1000's when they are in stock at Natchez.com. im shooting a DPMS SASS with an 18" fluted bull barrel. Using a Barska 6-24X50 ive been able to consistantly shoot out my bullseye at 50yrds and keep every shot in my inner most circle at 100yrds. I shoot ALOT so stock piling the 150's has worked well for me. Also, i have a RUGER m77 markII that i put 180gr. SPBT through, ive put them through my ar10 a few times and have gotten good result. Also, midsouth shooters supply is usually my go to for most bullets! Their search options are great and let you narrow by "instock". I highly recommend either of those websites. __________________ ---I DON'T DIAL 911---