Savage 308 208gr HPBT.

thesheepdog · September 8, 2013, 12:11 AM

Hello all,
I have been reading a lot about shooters getting excellent results with the heavy 308 projectiles like the 208 AMAX and others.
I ventured to try this myself with Hornady's 208 hpbt since the AMAX is basically non-existent currently.

I am using a Savage 10FCP 5R 24" barrel with a Melonite finish by H&M.
Temp 75 degrees, 35% humidity, 900' ASL.
Win brass
CCI LRP
. 010 off the lands
2.88 OAL.
45gr RL17

Velocity average: 2550 fps.

Compared to the 175 smk this round at this velocity is getting me to over 1200 yards supersonic.
When it warms up to the current 102 degrees here in Texas this round is getting real close to 1400 yards supersonic.

This is a light powder charge compared to what others are using. Some guys are getting 51gr of RL17 due to longer throats.

I'm impressed with the results and thought I would share.

hootey · September 8, 2013, 06:29 PM

How far you shooting and what size groups

? Post some pics of the targets or let us know the group sizes. Thanks

thesheepdog · September 8, 2013, 06:34 PM

100 yards and half minute groups.

hootey · September 8, 2013, 08:05 PM

Metal god · September 9, 2013, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Some guys are getting 51gr of RL17 due to longer throats.

I'm thinking those guys have a 700 and not the FCP . I have a FCP-K that has a uber short throat . How is yours , short or average ? How far past the bottom of the shoulder does your bullets go when seated ? Are youe loads compressed at all ?

thesheepdog · September 9, 2013, 06:41 AM

Quote:

I'm thinking those guys have a 700 and not the FCP . I have a FCP-K that has a uber short throat . How is yours , short or average ? How far past the bottom of the shoulder does your bullets go when seated ? Are youe loads compressed at all ?

Yes this is true about the longer throats on the Remingtons. As I stated in my load data, my bullets are just off the lands at 2.880 with a 0.010 freebore, so that puts me at 2.890 to the lands.

The bullet does go quite a ways past the shoulder; I would say a quarter inch or so. The load is a tad compressed, but is definitely not showing any signs of pressure even in the hot weather here in Texas. I actually bumped the load up to 45.5 of RL17 with no issues.
At this velocity, these rounds are kicking butt and taking names compared to the M118LR at 2500ish fps.

thesheepdog · September 9, 2013, 07:23 AM

Here's the 208 next to some 168's.

Metal god · September 9, 2013, 09:21 AM

Do you know the distance from your bolt face to the lands ? The tip/nose of the bullets get longer as they get heavier . I can seat 190gr smk to a OAL of 2.830 but 175gr smk the max OAL is 2.730 to keep them off the lands . Have you ever loaded 175gr smk ? if so what's there max OAL .

thesheepdog · September 9, 2013, 09:29 AM

As I already stated: 2.898 is the distance from the lands to the bolt face.

I have not loaded any 175's yet.

HopeandChange · September 9, 2013, 11:48 AM

I run those 208s in 300 Win Mag, but the 175 SMKs have done well for me even out to 1400 yards with a 20" Rem 700 SPS tactical.

They seem to handle Transonic pretty well.

Metal god · September 9, 2013, 04:28 PM

Quote:

As I already stated

You know I really should read these threads more closely

That seems HUGE to me .Just to be clear, you are saying 2.898 is the distance from the lands to the bolt face.

I thought when you set a bullet back off the lands .010 or so . You are setting it back from the Ojive . That measurement is often not much longer then the cases it self . My rifling starts at about 2.150 or so in my FCP-K

thesheepdog · September 9, 2013, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metal god

You know I really should read these threads more closely

That seems HUGE to me .Just to be clear, you are saying 2.898 is the distance from the lands to the bolt face.

I thought when you set a bullet back off the lands .010 or so . You are setting it back from the Ojive . That measurement is often not much longer then the cases it self . My rifling starts at about 2.150 or so in my FCP-K

Metal God,

I don't know the exact measurement. I just know the OAL for the 208 AMAX using a Sinclair OAL Guage.

Metal god · September 9, 2013, 06:43 PM

oh , ok thanks I understand now

the reason I was asking , I was trying to see if Savage tends to have short throats or what . I was thinking if you knew what yours was I could compare it to mine .

Thanks again

thesheepdog · September 9, 2013, 06:44 PM

I know the Remington 700's have much longer factory throats.

Mobuck · September 9, 2013, 08:48 PM

You're looking at 100 yards and 1/2 minute groups and you're concerned about staying supersonic @ 1200-1400 yards?? Maybe I'm not reading this correctly.
Those bullets might not even be "settled down" at 100 yards.

thesheepdog · September 9, 2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mobuck

You're looking at 100 yards and 1/2 minute groups and you're concerned about staying supersonic @ 1200-1400 yards?? Maybe I'm not reading this correctly.
Those bullets might not even be "settled down" at 100 yards.

No. Not concerned. Just some test results.
I realize they need to be proved at distance but you have to start somewhere.

BoilerUP · November 3, 2013, 05:57 PM

Bump from the dead to ask:any chance OP could post the length of the 30cal 208 HPBT? I've been looking on Google and have struck out.

Thanks

Greenwave · March 20, 2014, 01:34 PM

Boilerup,

Found this on another forum. Second comment from the top. Hope that helps.

http://www.longrangehunting.com/foru...208-max-44040/

Mercury3298 · March 20, 2014, 05:48 PM

Guys I purchased some H4198 and read that this is some good powder to use to reload for this particular caliber. Also, I read that a bullet weight between 150-165 grain is best used for accuracy. Please give me some replies also maybe what primer I should use.

Bart B. · March 20, 2014, 07:19 PM

H4198 is way too fast a powder for normal, max loads with the bullet weights you mention. That powder can be used for reduced loads with those bullet weights.

Are you asking if a bullet weight between 150-165 grain is best used for accuracy in a .308 Win? Note that all bullets from 147 to 250 grains have been used with match winning and record setting accuracy with the .308 Win. case. With an extra slow twist, bullets from 115 to 140 grains can also produce great accuracy from .308 Win cases. Powders have to be matched to the bullets; slower for heavier, faster for lighter.

What twist is your rifle barrel?

I think Tulammo primers are the best ones these days.

September 8, 2013, 12:11 AM	#1
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	Savage 308 208gr HPBT. Hello all, I have been reading a lot about shooters getting excellent results with the heavy 308 projectiles like the 208 AMAX and others. I ventured to try this myself with Hornady's 208 hpbt since the AMAX is basically non-existent currently. I am using a Savage 10FCP 5R 24" barrel with a Melonite finish by H&M. Temp 75 degrees, 35% humidity, 900' ASL. Win brass CCI LRP . 010 off the lands 2.88 OAL. 45gr RL17 Velocity average: 2550 fps. Compared to the 175 smk this round at this velocity is getting me to over 1200 yards supersonic. When it warms up to the current 102 degrees here in Texas this round is getting real close to 1400 yards supersonic. This is a light powder charge compared to what others are using. Some guys are getting 51gr of RL17 due to longer throats. I'm impressed with the results and thought I would share.

September 8, 2013, 06:29 PM	#2
hootey Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2009 Location: Greater Northwest Posts: 244	How far you shooting and what size groups? Post some pics of the targets or let us know the group sizes. Thanks

September 8, 2013, 06:34 PM	#3
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	100 yards and half minute groups. __________________ Krav Maga/Judo Qualified Rifleman/Marksmanship Instructor/Lic. Medic "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1

September 9, 2013, 09:21 AM	#8
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	Do you know the distance from your bolt face to the lands ? The tip/nose of the bullets get longer as they get heavier . I can seat 190gr smk to a OAL of 2.830 but 175gr smk the max OAL is 2.730 to keep them off the lands . Have you ever loaded 175gr smk ? if so what's there max OAL . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

September 9, 2013, 09:29 AM	#9
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	As I already stated: 2.898 is the distance from the lands to the bolt face. I have not loaded any 175's yet. __________________ Krav Maga/Judo Qualified Rifleman/Marksmanship Instructor/Lic. Medic "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:1

September 8, 2013, 08:05 PM	#4
hootey Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2009 Location: Greater Northwest Posts: 244

September 9, 2013, 11:48 AM	#10
HopeandChange Member Join Date: September 4, 2013 Location: AZ Posts: 65	I run those 208s in 300 Win Mag, but the 175 SMKs have done well for me even out to 1400 yards with a 20" Rem 700 SPS tactical. They seem to handle Transonic pretty well.

September 9, 2013, 06:43 PM	#13
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	oh , ok thanks I understand now the reason I was asking , I was trying to see if Savage tends to have short throats or what . I was thinking if you knew what yours was I could compare it to mine . Thanks again __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

September 9, 2013, 06:44 PM	#14
thesheepdog Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2010 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 1,996	I know the Remington 700's have much longer factory throats.

September 9, 2013, 08:48 PM	#15
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	You're looking at 100 yards and 1/2 minute groups and you're concerned about staying supersonic @ 1200-1400 yards?? Maybe I'm not reading this correctly. Those bullets might not even be "settled down" at 100 yards.

November 3, 2013, 05:57 PM	#17
BoilerUP Member Join Date: February 14, 2008 Posts: 15	Bump from the dead to ask:any chance OP could post the length of the 30cal 208 HPBT? I've been looking on Google and have struck out. Thanks

March 20, 2014, 01:34 PM	#18
Greenwave Junior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 1	RE: 208 A-Max overall length Boilerup, Found this on another forum. Second comment from the top. Hope that helps. http://www.longrangehunting.com/foru...208-max-44040/

March 20, 2014, 05:48 PM	#19
Mercury3298 Junior Member Join Date: December 8, 2013 Posts: 6	Savage .308 Model 10 FCP-SR Guys I purchased some H4198 and read that this is some good powder to use to reload for this particular caliber. Also, I read that a bullet weight between 150-165 grain is best used for accuracy. Please give me some replies also maybe what primer I should use.

March 20, 2014, 07:19 PM	#20
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	H4198 is way too fast a powder for normal, max loads with the bullet weights you mention. That powder can be used for reduced loads with those bullet weights. Are you asking if a bullet weight between 150-165 grain is best used for accuracy in a .308 Win? Note that all bullets from 147 to 250 grains have been used with match winning and record setting accuracy with the .308 Win. case. With an extra slow twist, bullets from 115 to 140 grains can also produce great accuracy from .308 Win cases. Powders have to be matched to the bullets; slower for heavier, faster for lighter. What twist is your rifle barrel? I think Tulammo primers are the best ones these days.