Best powder for .308

klh8 · September 5, 2002, 07:34 AM

Hi all. Just wondering.What is the best powder to use on the .308 to get the best accuracy?I understand that each rifle is a individual and one powder may not shoot the same in terms of accuracy in all rifles.
But on average,which powder may be the best?

I am currently using BLC(2) and it shoots pretty good.It is pushing a 125gr sierra at 3000fps and groups are averaging around an inch or a tad less.Could this best about the best I get using the lighter bullets?.The rifle shoots the 168gr match splendidly. I am striving for 1/2 inch groups at 100yds with the 125gr.(Shooting a Rem700 varmint special)

Thanks for the help and advice
Paul

Oh yeah,to you fellas that replied to my thread on gas powder residue on the cases.I am using this 3000fps load with the BLC(2) and cases are clean after firing.Load must be generating enough pressure to seal in the chamber.
Thanks.

HankB · September 5, 2002, 11:23 AM

Generally, 125 grain bullets are not considered to be the most accurate in a .308 - unless you go to some custom maker, the 168 Sierra Matchking is the "king" of accuracy. (Though when ranges grow to 1000 yards, some of the best shooters go to a heavier bullet- again, usually a Sierra.)

The standby powder for "match" ammo with the Sierra 168 is IMR4895, but I've had better accuracy out of my M1A using IMR4064.

FWIW, I've read that Federal chose a non-cannister grade of IMR4064 for their Gold Medal match ammo.

Since you're shooting a bolt action rather than a gasgun, you have the luxury of using just about ANY reasonable powder. If the IMR's mentioned don't work well, try something slower . . . maybe if you give Sierra a call at their 800 tech line, they can give you some advice.

sricciardelli · September 5, 2002, 01:21 PM

AA-2460 From 40.5 grains to 50.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

I found this the best combination, but you probably won't get the accuracy you are looking for with the 125, especially since it appears your rifle likes the heavier bullets. Your twist rate may be too fast for the lighter bullets.

dakotasin · September 5, 2002, 09:40 PM

i like varget in the 308 w/ heavier bullets... never messed around w/ 125's.

BenW · September 5, 2002, 10:10 PM

I guess I'm a bit of an oddball, but I've had great results using IMR3031 with 165grn BTs.

Clint Tickler · September 6, 2002, 09:13 AM

RL 15 has been myt best all around powder for my .308's and .06.
In my Rem VLS with 125 gr BT's I use 48.5 grs and Fed 210M primers. They clock just under 3000 and group around 1/2" no problem. I have 1:12 twist in the VLS which I assume you have in the varmit special?

klh8 · September 6, 2002, 10:44 AM

Clint,I do not know the twist in my rifle.I will find out.I could not ask my rifle to shoot any better with the heavier bullets.I am going to try your loads.Never heard of RL 15 powder though.
What bullets are you using?
Thanks abunch
Paul

Poodleshooter · September 6, 2002, 11:00 AM

I've used a variety of remington and winchester bulk bullets, as well as various hornady match and hunting bullets. I find that the bulk core-lokt's and PSP's work just fine, and are easier on the pocketbook. For powder's I've used Ball(C)2, 2520,2460,IMR4064 and 4320, and Varget. Honestly, I don't think powder type makes much of a difference accuracy-wise.

Clint Tickler · September 6, 2002, 11:13 AM

Paul, In 125 grain I'm using Nosler Ballistic Tips. I'm not familar with the Remington Varmint Special but just guessing that the only dif between that and my VLS is the stock. Anyone know?
I also have a Rem 788 in .308 that groups between 1/2" and 3/4" with that same load and average fps of 2800 but the barrel is 4" shorter. By the way Hornady lists max load with RL-15 and 125 grain bullet at 50.1 but I've only started working with that bullet and haven't pushed it any harder yet.
RL (Reloader) 15 works so well for me I bought a 5 pound keg and my other powders have been pushed to the back of the case. It worked well in my 22-250 also before I sold it.

Eagleye2 · September 6, 2002, 12:30 PM

Paul; Another couple of powders worth taking a look at with that 125 grain bullet are Vihtavuori N-135 and N-140. I have had great success with these with light bullets in both the 308 and the 300 Savage.

Regards, Eagleye

klh8 · September 6, 2002, 01:24 PM

Thanks to everyone for all the sound advice I have recieved.Looks like I have some work to do in trying to get the 1/2 inch groups with the 125s out of my rifle,but heck,that is all in the fun of reloading.
Yeah Clint,I'd say you are right.The Varmint Special has the 700 BLD walnut stock and the barrel is a little shorter.Probably the same twist as your 700 VLS.
Anyway, thanks to all
Paul.

Clint Tickler · September 6, 2002, 01:38 PM

Paul, I forgot to mention that my Rem 788 has a 1:10 twist and it still did well with that 125 gr bullet. What barrel length on your Special?

Frohickey · September 6, 2002, 01:50 PM

Rem 700VLS in 308 win is 1 in 12 twist.

Rem 700VLS

klh8 · September 6, 2002, 02:11 PM

Clint,the barrel is 24 inches long.I really love this rifle.I have a 700vs in the 22-250,but there is some really something about the older Varmint Specials to me.It is in like new condition.
Oh,by the way,I have a 22-250 in the rem 788.Shoots great.
Paul

Stryker · September 7, 2002, 10:42 AM

I have a Rem. 700BDLVS in .308 and I shoot 150 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips and 168 gr. Sierra Match Kings with great accuracy. The best powder I have found for my rifle is RL12. However it is my understanding that Alliant is discontinuing that powder so when my supply dries up I will have to find something else. If you can find some RL12, I suggest you try it.

cheygriz · September 10, 2002, 05:51 PM

Best powder for .308? IMHO H335, followed closely by BLC#2 and H380.

September 5, 2002, 07:34 AM	#1
klh8 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2002 Location: WV Posts: 120	Best powder for .308 Hi all. Just wondering.What is the best powder to use on the .308 to get the best accuracy?I understand that each rifle is a individual and one powder may not shoot the same in terms of accuracy in all rifles. But on average,which powder may be the best? I am currently using BLC(2) and it shoots pretty good.It is pushing a 125gr sierra at 3000fps and groups are averaging around an inch or a tad less.Could this best about the best I get using the lighter bullets?.The rifle shoots the 168gr match splendidly. I am striving for 1/2 inch groups at 100yds with the 125gr.(Shooting a Rem700 varmint special) Thanks for the help and advice Paul Oh yeah,to you fellas that replied to my thread on gas powder residue on the cases.I am using this 3000fps load with the BLC(2) and cases are clean after firing.Load must be generating enough pressure to seal in the chamber. Thanks.

September 5, 2002, 01:21 PM	#3
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	AA-2460 From 40.5 grains to 50.0 grains Remington 9-1/2 Primer I found this the best combination, but you probably won't get the accuracy you are looking for with the 125, especially since it appears your rifle likes the heavier bullets. Your twist rate may be too fast for the lighter bullets. __________________ http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

September 5, 2002, 09:40 PM	#4
dakotasin Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2002 Location: south dakota, U.S.A. Posts: 136	i like varget in the 308 w/ heavier bullets... never messed around w/ 125's. __________________ Hunting is not a matter of life or death. It is much more important than that.

September 6, 2002, 12:30 PM	#10
Eagleye2 Junior Member Join Date: August 25, 2002 Location: North Central B.C., Canada Posts: 12	Paul; Another couple of powders worth taking a look at with that 125 grain bullet are Vihtavuori N-135 and N-140. I have had great success with these with light bullets in both the 308 and the 300 Savage. Regards, Eagleye __________________ Happiness is not attained by the things one possesses.

September 6, 2002, 01:24 PM	#11
klh8 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2002 Location: WV Posts: 120	Thanks Thanks to everyone for all the sound advice I have recieved.Looks like I have some work to do in trying to get the 1/2 inch groups with the 125s out of my rifle,but heck,that is all in the fun of reloading. Yeah Clint,I'd say you are right.The Varmint Special has the 700 BLD walnut stock and the barrel is a little shorter.Probably the same twist as your 700 VLS. Anyway, thanks to all Paul.

September 5, 2002, 11:23 AM	#2
HankB Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2000 Location: Central Texas, outside of Austin Posts: 1,698	Generally, 125 grain bullets are not considered to be the most accurate in a .308 - unless you go to some custom maker, the 168 Sierra Matchking is the "king" of accuracy. (Though when ranges grow to 1000 yards, some of the best shooters go to a heavier bullet- again, usually a Sierra.) The standby powder for "match" ammo with the Sierra 168 is IMR4895, but I've had better accuracy out of my M1A using IMR4064. FWIW, I've read that Federal chose a non-cannister grade of IMR4064 for their Gold Medal match ammo. Since you're shooting a bolt action rather than a gasgun, you have the luxury of using just about ANY reasonable powder. If the IMR's mentioned don't work well, try something slower . . . maybe if you give Sierra a call at their 800 tech line, they can give you some advice. __________________ To be kind to your enemy is to be cruel to yourself - Sun Tzu

September 5, 2002, 10:10 PM	#5
BenW Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 282	I guess I'm a bit of an oddball, but I've had great results using IMR3031 with 165grn BTs.

September 6, 2002, 09:13 AM	#6
Clint Tickler Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 1999 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 184	RL 15 has been myt best all around powder for my .308's and .06. In my Rem VLS with 125 gr BT's I use 48.5 grs and Fed 210M primers. They clock just under 3000 and group around 1/2" no problem. I have 1:12 twist in the VLS which I assume you have in the varmit special?

September 6, 2002, 10:44 AM	#7
klh8 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2002 Location: WV Posts: 120	Clint,I do not know the twist in my rifle.I will find out.I could not ask my rifle to shoot any better with the heavier bullets.I am going to try your loads.Never heard of RL 15 powder though. What bullets are you using? Thanks abunch Paul

September 6, 2002, 11:00 AM	#8
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	I've used a variety of remington and winchester bulk bullets, as well as various hornady match and hunting bullets. I find that the bulk core-lokt's and PSP's work just fine, and are easier on the pocketbook. For powder's I've used Ball(C)2, 2520,2460,IMR4064 and 4320, and Varget. Honestly, I don't think powder type makes much of a difference accuracy-wise.

September 6, 2002, 11:13 AM	#9
Clint Tickler Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 1999 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 184	Paul, In 125 grain I'm using Nosler Ballistic Tips. I'm not familar with the Remington Varmint Special but just guessing that the only dif between that and my VLS is the stock. Anyone know? I also have a Rem 788 in .308 that groups between 1/2" and 3/4" with that same load and average fps of 2800 but the barrel is 4" shorter. By the way Hornady lists max load with RL-15 and 125 grain bullet at 50.1 but I've only started working with that bullet and haven't pushed it any harder yet. RL (Reloader) 15 works so well for me I bought a 5 pound keg and my other powders have been pushed to the back of the case. It worked well in my 22-250 also before I sold it.

September 6, 2002, 01:38 PM	#12
Clint Tickler Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 1999 Location: Seattle Area Posts: 184	Paul, I forgot to mention that my Rem 788 has a 1:10 twist and it still did well with that 125 gr bullet. What barrel length on your Special?

September 6, 2002, 01:50 PM	#13
Frohickey Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: People's Republic of Kalifornia Posts: 579	to klh8 Rem 700VLS in 308 win is 1 in 12 twist. Rem 700VLS __________________ Frohickey -- TFL Alumni SigSauer, if you are listening, MAKE A DOUBLE-STACK 10mm PISTOL!

September 6, 2002, 02:11 PM	#14
klh8 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2002 Location: WV Posts: 120	Clint,the barrel is 24 inches long.I really love this rifle.I have a 700vs in the 22-250,but there is some really something about the older Varmint Specials to me.It is in like new condition. Oh,by the way,I have a 22-250 in the rem 788.Shoots great. Paul

September 7, 2002, 10:42 AM	#15
Stryker Junior Member Join Date: January 5, 2002 Location: Nocona, Texas Posts: 11	best .308 powder I have a Rem. 700BDLVS in .308 and I shoot 150 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips and 168 gr. Sierra Match Kings with great accuracy. The best powder I have found for my rifle is RL12. However it is my understanding that Alliant is discontinuing that powder so when my supply dries up I will have to find something else. If you can find some RL12, I suggest you try it.

September 10, 2002, 05:51 PM	#16
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	Best powder for .308? IMHO H335, followed closely by BLC#2 and H380. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.