.308 accuracy (or lack of)

BMiracle · March 19, 2000, 10:44 PM

I can't get my .308 to shoot good with handloads. I can shoot 1/2 to 3/4" groups at 100 yards with factory Federal ammo loaded with 150 Nosler Ballisic tips. When I have tried loading the same bullet I can only get about 1 1/2" groups. I have tried using both IMR 4320 and Varget (my personal favorites). Both powders have worked well in my previous calibers (.4" groups in .243!). The only thing that I can think of is the crimp. The Federal load has a tight crimp in a cannelure. I am not putting a tight crimp in my handloads. Do ya'll think the lack of crimp is not allowing consistent powder ignition? Any insight greatly appreciated.

alan · March 19, 2000, 11:30 PM

BMiracle:

Whose rifle are you using, what sort of barrel, is the rifle bedded and so on. You might be experiencing load problems.

Using a well worn Model 70 standard Target Rifle, when I shot National Match Course competition, with iron sights, I used to hold 10 ring elevation at 600 yards. Lost points usually due to misrading wind.

I used 180 grain Sierra Matchking bullets, with 41-42 grains 4895 in military match brass, and seated bullets long, for slow fire.

4320 which you mentioned, might be a bit slow for .308 shooting 150 grain bullets. I'm not familiar with Varget, never used it. As for crimping, with jacketed bullets, WHY are you doing that. That could be causing your problem. I never found it necessary to crimp ammumnition for ANY 30 caliber rifle that I ever used (30-06 and 308).

Paul B. · March 20, 2000, 02:06 PM

BMiracle, Try W-748 or W-760. My personal preference is for the latter, but according to Olin, W-748 is the powder designed for the .308. IMR-4895, and H-4895 are supposed to be very good for target loadings in the .308, so you might want to look into those. IMR-4320 has been very mediocre in any cartridge I have tried it in, with one exception, and that is a magnum wildcat round.
Paul B.

**Bud Helms** · March 20, 2000, 06:48 PM

How close to the rifling is your bullet when cartridge is chambered?

March 19, 2000, 10:44 PM	#1
BMiracle Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2000 Posts: 159	I can't get my .308 to shoot good with handloads. I can shoot 1/2 to 3/4" groups at 100 yards with factory Federal ammo loaded with 150 Nosler Ballisic tips. When I have tried loading the same bullet I can only get about 1 1/2" groups. I have tried using both IMR 4320 and Varget (my personal favorites). Both powders have worked well in my previous calibers (.4" groups in .243!). The only thing that I can think of is the crimp. The Federal load has a tight crimp in a cannelure. I am not putting a tight crimp in my handloads. Do ya'll think the lack of crimp is not allowing consistent powder ignition? Any insight greatly appreciated.

March 19, 2000, 11:30 PM	#2
alan Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 1999 Posts: 3,847	BMiracle: Whose rifle are you using, what sort of barrel, is the rifle bedded and so on. You might be experiencing load problems. Using a well worn Model 70 standard Target Rifle, when I shot National Match Course competition, with iron sights, I used to hold 10 ring elevation at 600 yards. Lost points usually due to misrading wind. I used 180 grain Sierra Matchking bullets, with 41-42 grains 4895 in military match brass, and seated bullets long, for slow fire. 4320 which you mentioned, might be a bit slow for .308 shooting 150 grain bullets. I'm not familiar with Varget, never used it. As for crimping, with jacketed bullets, WHY are you doing that. That could be causing your problem. I never found it necessary to crimp ammumnition for ANY 30 caliber rifle that I ever used (30-06 and 308).

March 20, 2000, 02:06 PM	#3
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	BMiracle, Try W-748 or W-760. My personal preference is for the latter, but according to Olin, W-748 is the powder designed for the .308. IMR-4895, and H-4895 are supposed to be very good for target loadings in the .308, so you might want to look into those. IMR-4320 has been very mediocre in any cartridge I have tried it in, with one exception, and that is a magnum wildcat round. Paul B.

March 20, 2000, 06:48 PM	#4
Bud Helms Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 1999 Location: Middle Georgia, USA Posts: 13,198	How close to the rifling is your bullet when cartridge is chambered?