powder input for auto's .308 BAR

Eazmo · February 24, 2012, 09:06 AM

Gearing up for some hunting loads for my Browning BAR in .308 i have some 150gr and 165gr game kings.

I have concerns with powder choices as this is a gas operated automatic.
I don't want to beat up the action.

I'm thinking Varget or 4895 but i admit a little confusion on choices when automatics are in play.
my Sierra manual does not have section for .308 autos like for .223

Obviously i want to get the best accuracy but i want to make sure the action is cycled with in its design limits

Yes i don't want to damage this beautiful rifles action with a to snappy of powder choice.

Thanks for your help

Jimro · February 24, 2012, 02:48 PM

4895, Varget, 4064, Re15, all produce "match ammo" that guys run through their FNARs (just a BAR with a tacticool name) with 168 and 175gr HPBTs. Varget and Re15 are temp stable so that might be a good starting point.

Based on what you are thinking about, I'd use the 165 gr bullets and either Varget or Re15.

Jimro

89blazin · February 24, 2012, 05:52 PM

165s w/ 4895 is one of my favorite combos, but out of an M1A.

mattamuskeet · February 24, 2012, 08:29 PM

I have had great success with H4895 in the M1A and the AR-10. The Hodgdon web site has lots of data. It is one of their 'extreme' powders, too. The load I am shooting in the AR-10 now is 39.7 grains of H4895 and the 165 grain Nosler BT hunting bullet, for 2530 fps(20" bbl). That is about 90% of the maximum charge according to Hodgdon.

February 24, 2012, 09:06 AM	#1
Eazmo Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 164	powder input for auto's .308 BAR Gearing up for some hunting loads for my Browning BAR in .308 i have some 150gr and 165gr game kings. I have concerns with powder choices as this is a gas operated automatic. I don't want to beat up the action. I'm thinking Varget or 4895 but i admit a little confusion on choices when automatics are in play. my Sierra manual does not have section for .308 autos like for .223 Obviously i want to get the best accuracy but i want to make sure the action is cycled with in its design limits Yes i don't want to damage this beautiful rifles action with a to snappy of powder choice. Thanks for your help __________________ I'm just an average man I drive a average van My dog ain't got no pedigree! Last edited by Eazmo; February 24, 2012 at 09:46 AM.

February 24, 2012, 02:48 PM	#2
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	4895, Varget, 4064, Re15, all produce "match ammo" that guys run through their FNARs (just a BAR with a tacticool name) with 168 and 175gr HPBTs. Varget and Re15 are temp stable so that might be a good starting point. Based on what you are thinking about, I'd use the 165 gr bullets and either Varget or Re15. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

February 24, 2012, 05:52 PM	#3
89blazin Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2009 Posts: 107	165s w/ 4895 is one of my favorite combos, but out of an M1A.

February 24, 2012, 08:29 PM	#4
mattamuskeet Member Join Date: April 7, 2008 Location: North Carolina Posts: 99	I have had great success with H4895 in the M1A and the AR-10. The Hodgdon web site has lots of data. It is one of their 'extreme' powders, too. The load I am shooting in the AR-10 now is 39.7 grains of H4895 and the 165 grain Nosler BT hunting bullet, for 2530 fps(20" bbl). That is about 90% of the maximum charge according to Hodgdon.