308 load recipe needed for a 22" barrel

Gniederg · June 1, 2004, 09:34 PM

I just started handloading. I have a Browning A-bolt II Hunter in 308. It has a 22" barrel and a 1 in 10" twist. I went through 1lb of Hodgdon's Varget powder. Nice sub MOA groups, averaging .655 at the usual 100 yards. My buddy let me borrow his Chronograph.... wow was I surprised. I was only shooting 2480fps with my recipe: 44gr Varget, Federal 210 primer, New and once fired Winchester brass, Hornady 150gr Sp interlock (#3031), 2.75" COL.

I am using this for hunting - 200 yard shot MAX, most within 100 yards.

I called each of the Powder Manufacturers and they each suggested their own powders to be the best? Go figure! Hodgdon Varget and H4895, Reloader 15, Winchester 748, Viht 135 or 140 or Viht 540.

I'm turning to you folks for your wisdom and counsel.

What's the best recipe for a 22" barrel in 308 for my situation?

PS - I don't want to harm the barrel with real hot loads either.

Thanks!

Dave R · June 1, 2004, 10:27 PM

I have not chrono'ed my favorite load, cuz I don't own a Chronograph. But its accurate and it makes a nice fireball in my 22" Rem700. How's that for a recomendation?

-46gr of H335
-150Gr Speer Boattail (2022)
-Winchester Brass
-CCI 250 Magnum Primer (Speer recommends this with H335, and switching from standard to magnum primer raised POI about 2" at 200 yards, so must make a noticeable difference in Velocity.
-COL of 2.70

Same load works with Speer's 150gr. FMJ (milsurp equiv.) at COL of 2.80 Shoots to same POI at 200 yards.

RemVssf · June 5, 2004, 07:17 AM

What you have is about right for a short barrel BUT you could bump the charge a bit. 44 grs Varget is what I use for 175 Sierras and I use a bit more for the 165 Sierra GameKing. If you aren't shooting much beyond 200 yds and you are getting the accuracy ... why mess with what seems to be really good ??

Gniederg · June 10, 2004, 06:58 PM

Thanks guys for your comments.

I made some changes which really changes everything, now. My Dad had 2 lbs. of IMR-4895. Since I was out of Varget I worked up some loads using his powder.

3 loads each using IMR-4895 with 41.5gr, 42.5gr, 43.5gr, 44.5,gr and 45.5gr. All at 2.800 COL. The amazing results were clearly with the three rounds weighing in at the 44.5gr. It was even better than Varget. But I sacrifice cleanliness. IMR-4895 burns a little dirty!.

Thanks again guys.

I'm now toying around with the COL. I chambered a dummy round with a snug - but moveable bullet. It measured 2.829". So I'm off to the range with some 308's with a col of 2.804.

How far away should I stay away from the lands? Is .015" too far away still?

June 1, 2004, 09:34 PM	#1
Gniederg Junior Member Join Date: June 1, 2004 Posts: 2	308 load recipe needed for a 22" barrel I just started handloading. I have a Browning A-bolt II Hunter in 308. It has a 22" barrel and a 1 in 10" twist. I went through 1lb of Hodgdon's Varget powder. Nice sub MOA groups, averaging .655 at the usual 100 yards. My buddy let me borrow his Chronograph.... wow was I surprised. I was only shooting 2480fps with my recipe: 44gr Varget, Federal 210 primer, New and once fired Winchester brass, Hornady 150gr Sp interlock (#3031), 2.75" COL. I am using this for hunting - 200 yard shot MAX, most within 100 yards. I called each of the Powder Manufacturers and they each suggested their own powders to be the best? Go figure! Hodgdon Varget and H4895, Reloader 15, Winchester 748, Viht 135 or 140 or Viht 540. I'm turning to you folks for your wisdom and counsel. What's the best recipe for a 22" barrel in 308 for my situation? PS - I don't want to harm the barrel with real hot loads either. Thanks!

June 1, 2004, 10:27 PM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	I have not chrono'ed my favorite load, cuz I don't own a Chronograph. But its accurate and it makes a nice fireball in my 22" Rem700. How's that for a recomendation? -46gr of H335 -150Gr Speer Boattail (2022) -Winchester Brass -CCI 250 Magnum Primer (Speer recommends this with H335, and switching from standard to magnum primer raised POI about 2" at 200 yards, so must make a noticeable difference in Velocity. -COL of 2.70 Same load works with Speer's 150gr. FMJ (milsurp equiv.) at COL of 2.80 Shoots to same POI at 200 yards. __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

June 10, 2004, 06:58 PM	#4
Gniederg Junior Member Join Date: June 1, 2004 Posts: 2	Thanks Thanks guys for your comments. I made some changes which really changes everything, now. My Dad had 2 lbs. of IMR-4895. Since I was out of Varget I worked up some loads using his powder. 3 loads each using IMR-4895 with 41.5gr, 42.5gr, 43.5gr, 44.5,gr and 45.5gr. All at 2.800 COL. The amazing results were clearly with the three rounds weighing in at the 44.5gr. It was even better than Varget. But I sacrifice cleanliness. IMR-4895 burns a little dirty!. Thanks again guys. I'm now toying around with the COL. I chambered a dummy round with a snug - but moveable bullet. It measured 2.829". So I'm off to the range with some 308's with a col of 2.804. How far away should I stay away from the lands? Is .015" too far away still? Last edited by Gniederg; June 10, 2004 at 09:45 PM.

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June 5, 2004, 07:17 AM	#3
RemVssf Member Join Date: August 21, 2002 Location: AUBURN,(the UNIV. in) Alabama Posts: 21	What you have is about right for a short barrel BUT you could bump the charge a bit. 44 grs Varget is what I use for 175 Sierras and I use a bit more for the 165 Sierra GameKing. If you aren't shooting much beyond 200 yds and you are getting the accuracy ... why mess with what seems to be really good ?? __________________ Later, Will No good deed ever goes un-punished. This just goes to prove that, " A thousand Atta-boys can and will be wiped out by one, AW- Crap !"