.308 Winchester, Any pet loads out there? - Page 2

Bimus · November 21, 2018, 09:18 PM

One load that has worked great in three 308 rifles is
IMR 4064 44grains
147fmj or 150fmj

Remington 700 FPS 2842
Springfield M1 Scout Squad FPS 2617
H-K 91 FPS 2590

jmr40 · November 21, 2018, 09:23 PM

4064 is a good powder, but I like Varget or RL15 better. Accuracy and velocity are exactly the same for me, but 4064 is a lot less stable with regards to temperature changes. For a hunting load I think that is important. I do have some 4064 and use it for loads that I'll only shoot at the range.

In August when working up loads it can easily be 100+ here. I've hunted in single digits even here in GA, it was 10 degrees where I hunted in Colorado just a couple of weeks ago. With 4064 that 100 degree temperature swing could see velocity change 200-300 fps. With Varget or RL15 you'd only see about 50 fps difference. No particular reason, but Varget is my go-to 308 powder.

It really varies depending on the individual bullet and the brass I'm using, but I tend to get very good accuracy with most combo's right at the max listed 46 gr at about 2740 fps. With some I back off about 1/2 gr from max.

Moloch · November 21, 2018, 09:33 PM

I've always had good luck with 155 grain A-Max and an OAL of 2.9'' + CCI primers, no matter the powder load.

Drm50 · November 21, 2018, 09:53 PM

A 308 M70fw pre 64 was my first brand new rifle, actually purchased in 1964. I
only hunted deer and black bear with it and used 150gr bullets in it for years. It
has 6x scope and is outstanding accurate and would outshoot other pre64 M70 Standard models. When Springfield 1st came out with M1a they included loading
manual with suggested accuracy loads. One of these was the 130gr Speer HP -
#2005 / 47.0gr IMR-4895 / WIn LRP at 3000fps. This was outstanding load in
M1a. I tried in in the 70fw and at 100yds off bags I can drive a roofing nail. If
I don't it's my fault. I was hesitant to go down to 130gr, I always believed 150
gr to be perfect weight for 30 cal. Bullet opens nice on deer and I made longest
off hand shot on deer 250yds. I shot a load of groundhogs out in 300yd range
excellent accuracy but GHog not meaty enough for bullet expansion. I tried this
bullet in other 30cals from 30/30 to 300mg. I had a H&R Ultra rifle in 300Win
that liked these bullets. With 130Speer HP/ 65.5 gr IMR 3031/ 3425fps. I never
shot anything but varmits with this rig but I would reach out and touch. Don't
use this load without backing it off 10gr and working up. My buddies Savage
had problems with stuck bolt and excessive pressure with this load.

2ndtimer · November 22, 2018, 03:45 AM

Just another IMR-4064 fan. My Savage 10T likes 42.5 gr behind the Nosler 168 gr Custom Competition HPBT, while my son's Savage 12FV's 26" barrel prefers 41.7 gr behind the 175 gr Nosler CC HPBT. Usually loaded with Federal 210 primers and Federal or SSA brass.

cptjack · November 22, 2018, 08:48 AM

took me long time for me to make a good group .possible took me long due to new reloader ,but varget has good groups in 150 gr and 165

HiBC · November 22, 2018, 09:32 AM

I don't have science to prove it,but here is my hunch.
Feel free to disagree.
A lot of target shooters aren't real concerned about upper end pressure/fps loads. An accurate,consistent 2550 fps load is just fine.
Fact is,I have not spent time with 4064. No doubt,it earned its fine reputation.

I stand by Varget as my #1 choice,but it seemed to perform at the near max loads or max loads that many just don't pursue.

Stay safe,of course,but I suggest using plenty of throttle to evaluate Varget.

If you only shoot to 200 yds ...Varget may be hard to appreciate.If you shoot 600 yds and twist its tail a bit,you might get a grin out of Varget.

ocharry · November 22, 2018, 01:41 PM

my savage fat barrel mod.10 likes varget and nosler comp 175gr bullets really good,,,kinda unreal good,,,,if i could get pics to post here i would show you,,6 shots covered with a dime at 100 type show you,,,that isnt a cherry pick target,,,it will do it anytime,,,when i was testing loads,,, first three shots i had to walk down the the target to see what was going on,,,a nikon 20 power spotting scope wasnt seeing it,,,1 hole not much bigger than the bullet,,,,maybe .400,,(i thought i missed the whole target for shot 2 and 3),,and the next three didnt open it up much,,,,but still 1 hole,,,dime covers very easy

i have done this many times with this load in this rifle,,,sure makes me look good,,,and a nice fat smile always follows

HIBC,,,, i looked at your article,,,the 308 stuff didnt make it,,,,i only got 16 pg of stuff

Happy Thanks Giving to ALL of you

ocharry

Ballenxj · November 23, 2018, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocharry

Happy Thanks Giving to ALL of you

Back at you, and I hope you all had a good turkey day.

PoiDog · November 23, 2018, 06:55 PM

A while back, I read that Federal Gold Medal Match ammo in 168 grains uses RL-15 along with the Sierra Match Kings and Federal match primers. It was 42.5 grains of powder and it duplicates the factory round.
It shoots really well in my 24" barrel Savage.

Charlie98 · November 23, 2018, 08:21 PM

Quote:

The varget loads are are max load approach with caution.

Quote:

I stand by Varget as my #1 choice,but it seemed to perform at the near max loads or max loads that many just don't pursue.

I was going to make a crack that anyone who uses Varget always seems to be at max (or over max...) but I think you are correct... that's just where it performs best.

cw308 · November 23, 2018, 08:58 PM

For hunting I would go with any powder alittle over the center range of the powder scale that performed best in your rifle . Plenty of knock down power , safe and accurate . IMR 4064 , RL15 or Varget. It took me three years testing charges , powders , bullets two types Sierra 168gr MK and 168gr A-Max. Both bullets were good , powders and charges were the challenge . Each rifle will have a preference the fun part is finding it . Hunting rifle it's alittle easier do to round count , benchrest barrels are in the thousands in a short period of time , then a barrel change , hunting in the max . hunderds.

Reloadron · November 23, 2018, 09:15 PM

I think we all have our favorite powder for that given special gun. Aside from the ever popular powders like IMR 4064, IMR 4895, Varget and RL 15 a few years ago I began experimenting with AA 2495 which I have not seen mentioned. I was running with about 40 to 41 grains which is pushing the max depending on loading manual. Below a Sierra 168 grain match king bullet. In my old trued Remington 700 26"barrel it was giving me about 2538 FPS and in my M1A about 2516 FPS. While performance in the M1A was nothing to get excited about it consistently shot really well in the bolt gun.

I think it's a matter of finding what works best for you in your rifle trying any of the more popular powders, primers and bullets.

Ron

GeauxTide · November 23, 2018, 09:57 PM

My 308s like 150s the best (10" twist) with Varget and H4895.

cw308 · November 23, 2018, 10:36 PM

Reloadron
Never looked into AA2495 , Must be a large stick powder , I like IMR 4064 it fills the case to the base of the shoulder with a light load 40.8 I'm using thick brass with less volume , good combination for my loads . I like stick powder fills the case at the same time allows air between grains to give a even burn . Looked up the powder , looks good 40.1 starting load right up my alley .

Chris

Road_Clam · November 23, 2018, 11:20 PM

O/P. If you start randomly testing our "pet" loads odds are they will only shoot "ok" out of your barrel. If your looking for a shortcut to moa precision then just go buy the 168 FGMM ammo. Shoots excellent out of most all factory heavy barrel 308's. If you want real consistent precision then do it right and patiently go through the typical load development process.

Reloadron · November 24, 2018, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Reloadron
Never looked into AA2495 , Must be a large stick powder , I like IMR 4064 it fills the case to the base of the shoulder with a light load 40.8 I'm using thick brass with less volume , good combination for my loads . I like stick powder fills the case at the same time allows air between grains to give a even burn . Looked up the powder , looks good 40.1 starting load right up my alley .

Chris

We had an old thread on AA2495 and ehile it is a short thread several, including Slamfire, claim it about the same as IMR 4895. I did not really work up loads for my M1A but tried some I had loaded for my bolt gun. Yes, like IMR 4895 it is a stick powder. I just see it as worth considering for 308 Winchester loads.

Ron

HiBC · November 24, 2018, 08:33 PM

FWIW,Hogdon online data shows 2731 fps with a 168 gr SMK and 46 gr of Varget,which is shown as both a max and a compressed load. Pressure is given at 50,600 CUP (Not PSI).

oldscot3 · November 24, 2018, 09:45 PM

I get good results using RL 15 for my hunting loads... great mix of velocity and accuracy.

November 21, 2018, 09:23 PM	#27
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	4064 is a good powder, but I like Varget or RL15 better. Accuracy and velocity are exactly the same for me, but 4064 is a lot less stable with regards to temperature changes. For a hunting load I think that is important. I do have some 4064 and use it for loads that I'll only shoot at the range. In August when working up loads it can easily be 100+ here. I've hunted in single digits even here in GA, it was 10 degrees where I hunted in Colorado just a couple of weeks ago. With 4064 that 100 degree temperature swing could see velocity change 200-300 fps. With Varget or RL15 you'd only see about 50 fps difference. No particular reason, but Varget is my go-to 308 powder. It really varies depending on the individual bullet and the brass I'm using, but I tend to get very good accuracy with most combo's right at the max listed 46 gr at about 2740 fps. With some I back off about 1/2 gr from max. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

November 22, 2018, 03:45 AM	#30
2ndtimer Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2004 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 293	Just another IMR-4064 fan. My Savage 10T likes 42.5 gr behind the Nosler 168 gr Custom Competition HPBT, while my son's Savage 12FV's 26" barrel prefers 41.7 gr behind the 175 gr Nosler CC HPBT. Usually loaded with Federal 210 primers and Federal or SSA brass. __________________ NRA Endowment Member

November 22, 2018, 01:41 PM	#33
ocharry Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2006 Posts: 687	my savage fat barrel mod.10 likes varget and nosler comp 175gr bullets really good,,,kinda unreal good,,,,if i could get pics to post here i would show you,,6 shots covered with a dime at 100 type show you,,,that isnt a cherry pick target,,,it will do it anytime,,,when i was testing loads,,, first three shots i had to walk down the the target to see what was going on,,,a nikon 20 power spotting scope wasnt seeing it,,,1 hole not much bigger than the bullet,,,,maybe .400,,(i thought i missed the whole target for shot 2 and 3),,and the next three didnt open it up much,,,,but still 1 hole,,,dime covers very easy i have done this many times with this load in this rifle,,,sure makes me look good,,,and a nice fat smile always follows HIBC,,,, i looked at your article,,,the 308 stuff didnt make it,,,,i only got 16 pg of stuff Happy Thanks Giving to ALL of you ocharry __________________ The felon does not fear the police, and he fears neither judge nor jury. Therefore what he must be taught to fear is his victim." - Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, USMC

November 23, 2018, 10:36 PM	#40
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Reloadron Never looked into AA2495 , Must be a large stick powder , I like IMR 4064 it fills the case to the base of the shoulder with a light load 40.8 I'm using thick brass with less volume , good combination for my loads . I like stick powder fills the case at the same time allows air between grains to give a even burn . Looked up the powder , looks good 40.1 starting load right up my alley . Chris Last edited by cw308; November 23, 2018 at 10:50 PM.

November 23, 2018, 11:20 PM	#41
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	O/P. If you start randomly testing our "pet" loads odds are they will only shoot "ok" out of your barrel. If your looking for a shortcut to moa precision then just go buy the 168 FGMM ammo. Shoots excellent out of most all factory heavy barrel 308's. If you want real consistent precision then do it right and patiently go through the typical load development process. __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid" Last edited by Road_Clam; November 24, 2018 at 09:25 AM.

November 21, 2018, 09:18 PM	#26
Bimus Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2018 Location: Farmington NM Posts: 122	One load that has worked great in three 308 rifles is IMR 4064 44grains 147fmj or 150fmj Remington 700 FPS 2842 Springfield M1 Scout Squad FPS 2617 H-K 91 FPS 2590

November 21, 2018, 09:33 PM	#28
Moloch Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2005 Posts: 1,419	I've always had good luck with 155 grain A-Max and an OAL of 2.9'' + CCI primers, no matter the powder load.

November 21, 2018, 09:53 PM	#29
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,380	A 308 M70fw pre 64 was my first brand new rifle, actually purchased in 1964. I only hunted deer and black bear with it and used 150gr bullets in it for years. It has 6x scope and is outstanding accurate and would outshoot other pre64 M70 Standard models. When Springfield 1st came out with M1a they included loading manual with suggested accuracy loads. One of these was the 130gr Speer HP - #2005 / 47.0gr IMR-4895 / WIn LRP at 3000fps. This was outstanding load in M1a. I tried in in the 70fw and at 100yds off bags I can drive a roofing nail. If I don't it's my fault. I was hesitant to go down to 130gr, I always believed 150 gr to be perfect weight for 30 cal. Bullet opens nice on deer and I made longest off hand shot on deer 250yds. I shot a load of groundhogs out in 300yd range excellent accuracy but GHog not meaty enough for bullet expansion. I tried this bullet in other 30cals from 30/30 to 300mg. I had a H&R Ultra rifle in 300Win that liked these bullets. With 130Speer HP/ 65.5 gr IMR 3031/ 3425fps. I never shot anything but varmits with this rig but I would reach out and touch. Don't use this load without backing it off 10gr and working up. My buddies Savage had problems with stuck bolt and excessive pressure with this load.

November 22, 2018, 08:48 AM	#31
cptjack Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2014 Posts: 314	took me long time for me to make a good group .possible took me long due to new reloader ,but varget has good groups in 150 gr and 165

November 22, 2018, 09:32 AM	#32
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,286	I don't have science to prove it,but here is my hunch. Feel free to disagree. A lot of target shooters aren't real concerned about upper end pressure/fps loads. An accurate,consistent 2550 fps load is just fine. Fact is,I have not spent time with 4064. No doubt,it earned its fine reputation. I stand by Varget as my #1 choice,but it seemed to perform at the near max loads or max loads that many just don't pursue. Stay safe,of course,but I suggest using plenty of throttle to evaluate Varget. If you only shoot to 200 yds ...Varget may be hard to appreciate.If you shoot 600 yds and twist its tail a bit,you might get a grin out of Varget.

November 23, 2018, 06:55 PM	#35
PoiDog Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 1999 Location: IL Posts: 309	A while back, I read that Federal Gold Medal Match ammo in 168 grains uses RL-15 along with the Sierra Match Kings and Federal match primers. It was 42.5 grains of powder and it duplicates the factory round. It shoots really well in my 24" barrel Savage.

November 23, 2018, 08:58 PM	#37
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	For hunting I would go with any powder alittle over the center range of the powder scale that performed best in your rifle . Plenty of knock down power , safe and accurate . IMR 4064 , RL15 or Varget. It took me three years testing charges , powders , bullets two types Sierra 168gr MK and 168gr A-Max. Both bullets were good , powders and charges were the challenge . Each rifle will have a preference the fun part is finding it . Hunting rifle it's alittle easier do to round count , benchrest barrels are in the thousands in a short period of time , then a barrel change , hunting in the max . hunderds.

November 23, 2018, 09:15 PM	#38
Reloadron Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2016 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Suburbs Posts: 1,750	I think we all have our favorite powder for that given special gun. Aside from the ever popular powders like IMR 4064, IMR 4895, Varget and RL 15 a few years ago I began experimenting with AA 2495 which I have not seen mentioned. I was running with about 40 to 41 grains which is pushing the max depending on loading manual. Below a Sierra 168 grain match king bullet. In my old trued Remington 700 26"barrel it was giving me about 2538 FPS and in my M1A about 2516 FPS. While performance in the M1A was nothing to get excited about it consistently shot really well in the bolt gun. I think it's a matter of finding what works best for you in your rifle trying any of the more popular powders, primers and bullets. Ron

November 23, 2018, 09:57 PM	#39
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	My 308s like 150s the best (10" twist) with Varget and H4895.

November 24, 2018, 08:33 PM	#43
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,286	FWIW,Hogdon online data shows 2731 fps with a 168 gr SMK and 46 gr of Varget,which is shown as both a max and a compressed load. Pressure is given at 50,600 CUP (Not PSI).

November 24, 2018, 09:45 PM	#44
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 997	I get good results using RL 15 for my hunting loads... great mix of velocity and accuracy.