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Where to start with .308

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27 January 2003, 03:50
x-caliber
Where to start with .308
I am getting my first custom gun built. I have chosen the .308 Win because of its reputation for accuracy and the ability to handle any size game from varmints to moose.

Can any of you .308 shooters recommend a powder to use for consistent accuracy? I will be using 150 to 168 grain bullets almost exclusively. Thanks, 8point
27 January 2003, 03:52
<David King>
VARGET
27 January 2003, 03:54
snowman
The 308 is not fussy.W748 IMR 3031 or 4895 all work very well.
27 January 2003, 04:08
<green 788>
Varget is great in the three-0-eight...

Dan
27 January 2003, 04:30
Cold Bore
Win 748 is my favorite, with Varget a very close second.
27 January 2003, 04:35
Major Caliber
Nice site you have Green 788. I have experienced the load effect you write about. 54grs of H-380 in 8x57 with a 150gr bullet. It's simply amazing in my rifle. I can use 2 different bullets, and 3 brands of cases and they still group in 1/2" at 100yds.
27 January 2003, 04:44
ricciardelli
For 150 to 156 grain bullets you might want to try:
W-748 From 39.5 grains to 50.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

For 165 to 170 grain bullets:
H-380 From 41.3 grains to 51.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer
27 January 2003, 04:49
waxman
A 150gr. Ballistic Tip and 46gr. of RL-15 works for me.
27 January 2003, 05:17
Mingbogo
Another vote for VARGET and H4895 would come in second. I also have used H322 with the 308 with good results but it may be a little too fast for this cartridge. VARGET will get you the most velocity out of the 308 Winchester. H4895 is a good powder for a lighter load. Good luck.
27 January 2003, 06:45
jeffeosso
hmm, Where to start with a 308? cut the case in half, fill the base with lead, and shoot it from a .475 bigbore rifle?!!!!!!!

all the mediums work great with 308... 748, varget, 3031, BLC2, RL15, and 4895..

But, the "best" powder IMHO is win 760. lowest pressure for same velocities, in that case. I didn't believe the www.winchester.com reloading data for about 2 years, till I tried it... I MIGHT loss 35fps, and the pressure is much lower. (from "reading" the primers, and what the winchester book says)

WARNING.. 748 and 760 powder cans NOW look FAR too close to each other. I've heard of a some near accidents

jeffe
27 January 2003, 08:48
Rup
Varget and CCI primers

Rup
27 January 2003, 09:05
RiverRat
I have had great success with the following powders. The powders are listed in order of preference for both of my 308's by bullet weight.

125 gr.
748
IMR 3031

150 to 155 gr.
N540
IMR 4064
Varget
RL 15

165 to 168 gr.
N550
RL 15
IMR 4895

175 MK's
H 4350
RL 15
Varget

The 308 works with so many powder bullet combinations It won't be hard to find something that works very well. Enjoy your rifle.

Shoot Safe, Shoot Straight.......RiverRat
27 January 2003, 10:37
Alaska Bush Man
In my SSG 69 308 Win:

165 Nosler BT
44.0 grain of RL 15, N140, N540
Federal GM210 Match Primers
Federal Gold Medal Brass
COL 2.80"

Extremely accurate load with each of the powders above, best with N540/140 and then RL 15.
.35 groups at 100 yards.
27 January 2003, 11:30
DanD
Anyone try the 220grn Sierra MKs in the 308?
27 January 2003, 12:41
x-caliber
Thanks guys,

Looks like the .308 is not fussy. I have some Varget, H4895, and W760 on hand so I'll try these powders first. Thanks again...8point