I want to use 180 Partitions in my 308, and up to now I have generally only used 150"s.
I need recomendations on powder. I"ve went over the max with Varget and BLC2, with unnaceptable bullet drop(8" between 100 and 200 mtrs). When I increase the load the groups just get bigger without getting any flatter.
Any suggestions on powder? and before anyone says it, I"m not getting another rifle!
good shooting

I'm confused. You said that you've gone "over the max" with unacceptable bullet drop and then when you increase the powder the groups go bad.
Are you saying that you are over max loads but now you are increasing powder even more?? (I hope that's not what you are saying) but I am confused.
I'm curious why you think you need a 180 partition out of a 308....what are you hunting? What range do you think you'd be shooting??

R15.. I have some Lapua mega 185's loaded with R15 ready to try out in my308

Brass Thief, I've been hunting a .308 for 42 years and strongly recomend that a 165 Partition or Swift A-Frame in that weight be used as opposed to the 180 grain weight. If you must use a 180 grain bullet be sure to do some expansion and penetration testing besides just group and drop workups. I think you will be enlightened. Good luck and good shooting.

bt, we need more info from you too help you out ifin we can,no punn intended, varget is steller in the 308, kick me back jack!!!! regards jjmp

I would check with soe other reloading manuals. I cannot see a need for 180 gr bullet in a 308,but thats your choice. the fastest in Hodgdons is 2580fps which is reasonable.. If you want it set ukp for 100 meters as well as 300,then readjust your thinking at set it up for 175 and 300,may be a thought.

Brassthief,
Give Reloder 15 a try. Works well on my 308 with bullet weights from 150 to 180 grain.

Ed

OK, it"s like this. I"m going on a moose hunt in October of this year, and I don"t want to buy a bigger calibre that I might never need again. I have tried 180 grain partitions with BLC2 and Varget, up to a couple of grains over the max. They are showing a drop of -7" with zero 1" hi at 100 mtrs, making a total of -8" between 100 and 200 mtrs. As I went over the max, the groups just got bigger, no flatter. I am at or very near case capacity.
I can"t do anything for a month or two as I"m changing my rifle for a lighter one in the same calibre, but I will give the 180"s another try before going down to 165"s.
I have tried REL 15, but I could push it a little more. When I get my new rifle I will have to back the loads off and start again.
good shooting

Sounds like you may want to try the 168 TSX for speed and flat and accurate. Since they are a tough bullet the 168 will penetrate very well and stay together.
Good Luck

Reconsider your zero. +2.5" at 100m should put you near point of aim at 200 and about 8" low at 275.


Okie John

Your results don't make sense with any ballistic table for the caliber. (not saying it's impossible but I think further testing should be done.)
Can you get the load chrono'd??

According to my calculator....

+1" at 100yds
0" at 150
-2.6" at 200
-6" at 240

a bettter way to zero for such a big animial..

+2.9" at 100yds
+3.1" at 130 yds
0" at 220yds.
-3.2" at 260yds.

This assuming you have an accurate load with the 180 at about 2575 fps.--if you could do this you would never be more than 3.1" high or 3.2" low on your way to 260yds.....well within the dimensions of the vitals of such a big animal.

Checking the back of the nosler book A 180gr partition going 2500fps at the muzzle should only drop 2.5" at 200yds zeroed at 100

Thats about how much my 180s out of my 308 drop at 200

Brass Thief,

I understand your need to use 180's in the .308. It's all I shoot in my rifle. But my need is for a good whack on large tough animals in the South African / Zimbabwean bushveld, which is typically shorter ranges (200m at the extreme outside, with most shots <100). I use South African components, so my data would be meaningless to you. However, I'm getting around 2450fps with my 180gr Rhino's, and zeroed 1 1/2" high at 100m, I'm nothing more than 2" low at 200 metres. do you have any idea what your muzzle velocity is? That may point you in the right direction.

I dont see a problem with 180gn308win as long as accuracy and velocity are their in your particular rifle. If velocity is there,I would use 180 for moose,though I would prefer a 165-180mrx over a cupcore 180,they will give you all the penetration of a cupcore180gn & MORE.
The 308win is a great cartridge,and Im a firm believer in utilizing all the advancements in bullets ballistics and construction to make it an even better thing to own. My next one will have a polygonal bore barrel to wring extra velocity out of what ever loads I use.

I notice federal has two 308win180NP loads,one at 2620fps & 2740fps.
I wonder what federals 180mrx cronos at,if its near the stated 2630fps,thated be my mooser.

Cheers

bt, thanks 4 giveing more info!trade your heavy old 308 in for the newer liter one, break in your barrel with some sierra''s but at the same time test some 150''s some 165''s and some 180''s as i stated before varget is great h-4895 also after 60 to 100 rounds down the tube try some barnes tripple shocks in 150 boat-tails,they will out penatrate the 180 partition and shoot flatter to boot!, your call bud, just trying to help, what your new rifle make? regards jjmp