I am getting my BAR in .308 soon (I hope) and planning to develop a load. I have got my small base die set and wondering what is a good load for this semi-auto.

Currently I am using H4831 and H4350 for my other rifles and hope to be able to use them for the .308 as well. However, I noticed that these powders are recommended only in one of my six loading manuals. And yet the speed is 200-250 fps slower than say H335 or H4895. What is your pet load and experience?

Danny Boy

Danny Boy
For your 308, especially in a semi=auto you will need to use a faster burning powder. There are several good choices, but I have used the following load in several semi-auto [bolt rifles too] 308 rifles with excellent results.
39.5 grains of IMR 3031, CCI or Federal primer, Federal or military brass, and the Sierra 165 gr HPBT Gameking, the 165 Nosler Partition, or the 165 Nosler Ballistic Tip.
This is not a max load but it has functioned in every semi-auto including H&K 91's M1-A's FN-FAL,and Remington 742's.
I have even killed antelope with this load at @550 yds with a bolt rifle.
I also use the same powder charge with 180 grain bullets but I would recommend you start with 37 grains and work up with the 180's.
I have been using this handload for hunting in the 308 for 28+ years.

Danny Boy

I don't have a .308 but I do have a BAR in 30-06 I reload for. I do full length resize but found that I did not need the small base dies for the Browning. Works just fine with regular full length sizing dies.

I've found the BAR to be extremely accurate. I'm getting avg 3/4" groups with 165 Nosler Partitions, 180 Sierra Game Kings and 180 Nosler Ballistic tips. (only three bullets I've tried so far) I found that my gun likes the slower powders better with IMR4831 being the preference. Don't know if that will hold true with the .308 though.

Just ordered some 125Grn Ballistic Tips and will be working up a load for varmit hunting. Don't know how these "light for caliber" bullets with shoot, but it'll be fun finding out. Although some may consider 125Grn a little heavy for preditors, I'd sure be nice to practice on preditors with the BAR in off season.

Good luck with your BAR .308, I'm sure you'll love it.

firstshot