I'm about to get very serious with my 308, concentrating on it and one other rifle for the next couple of months. The 308 has always been a good shooter for me but I'm looking for what many refer to as a "no brainer" recipe. I have lots of IMR4064 and Varget on hand. I can get Re15 or anything else fairly quickly. I will be using Lapua brass and Fed 210M primers.

The rifle is a Sako with a D-3 Obermeyer 10T bbl. My first bullet of choice is the 168 Berger VLD. I just received an eml from Walt Berger on their data regarding that bullet. I also have 185 Bergers on hand and a ton of 180 Accubonds, 168 TSX, TTSX.

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Doc, both of the 308 rifles that I use Re15 in seem to like the load near max. I would personally start at 44 grains and work up to 45 with the 165-168 standard match bullets. OTOH, the Alliant manual I have lists 42.8 for the 168 as best when using the 210M primers.

I have not tried anything heavier than 168 and have not tried the Barnes versions either. This is just standard lead core and Sierra Match bullets.

Hi Doc, although not listed, my go-to 308 target load is the SMK 155 in front of 44 gr of varget. Very popular load over here.

Rl-15, Varget, and BLC-2 are 3 very good powders for the .308.

I am working on loads for my .308 also but with 150 grain bullets. BLC-2 has worked but IMR 4064 was shown to be a bit better. I have some rounds loaded up with benchmark to try next. I will let you know if it works well.

Go over to 6mmbr.com and you can get all the info you are looking for. They have a whole cartridge specific area on the 308. Which top shooters are loading what.

ok, thanks everyone. It is always good to hear what others are using. I remember years ago when I was loading a lot of 308 rounds my preferred powder was Re15.

I will check out 6mmbr.com

It's time to get serious with this rifle. I really want to see how well this Obermeyer bbl is going to work out with the Sako action.

From 6mmbr.com:

quote:

The "classic" .308 load for 168gr SMKs is IMR 4064 with Federal primers.

Well, I have all of this in mind but with the Berger bullet instead. We shall see what happens.

doc, go on this page on AR, and go to the "your favorite loads" "share them with us" column, and go to page 4 look at those loads for the .308

155 gr Lapua Scenar and Varget.

About 45 to 46 grains.

For targets, of course!

Hey Doc

44 grains IMR 4064, Win LR primer, Fed cases 168 grain Match King.

Does beautifully thru both of my AR10ts.

Jim

ok, I'll try all of the above!