What are considered ideal powders for the .308? What powders are designed specifically for the .308? Which consistently produce the best groups in a variety of rifles?

I use IMR 4064 in a couple of 308s with excellent results but will probably try Varget since I've had excellent results with in in a couple of cartridges based ont he 308 Win. case.

WC-846 (spec BL-C2, or WW-748) was designed for the T-65 (7.62 Nato) cartridge, which became the .308 Winchester when commercialized in 1955. It works well enough, but I find ball powders to sometimes be more subject to pressure spiking than the IMR series.

IMR-4064 and IMR-4895 are of practically the same burning rate. While IMR-4064 sometimes shows a slight velocity advantage, IMR-4895 has shorter grains, meters through a powder measure better, and for me has shown better accuracy. Six of one and half a dozen of the other, you might say.

These comments assume a 150-165 grain bullet, which is most commonly used in the .308.

Of course, there are about 100 additional powders that, under certain circumstances and parameters, might be advocated as "ideal" for the .308. You pay your money and take your choice.

You cannot go wrong starting with IMR 4895 and a 165 grain bullet.

I've had excellent luck with Varget and very good luck with RL15 shooting 125gr, 150gr,165gr Nosler BalTips and Partitions. I personally do not shoot anything heavier.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

Yep, BL-c(2) was designed for the 7.62x51mm but I've had the best results with IMR4064.

Re-15 and Varget are my go-to powders for the .308 WCF.

Varget for 150 & 165 gr. bullets.

Bart Bobbit, who competed for years at Camp Perry with the 308 said that 4064 is the most accurate.

I have been using IMR4895.

I use H335 for proof testing.
8 gr more than Hodgdon's max and the primer gets loose on the first shot.
10 gr more than Hodgdon max and the primer falls out on the first shot.
If Denton Bramwell read this he could take his strain gauge in the closet and have kittens.
Most 308 powders won't fit that much extra.

IMR-4064 and Varget are my favorites

The best powder for the 308 is Vit 140 and Varget is a close second. Fourty one grains of either one is the magic number for tight groups up to two hundred yards.

varget for me

Varget with 168 grain Berger or 168 A-Max

Another vote for N 140.

RL-15 -1st
VARGET- 2nd

Fjold


Posted 06 January 2009 22:41 Hide Post
Yep, BL-c(2) was designed for the 7.62x51mm but I've had the best results with IMR4064.



Frank X2 Yet I have some Varget and someone told me it is Good for the 7.62X51 .

I will try it soon as I get back too civilization .

quote:

Originally posted by vines:
RL-15 -1st
VARGET- 2nd

Same here...

How is Varget for .308 Garand? I bought 8 lbs of Varget for .223 and wouldn't mind being able to use one powder for everything. Using RL-15 for the Garand now.

Reloder® 15
Smokeless medium rifle powder
The best all-around medium speed rifle powder. It provides excellent .223 and .308 caliber performance. Selected as the powder for U.S. Military's M118 special ball long range sniper round.
Broad caliber range
Consistent in all temperatures
High velocity varmint loads
Principal Purpose: Medium rifle
Secondary Uses: Silhouette rifle

Remarks:
Excellent in short action calibers.

Canister Sizes:


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The .308 is at it's best with bullets from 150 to 175 grains, for those the powders which I like the best are:

IMR's 3031 (150's) 4895 (150-168) 4064 (165 -175's)

Varget all weights

VV 140 and 540 all weights

W 748 especially good in wife's H&K 770 with 165 Nosler BT's go figure that one. Hint, it must be the polygonal bore.

My experience has shown me that there is no one best powder, only the best powder for your particular barrel with a singular bullet or loading combination. The steel and the powder residue have many effects during the internal ballistic stage which contribute to the rifles overall accuracy.

I found H380 to be very good with 165-grain bullets in the .308.

you can try imr-4320.Good Luck