I, like many others probably, would like to find a duplicate load for the 168 grain Federal Match Ammo. Anybody got a clue?

http://216.219.200.59/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi

These guys have lots of data on such loads.

[ 12-25-2002, 16:03: Message edited by: KLN ]

AA:

I dunno what powder, probably proprietary, that Federal uses, but it doesn't matter. It ain't the powder in that particular load, it is the bullet. Classic powder for the 168 MKs is 4895, but there are multiple other choices. Some people get good results with 4064. Just find one that your gun likes. If it is accurate, it will tell you shortly on the target.

Alaskan Al - I get exactly the same point of impact with my reloads as I do with .308 Federal Gold Medal. Here's my load (nothing fancy)

.308 Federal case
Federal 210m primer
45.0 Varget
168 Sierra matchking
(load to same overall length as factory ammo)

The load is easy to assemble, accurate and hits to the same point of impact to 300 yards as does the Gold Medal. If this isn't exact for your rifle, play with the powder charge a bit. I found having a chronograph handy was very helpful when I was trying to work up this load. Regards, Guy

[ 12-25-2002, 19:15: Message edited by: m700 ]

I tore down some Fed GM's about a year ago. The powder, according to sight/smell (burned and unburned), and volume tests is IMR 4064. Federal might call it "propreitary" or whatever, but it's 4064, and probably IMR.

Checking IMR's website for data, they list 43.5 grains of IMR 4064 to be the max in the .308 with 168 grain match bullets.

It just so happens that the Federal loads I took apart had 43.4 to 43.6 grains of powder in them.

My duplicates hit into the same group with the factory ammo at 100 yards, which while not totally conclusive it seemed to support the notion that the powder charge was the same type and weight.

All this said, I would think that as one member mentioned above, Varget is a superior powder for the .308. Around 45.5 to 46 grains with the 168's is getting the job done for many, many shooters.

I developed a .308 match load using IMR 4895. (168 grain Sierra bullets) I used my OCW load development method to conclude that 43.6 grains of the 4895 was optimal in the .308 win. Simple seating depth adjustments to get the bullet exiting on a stable portion of the harmonic node should get you shooting well under MOA with this recipe.

Best of luck,

Dan Newberry
green 788