.308 load data for an accuracy load.

[Master Blaster]

I'm currently making up 100 or so .308 rounds for a range trip next weekend.

My accuracy load so far has been 43 grains of IMR 4064 under a Sierra 168 grain HPBTMK. CCI 200 primer, and lake city once fired case. I was able to produce a 10 shot .78" group on a very windy day last time out, and a bunch of .5" 5 shot groups.

I have two loading manuals plus the data from the powder manufacturer.

So yesterday in the interest of getting additional data besides my four sources, I called Sierra's tech line for data. For 4064 they had a start load of 37.8, and a max load of 43.4 gr.

I also asked for Varget data for the same bullet starting load 38 gr. max 43.6 gr. This is using a fed 210 match primer.
The thing is that all 3 of my other load data sources start around 41 or 42 grains and go up to about 46 grains for both powders.

Other sources are Lyman 49th, Speer #13, and Hodgdon or IMR data.

Are all these other folks besides Sierra publishing unsafe data??????

Do you folks have a favorite load for .308? Please post it.

I am shooting a Savage LE II 26" barrel.

Thanks

 

[USSR]

Are all these other folks besides Sierra publishing unsafe data??????

MB,

Sierra's load data is, shall we say, SERIOUSLY conservative. Aside from that, remember that there are many variables that come into play with rifle loads, such as your rifle's chamber dimensions, COAL, and case capacity. Since you are using LC brass, you will be using 1.0-2.0gr less powder than you would in some commercial cases to generate the same velocity. I would say your 43.0gr load of IMR4064 is spot on for the LC brass. With Varget I would play with loads between 43.5gr and 44.0gr with LC brass. The 46.0gr load of Varget being referenced in the reloading manual is for use with commercial brass with a large case capacity. I have used 46.1gr of Varget behind a 178gr Amax, but it was in Hornady Match brass which is very light (164-165gr) and has a large case capacity.

Don

 

[dakotasin]

i have had outstanding succes in long-barrel 308's w/ varget and 168 hornady a-max, and i can reach 1000 yards w/ this load.

in short barrel 308's, 168 a-max and rl-15 seems to be the better ticket, though 1000 yards can be a little optimistic.

 

[ocabj]

For Varget, I trust Hodgdon's data.

I use the 175gr Sierra MK with 44.6gr Varget out of a 26" Savage factory barrel. 2775fps.

 

[Zak Smith]

For the 175SMK, it seems MOST people can get to 2700 fps from 24-26" barrels with 44.0 - 45.0gr of Varget, with good accuracy.

I shoot 44.7 in mine, using Lapua brass. I more often shoot the 155 Scenars with 45 - 46gr of Varget however.