Most Accurate and Consistent Velocity .308 Ammo?

[Derek Zeanah]

Here's what I got when I tested FGGM 175gr:

• 10 round sample
• 31 fps range between slowest and fastest rounds
• Mean velocity was 2,538 feet per second (20" barrel)
• Standard deviation was 11.7 fps.

Handloading can get better, but if there's another manufacturer that's significantly more consistent than this I'd want to test it myself to be sure.

 

[LeonCarr]

In Maj. John Plaster's first Ultimate Sniper book he wrote that he asked Federal Cartridge what made their .308 Match Ammunition so accurate, and they refused to tell him.

That tells me that not only are they using quality components but also "Top Secret" loading procedures .

Good Stuff.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[thump_rrr]

My 42.3 and 42.7 gr Varget loads have both shot .25moa at 200y using 180gr SMK's, CCI BR-2 primers on Lapua brass
Rifle is a Savage 10BA with the factory 24" barrel.

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

 

[msjayhawk]

I wish there was some way to thank you all, but anyway, thanks.

 

[Motega]

DAG or MEN surplus works great in some rifles; Radway Green is also good. In general I'd suggest something you can get lots and lots of for a decent price and that is by a good company and do the minor adjustments on the scope/sights to match the ammo you use.
7.62 out of a .308 is fine.

 

[exdxgxe4life]

Agree 100% with post 24:


1. Handloads
2. Federal Gold Medal Match
3. Black Hills Match

 

[Swampman]

FGMM is awesome for factory ammo, I've been handloading for 36 years and the only way I can load ammo that consistently beats it is to uniform primer pockets and flash holes, turn necks and anneal for each loading.
The only bad thing that I've found about the Gold Medal Match is the brass life. It's so soft that I'm lucky to get 3 reloads out of it.

 

[frank cain]

guys i bought a DPMS LR 308. it has been a nightmare trying to find the sweet load!!!!! finally, i am having to settle foor 3/4 inch with 48.5 gr H380 WLR. most manuels suggest mag primers with projectiles over 150. with my rifle that is not the case. i handload every centerfire i own;be it pistol, rifle or shotgun. i tried varget,imr4350,4064,cfe223,. H380 won ;that was using 4 diff primers with 4 wts of each poeder. if anybody has a does have a fodder that will get to .35 pease let me know. i have that average with my other rifles. MUCH OBLIGED ..

 

[frank cain]

As you can see i do not very much and not very well!!

 

[klw1911]

I don't reload but i have 3 308's a rem 700 tactical w/20 in. barrel,a bm 59 beretta,and a saiga 308 w/16 in. barrel.Up until recently i mostly shot mil spec.147 grain ball then i ran across a deal from palmetto armory on the fed.match 168 and was amazed how well it shot out of all 3 guns.I wish they would put it on sale again (it was a dollar per round including shipping)but its not going to happen anytime soon if at all.

 

[msjayhawk]

Looks like Federal Gold Medal Match 168 Grain Sierra Match is the winner... I greatly appreciate all of the help, really.

 

[Swampman]

@ frank cain
It'd be easier to help if we knew what weight and type of bullet you're shooting.

I've never loaded for a .308 DI rifle so I may be off base here, but H380 and IMR4350 seem a tad slow for any gas gun to me. Even putting aside the fact that your velocities are gonna be 200 to 300 fps lower than what you'd likely get with more suitable powders, the port pressure/bolt velocity would almost certainly be a good bit higher than design spec.

If I were in your shoes, I think I'd try a few more traditional .308 gas gun powders such as RL-15, IMR4895, H4895, TAC, IMR4320 and VV N-135, then try shooting ladders from @500 yards.

Heck, who am I trying to kid, if I got a new, bone stock, semi auto 7.62x51 battle rifle that could consistently shoot .750" five shot groups, I'd be running around in circles yelling "HOOT HOOT" while laughing uncontrollably...

If I felt a real need to shoot a .35 inch group, I'd just try shooting from the 50!