178gr A-Max powder suggestions

[.308 garand]

I have recently decided to try some of the Hornady 178gr A-Maxes in my .308 and need powder suggestions. I have been loading 175 smk with Varget. I like the varget but would like something that meters better. I am also having my 26" barrel cut to 20". So a powder that could boost the velocity a little would be nice.

In short I am looking for a powder that:

Will meter better than Varget
Possibly produce higher velocity in a 20" barrel
If possible be compatible with a 55gr bullet for my AR

Am I Asking for too much?

.308

 

[NCsmitty]

You're going to lose quite a few fps with the barrel cut. And of course your POI will change some too. You'll just have to go for a faster powder to try make up some of the difference. Perhaps a slightly lighter bullet like a 168gr. I'm sure someone here can point you towards a good choice. A chronograph will be an important part of the equation.

NCsmitty

 

[bragood]

I use IMR 4895 for my 168 amax and for my ar 15 load. Its a great powder that covers a lot of ground.

 

[.308 garand]

I thought about a lighter bullet but my barrel has a 1:10 twist and seems to really like the heavier stuff. POI shift is not a big deal because I had to remove the scope any way. unfortunately I don't have a chronograph.

.308

 

[USSR]

.308 garand,

I would suggest you give Alliant's RL15 a try. I have used both it and Varget with the 178gr Amax in my .308, and found RL15 to be less "picky" about the charge weight that produces accuracy.

Don

 

[dmftoy1]

40.5 grains of Varget have been the best for me. It's sad when you think that a .80 group isn't good enough though. I really want to find some data for H335 as I had really good luck with 168's and H335. (FWIW)

Regards,
Dave

 

[cpttango30]

VV N540 or N550. These are really good powders. RL15 is what a few F-class shooters are using under 178gr A-Max.