.308 accuracy

[Jase]

I have a new Rem. 700 SS 5-R Milspec in .308 and am looking for two different but related items:

1- What are the most accurate loads for this rifle using these bullets;

a) 155 gr Sierra Matchking Palma match

b) 168 gr SMK

c) 175 gr SMK

d) 190 gr SMK

2- What is the most accurate load for 150 -155-168 and 175 gr SMK's
in all three of these rifles: M1-A Nat. Super Match M-25, DPMS .308
24" heavy stainless match barrel, and the above mentiones bolt gun,
Rem. 700 SS 5-R Milspec. I know this is a complicated issue, but it
would be really valuable in the field to have one load that would work
well in those rifles.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated and perhaps someday I can
return the favor, thanks.

 

[kelbro]

Ahhhh. Sounds like you need the 'magic load'.

Federal Gold Medal Match

Also, do a google search for Bart Bobbit. He has a rec.guns article that should help you.

 

[NCsmitty]

I know this is a complicated issue, but it
would be really valuable in the field to have one load that would work
well in those rifles.

Welcome to THR, Jase. Please realize that I'm not picking on you, as THR gets this type of question all the time.

You must have taken the time to select your Remington 700 SS 5R as a great shooting rifle, by researching information.
Hopefully you're not so naive to realize that there is no single 308 load that works in all rifles so chambered.
With dozens of components available to plug in to the equation, there is often no short cut to developing a load in your individual rifle.
The load that works in Bubba's rifle, may be a poor choice in your rifle. Rifles are made to tolerances, but essentially are individual enough to warrant different loads to achieve the best load for that rifle.
Even Federal Gold Medal Match rounds at times does not give the best results in all rifles.


NCsmitty

 

[USSR]

...there is no single 308 load that works in all rifles so chambered.
With dozens of components available to plug in to the equation, there is often no short cut to developing a load in your individual rifle.

+1. That being said, use quality match bullets and powders such as IMR4895, RL15, and Varget for the 155gr to 175gr bullets. For the 190gr bullets, use either N550 or RL17 powder. Welcome to the world of load development.

Don

 

[snowpro440]

308

i always found that varget powder and the 308 went together and as far as a load, you will just have to start with 155 palmas and try a powder load that comes close to shooting a good group then bump up the powder little by little an when you get a triangular group you are clos then try seating depth adjustment, then you will find the load that will work , I shoot 155 palmas with 44 gr varget wlr primer an win cases and c.o.a.l. 2.869. but that might not work or feed in you magazine, but I shoot it in a single shot rifle so have fun testing !

 

[loadedround]

Jase: if you are looking for that :magic load" I would suggest that you buy a box of factory ammo in each of those bullet styles and shoot each for groups with bore cleaning in between. The factory load that is most accurate in your rifle would be the bullet you select for load developement. Just remember what shoots sub MOA in my rifle could group 21/2" in yours.

 

[Jim Watson]

I am sure that if you send your rifle(s) and a blank check to a volunteer on this board, you will get back a recommendation for a good accurate load... in a year or so. Otherwise, all anybody can do is to describe loads accurate in HIS rifle.

 

[ar10]

Even guns of the same caliber and manufacturer vary on the optimum load. I use only 168gn Hornady BTHP with Varget and range brass. But mine is an AR-10B.

 

[dubbleA]

Get your hands on some Sierra MK's or Hornady A-Max's or Lapua Scenar's along with Hodgdon Varget, Alliant R-15 and IMR-4895, some good Lapua brass and maybe a Federal 210 primer.

You didnt state what you are intending doing with it. A load intended for a 1000 yds can be quite different from one intended for a maximum 400-500 yard shot. In some instances, the barrel will dictate what particular weight it likes.

There really isnt a magic load for any one rifle and there is a sense of accomplishment when testing your handloads and finally finding the "one".
You can do enough surfing and find out what works for others and get an idea. Always back up any load that you might come accross by going with a manufacture's listing. Those powders I listed are fairly close in burn rate and are going to be in the mid 40 gr loads. You could also try a ladder or OCW test to find a load that shoots well.

One thing great about the mighty .308 is that it's not to particular to load for.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Reloading is work! Not keyboarding! The best part is that you get to go to the range! NO SHORT CUTS! EACH GUN IS A RULE onto itself!

Brass=Lapua
Primers=BR2. FGM210
Powder=RL15, N540, N140, Varget, IMR4895 or 4064
Bullets= Don't over look Noslers OTM's...

 

[Ky Larry]

The down side is there is no shortcut to laod developement. You have to load and shoot a lot of different combination for each rifle/bullet combo. The up side is you get to load and shoot a lot of different rifle/bullet combos.
Keep good records. If you don't write it down, it never happened.

 

[waffentomas]

The only thing I can add is that in my .308s, powder didn't matter as much as the bullet did, or it's OAL.

Every rifle is different - basically - you are on your own.

Tom