308 Hunting load?

[wolfe28]

Hey there;

I'm hoping to go hunting for the first time this year and I'm looking for suggestions for a 308 load for a 180gr Sierra Game King. I would like to stick with Varget or 4064 if possible (that is what I am currently loading behind 175 smk's). Anybody have a load that works well with this combo?

Thanks,
D

 

[USSR]

wolfe28,

What make of brass are you using? Makes a big difference.

Don

 

[Grumulkin]

For 180 grain loads, I would go with IMR 4064 or Winchester 760. The load will probably be very similar (probably no appreciable difference) in the load you're already using for your 175 gr. Sierra Match Kings. If loading for a semiauto don't use Win. 760.

I don't think the make of brass makes any difference as long as you work up loads for the particular brand of brass you are using.

 

[wolfe28]

oops.

Sorry, I forgot to mention the rest of the componets. Winchester brass and primers.

Thanks,
D

 

[USSR]

wolfe28,

With Winchester brass, start at 43.5gr with either IMR4064 or Varget and work up from there. You should find a good load somewhere between 44.0 and 45.0gr of powder.

Don

 

[Will Learn]

What COAL should you use? I'm currently using 150gr Sierra Gamekings with 43grs of Varget(win case and primer), with a COAL of 2.8(actually around 2.795). I just loaded these tonight and am going to test tomorrow, is this COAL too long?

I shoot 168gr SMKs at this COAL through my gun and they work fine. What I'm wondering is, the Gamking bullet is shorter than the SMK so do i have to worry about it seating in the neck properly if i use the same COAL? The bullet is held firm in the neck and won't move when I try to twist/pull with my fingers.

 

[Will Learn]

Not everyone at once now. Seriously though I'm knee deep in deer season and really could use some help.

 

[BsChoy]

seat'em to the mag length unless you have a chambering issue...that is to say if the throat is a little too short the bullet will jam into the lands and not chamber without force of some kind...and make sure mag length rounds have enough neck tension to hold the bullet firmly....should work fine for you.