.308 tikka handloads

[mr tikka]

Hi, I'm new to the forum and hoping someone can help me. I've been shooting competition out to 500m with a tikka t3 varmint in .308 and a load using 168gn hornady hpbt over 42 gns ar2208 (sold in usa as varget). Recently bought some 168 gn a-max and went to load them but found 42 gns seems very light. I have used 42 gns of ar2206 with the same bullet.
I think ar2206 is similar to hodgdons blc2 and quite a bit faster. I'm using neck sizes federal brass and magtech lr primers. Any ideas?

 

[JDGray]

Welcome!
I have loaded with Varget, and found between lots of powder, big velocity drops. Did you open a new bottle? I also shoot 168-175gr SMKs, and 43-44.2gr Varget, not max loads but most accurate.

 

[mr tikka]

Thanks. Been working from the same 4kg bottle. Your loads seem a bit warmer than mine which is what I expected. Just thought I'd ask the question, went back through my load book and found I was using the same weight of a much slower powder and it didnt seem right. I'm not looking for the fastest load on the range, just an accurate one that doesn't place undue stress on the rifle.

 

[USSR]

Personally, I would try bumping up the powder charge towards 43 grains. I have never found mild charges of Varget to produce particularly accurate loads.

Don

 

[mr tikka]

Thanks ussr. Gonna load some warmer ones up today (hopefully get to the range and test tomorrow) I've been getting around 3" groups with 5 shots at 300 metres with the 42 gr load but always looking to improve (aren't we all?)

 

[jpwilly]

I went from Varget to AA2520 and found better accuracy. But like Don I found Varget in Fed cases with 168 Gr pills shot just right for me in the 44 to 45gr range.

 

[mr tikka]

Hi guys, just thought I'd give an update. Went to the range today and tested loads from 42.5 to 45 grains in half grain increments.44.5 grains put 3 shots into 14mm (just over 1/2") at 200m (220yds). This is easily best load I have found to date. I have normally steered away from compressed loads (44.5 is slightly compressed) but the manufacturers data lists a max load of 46 grains. Should I be concerned? Is it worth doing .1 grain increments between 44 and 44.5 grains? (44 grains went about an inch and 45 grains opened up close to 2")

 

[USSR]

With the .308, it all depends upon the brass. I'm guessing that manufacturer's load of 46.0gr is with Winchester brass. With your Federal brass, your 44.5gr is a warm load, and your primer pockets will likely expand in short order.

Don