308 Win for 1 in 12" twist - bullet weight?

[bpshooter13]

Hello,

I want to work up some handloads for a new Vanguard S2 Carbine in 308 Win.
The barrel length is 20" with a 1 in 12" twist.

I have on hand some IMR 4895, some Winchester Large Rifle primers and some Lake City once fired brass. I ordered a Lee 4 die set so now all I need are bullets.

From research it looks like the gold standard projectile for accurate 308 Win handloads is the Sierra Match King 168 gr. I've read that a lot of M1A shooters love this bullet but what about for my new bolt action?

Is this a good bullet choice for this barrel length and twist rate?

Thanks in advance,
bp13

 

[jwrowland77]

Should work fine. I run 178's in my 1:12 twist. About to pick up some 190's. Granted I have a 26" barrel in order to get the bullet up to proper velocity to stabilize.

168's should run just fine in your rifle though.

 

[allaroundhunter]

Yes it will work in your gun, you will just have to experiment with powder type and charge weight.

Also, the 168 gr Nosler Custom Competition is a virtual exact copy of the SMK for less money.

 

[Rule3]

You may find this page/site helpful. Kinda lists all the highlights of different calibers.

http://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

 

[Reloadron]

From research it looks like the gold standard projectile for accurate 308 Win handloads is the Sierra Match King 168 gr. I've read that a lot of M1A shooters love this bullet but what about for my new bolt action?

I have my old Remington 700 VSSE with a 26" 1:12 twist. Using the Sierra 168 grain Match King bullets the rifle does real well with AA2495 powder at about 41 grains. That gives me a muzzle velocity right around 2538 FPS. Those loaded to a COL of 2.8".

Your best bet is just to work up some loads and see what works best in your rifle. You can also eventually try changing the bullet seating depth once you have something that works. Rule3's link is also a very good read on the 308.

Ron

 

[bpshooter13]

Great stuff guys, most helpful.
Thank you.