.308 Win Tikka Scout CTR - Found a Load!

[coloradokevin]

If any of you have followed my previous posts on this subject, you may recall that I acquired a .308 Win Tikka Scout CTR in late 2010. I had high hopes for this moderately priced gun ($820), and I've been working on hand loads for it over the course of the winter. The rifle is currently setup with a Harris bipod, and a Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10 power scope.

I think I've finally found a decent load, as follows:

175 grain Sierra Matchking bullets
44.4 grains of Varget powder
Winchester LR primers
Remington Brass, Neck sized and trimmed to 2.005"
COAL of 2.805-2.810" (I don't have a means of measuring off the ogive, and my bullets varied in length by about .005")


All of the pictured groups were fired from a prone position, with a bipod and sand sock, at a distance of 102 yards. I was quite excited by these results, though I'm sure there are a lot of folks out there who could put these to shame!

The first group pictured is a 4-shot group I fired on 04/01/11. It measured 0.305" center-to-center.

The second group shown is a 4-shot group fired on the same day, measuring 0.334" center-to-center.

These groups were fired on a day that was 65F, with a light quartering headwind of 3-7mph, with gusts maybe hitting 10mph. I'd have preferred to fire 5-shot groups instead of 4, but I only brought 20 rounds with me, and needed enough ammo to complete 5 groups at different ranges.


The third group pictured is a 5-shot group that was fired previously (during load development), and it measures 0.426" center-to-center.

Conditions on that day weren't tough either, with a 3-6mph breeze, and 52F temps. Nevertheless, I'm not complaining about the results with this load. I just hope I can continue to produce sub 1/2" groups with it!

 

[coloradokevin]

I should add to this post that I didn't have the opportunity to chronograph my finished loads on the most recent two groups. However, the ammo that produced the third group was fired over a chronograph, and produced a velocity of around 2,600 fps, from my 20" barrel.

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Looks like an excellent load to me. Must be something to that 44.4 grs of Varget load in a .308. That is the same amount of powder I use under 168 gr. A-max in several of my Swiss K-31's and 2 of my favorite .308's with very good results (sometimes they look like yours, but not often ;-).

 

[coloradokevin]

Must be something to that 44.4 grs of Varget load in a .308. That is the same amount of powder I use under 168 gr. A-max in several of my Swiss K-31's and 2 of my favorite .308's with very good results (sometimes they look like yours, but not often ;-).

You might be on to something there. I know of at least two other guys who have settled on loads between 44.3-44.5 grains with Varget in a .308, so apparently something works in that range.

I'll have to see what happens on the next range trip. If I can pull groups like this again I'll be very happy, and probably leave this load exactly how it is now. Time will tell though!

 

[rc109a]

I might have to load a few at that grain range. I am working my way up with 168g BTHP and still looking for a good combo. I am up to 44g and climbing...