First reloads with new Remington 700 SPS Tactical in 308

[the count]

Got my first 308 rifle recently. I have probably reloaded 10,000 rounds of 38SPL, 9mm and 45ACP, but am new to 308.

Today I tested these loads once I was sighted in:

168 grain Sierra Match King
168 grain Hornady A Max

Tried both rounds with 43 grains of Varget and 41 grains of H335. Results were all pretty close, between .8 and 1" with 4 round groups.

Any suggestions for something that might get me closer to .5" or is sub MOA already pretty good with this rifle? At least I now know that I can use the much cheaper H335 with my 700

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Shoot 3 rounds instead of 4?

Personally I think this is fantastic groups from a gun costing less than $600. You might try replacing the spongy stock but unless you are planning to shoot competition with this rifle than I would be very pleased with these groups. I have the same gun and I am very pleased with 1" groups at 100 yds. But I use mine for hunting and not shooting holes in paper.

 

[Doug b]

You might try IMR 4064.It's a lot like Varget but I get better accuracy with it.

 

[evan price]

I load the Hornady 165-gr SST with 45.3 of Varget in FC-09 NATO brass and get very good results. Three round groups size of a quarter at 100 yards. And that was me not trying hard or controlling my breathing well. I have a Rem 700 Police so I imagine if you have the same 26" heavy barrel this might work for you.
43 gr H335 and an M80 150-gr were also not bad but not as good as the SST & Varget.

 

[the count]

Three round groups size of a quarter at 100 yards. And that was me not trying hard or controlling my breathing well.

Size of a quarter is .950 so we both have the same group size. But I will try a hotter varget load next time.

 

[Shmackey]

I have a similar rifle--similar action and barrel, anyway--and it will shoot 0.5" groups all day with Varget under 175-grain SMKs. Try adjusting not only the charge but also the OAL. Sierra bullets seem to like a bit of jump to the lands. Also try sorting and neck-sizing some of the brass you just shot.

With matching, neck-sized brass, an overall length that your rifle likes, and a powder charge (in that brass) that your rifle likes, you can probably cut your group size in half.

 

[EMC45]

IMR 4895 is a keeper too for this gun/caliber/bullet. I have a PSS W/4.5-14 Leupold and it will shot almost a ragged hole with a similar combo.

 

[Rob96]

I have a 700ADL Varmint. I load 168gr SMK's over 42grs of RL-15. This gives me .65moa at 100yds for a five shot group.