Good loads for 16" .308?

[Skofnung]

Hey folks.

I just got my hands on a little Ruger Compact M77. I am still fairly new to handloading, having only loaded cartridges for my .300 Savage up to this point, all with very good success.

My question is thus: In your experience, what is the most efficient load in terms of not wasting powder, but getting the most velocity out of this short (16") barrel? I plan to use 150 grain bullets for a start.

I'm not asking for a starting load, I plan to work my way up, what I want to know is where to stop before I start wasting powder. The published Max loads are going to be way over what I think that I am looking for.

Any other tips would be appreciated as well.

Thanks

 

[dakotasin]

i've done quite a bit of experimentation here, though it was restricted to 165 grain bullets (my personal favorite for 30 cal).

in as much as it is possible to make generalizations, the 308 really shines w/ varget and rl-15. again, w/ generalizations, so far, all short-barrelled 308's have shown a definite preference for rl-15, and long-barrelled have shown a preference for varget. group size difference is negligible, the difference is the chrony.

so, for your rifle, i would: use winchester cases, cci br-2 primers, sierra 165 gamekings, and rl-15.

 

[Skofnung]

Cool. I guess I need to get some rl-15 and some 165 grain bullets. How do Sierra Game Kings sound? I've read they work fairly well.

Thanks

 

[30Cal]

I've never seen a Sierra that wouldn't fly well (assuming you have an appropriate twist--just about any .308 in the world should shoot 150-165grs without an issue).

I've gotten great results with the Speer 125TNT out of my M1A with a 1:12" twist. Cheap bullet and shoots 1MoA or better.

Ty

 

[M99M12]

With a 16" barrel, I'd imagine you're gonna want powders on the faster side. And that carbine is nice. I got a buddy with one.