Load Data for 308 using Win 748

[YodaVader]

Varget is more like the pencil lead type powder. Really does not meter too well in my old Hornady measure. I use the trickler method which is kind of slow but the powder does work well for the .223 69 grain bullet loads in my Savage and not too bad in the 700 LTR .223.

Can't say every group is like the one above , but the .308 with match bullets and 748 has given me great results in the past. Still have a lot of old targets where there are 5 shots at least in the dime or nickel size and I was a beginner with a rifle with my old VS. But I have switched back to the .223 these days. Still learning to shoot centerfire rifle to this day.

I let a friend shoot my old VS one day (former Marine) and he shot a dime size group with his first 5 shots and gave me this big grin afterwards! It was the 168 match with 748 loading as well.

 

[tkcomer]

I was afraid the Varget would have big kernels. I’ve been fooling with the RCBS mic trying to determine my OAL. I can’t get it to work. One, the extractor won’t grab it. Instructions says “if” that happens to hook it on the extractor and then shove it in. But if I tighten the set screw in too much, the top half sticks in the rifling. Loosen the set screw and I can’t get a good reading. Or feel. Last reading was 2.723”. The gauge is sliding back as I chamber it. After about an hour of that, I gave up. Still no cable guys. Doubt I’ll get a shot in today.

 

[USSR]

tkcomer,

The RCBS Precision Mic is great for measuring cartridge headspace for setting up your FL sizing dies, but for measuring cartridge OAL, the Stoney Point OAL Guage is a much better tool.

Don

 

[tkcomer]

Well, I did get to test out some rounds today after all. Don’t know how to post pics. You can see it here: http://www.pixagogo.com/8855594622 Click on the pic to make it bigger if you want. I’m no precision shooter by far, but I don’t think I did too badly considering the wobbly table. If I get a better table I can probably tighten these groups up just a tad. One thing that frustrates me, I can’t see clearly through that Tasco scope. No matter how I adjust it it’s always fuzzy. Not sure if it’s my eye or the scope, but it definitely is fuzzy. At least my handloads shoot better than those military rounds. I was getting worried about my trigger control again. The 44gr of 748 didn’t do too bad. Can’t blame the powder or the bullets. With a little more practice, I might be able to move up to 200 yards.

 

[db_tanker]

There is some of your problem right there...get rid of that Tasco scope.

At the very least, I would suggest getting one of those new Simmons Master series or a good Burris.

Glass isn't cheap, but you will see a diffrence.

And the table, of course. you can look around on the web and find some plans for a good shooting table and you don't really need alot of carpentry skills...just know how to use a tape measure.

D

 

[USSR]

One thing that frustrates me, I can’t see clearly through that Tasco scope. No matter how I adjust it it’s always fuzzy. Not sure if it’s my eye or the scope, but it definitely is fuzzy.

tkcomer,

It's the scope. If you want a decent scope and don't have alot of money to spend, I would suggest getting a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40M scope. It's a straight 10 power scope with target turrets and a mildot reticle. About $180, maybe a little cheaper if you look around. For reasonably priced variable power scopes, Sightron scopes are a good buy at $350-$400.

Don

 

[tkcomer]

Actually I was thinking of the 4200 series Bushnell scope. I keep reading good things on that one. And I keep reading bad things on the Tasco on heavy recoiling rifles. This rifle comes off the stand every time I pull the trigger. This is a 36 power scope that I back off to 24 power to see. And not that clearly. The Tasco scope (24 power) on the Weatherby is fuzzy at high range. I back it off to about 18. Then I can see pretty clearly. But still, I don’t think my groups are that bad considering the poor setup I have. I’ll keep trying. Probably never get up to the standards on this board. But I won’t give up.

 

[YodaVader]

Actually I was thinking of the 4200 series Bushnell scope.

That one was also on my list as well. My Savage gunsmith said he highly recommends the 4200 Bushnells. I was considering the 6X-24X version. Having crisp clear optics will be a significant improvement over your fuzzy image.

A stable shooting platform should also improve this considerably. I don't know if you can do it comfortably but you might try shooting from prone position. You can really get remarkably stable shooting from prone position. You are correct , that table appears way too flimsy , lightweight with "storky" legs.

All things considered I think your targets are very respectable. With a solid shooting platform and some good optics things will only get better!

 

[tkcomer]

Yeah, the table has to go. I’m putting my free hand on the barrel under the scope and pulling down to steady things. I picked it because I was thinking of portability. Eventually I’d like to step up to 200 yards. Maybe even longer if I can improve my equipment. That’s why I’m leaning towards the Bushnell 4200 in 36 power. I want to see the crosshairs in the center ring, not shoot at it. As far as powders go, I may stick with the 748. It meters like a dream. Though I might switch to magnum primers after I use the 700 or so that I have. I hadn’t reloaded in almost 15 years and the new data on powders had me nervous. Back in the mid 80s, it seemed to be one of the most common powders listed for the 223, 243 and 308. If I remember right, one article has it listed as the most accurate powder they tried for the 243 with the Sierra 70gr Matchking. That’s why I chose it. But I never got around to loading the 308. Didn’t realize at the time that HK 91 bent every brass it kicked out. Sold it to buy the 700. So with the gang’s help, I’m confident that I can crank out decent rounds with 748 in 308. Already have a decent load for the 243.

 

[Critter183]

I have a Ruger M77 Hbar, and it loves 45.5 gr of 748 and the CCI 250 magnum primers in federal premium brass behind 168gr Sierras.

That was my start and end point. I loaded up 20 like that, shot sub 1" at 200 meters. I said that's close enough. hehehe

Someday, I may try to improve on it, but for now, I'm pleased as punch.

 

[Critter183]

Already have a decent load for the 243.

I got a few pounds of H4831 from a friend who had a huge tin of the stuff. I cooked up a hot little .243 load. 44.2 gr with 100gr sbt.

It's close to max load in my Sierra book (they list 44.9) but it exceeds the Hodgdon max on their website (42.0).

I had picked up a pre warning Ruger M77 because it had the most incredible piece of walnut for a stock that I ever saw. With this load, it's a tack driver.

 

[Stonewall2]

I recently bought a new Bushnell 4200 6-24 with AO -of course I had to wait to buy it to just after they raised the price from $400 CDN to $569 Cdn .This was to replace a Leupold . You can get these with a 1/2 dot for targets . In a 36X BR scope I would use a 1/8 dot on fine crosshairs. The older B&L target scopes are great and seldom have any problems like others. Mount in Burris Signature rings or learn to lap your rings. Don't stress the optics.
Find a range that shoots Bench Rest and has proper concrete tables. Look at the bags and rests they use. You can make a good rest but buy the bags. Check out www.benchrest.com for ideas and Sinclair .Make a flat plate 3" wide 6" long to mount on the front swivel location out of nylon or aluminium - this will allow you to be more consistant on the bags. Make or buy wind flags- even a few weighted ribbons on metal rods will work.You need three for 100 yards range .
The Federal brass is soft -buy a box of Lapua -problem solved. Forster dies are benchrest quality at a very reasonable price and the people are fantastic.The last time I ordered parts they were in the mail in 16 hours from the original email and this included the phone call the next morning to confirm and discuss comments. Buy a set !
You will find a good .308 will shoot well with a lot of powders and loads.
I will look for some older books from Precision Shooting on Benchrest and varmint hunting that explain how to shoot from a rest -load ammunition and other good things. Two excellent ones are: "The Ultimate in Rifle Accuracy "by Glenn Newick in 1989 (Stoger ISbN:0-88317-159-7) and"The Accurate Varmint Rifle"by Boyd Mace (Precision Shooting 1991 Library of Congress card #91-0678070) are two of the best.
Buy a coated cleaning rod and Lucas boreguide to clean with ,
This should keep you busy for a while.
Glenn
Try Imr-4350 in your .243 with 70 gr TNTor 75 Sierra HP @ 45 gr . with WW brass and CCI match primers .

 

[tkcomer]

I haven’t shot the rifle since I figured I’d wait until I put the 4200 on it. Probably will wait until after X-mass so I know how much money I have. I get hit hard in January as the vehicles, life and farm insurance all comes due then. I’ll also order new brass then. My 357 and 44 brass are old and starting to crack and burn through on my reloads. Plus the 44 is out of commission. The rear sight fell off last week and I can’t find that darn screw. So I’m waiting on new screws to come in from S&W. And I’m still keeping my eye out for an old stout table that’s not too heavy to replace my wobbly card table. I’ll just keep practicing with that old Winchester 275 pump 22 mag. Got a cheap BSA 3X9 on it. If I can learn trigger control with that thing, I should be able to yank the trigger on any other gun out there. But at least I can see clearly through that scope. Oh, I do use the coated rods. Found some stuff called Tipton Truly Remarkable Bore Solvent. Man that stuff takes your breath away. But it gets the copper out with a lot less patches than the Hoppe’s Bench Rest Copper Plus.