Load recommendations for 20" 1 in 10".308..

[ArchAngelCD]

I just realized my typo in post #2
should be Accurate 2520 interchangeable with IMR4895
(not 2250)

And AA2495 too...

 

[58BlackFlag]

I'll give a big "Plus 10" to REL1203s comments about the Hogue stock, particularly when fired off a bipod or with a suppressor attached. My 700 AAC SD has many fine features but the "stock" stock is not one of them. Before you spend too much time or components, try this simple test, using old fashioned sand bags, place them directly in front of and underneath the magazine on your rifle. Shoot several groups with known, accurate ammo, FGMM works well, but your dads proven handloads would probably be just as good. Then using the same ammo, but your normal shooting rest, try again. If your results are anything like mine were, you'll be looking for a new stock (if you can afford it), or breaking out the Devcon 10110 if you can't (like me). The good news is that once the forend is stiffened up a bit the rifle will probably begin to behave much better. Mine went from 1 and 3/8ths" to just over .60" at 100 yards off the bipod with a rear bag. My load was 45.8 grains of Varget with CCI BR2 primers in Hirtenberger cases under 168 gr. SMKs. It still won't really behave with the YHM 7.62 suppressor installed, but it's a whole lot better than it was.
Bottom line is that while they are awesome rifles for the price, Remington had to cut costs somewhere to keep them affordable and the stock was the logical place to do it.

I have already replaced the stock with a B&C Medalist. I started there to try and tighten up my groups.

What do you mean by "it wont behave with the YHM suppressor"? I have a Gem-tech Sandstorm 7.62 suppressor on the way for my rifle. Is the suppressor negatively effecting your accuracy?

Thanks!

 

[MtnCreek]

I think he was sayinng the additional weight from the suppressor was adding to the flimsy stock problem.

 

[chrome_austex]

My factory fimsy Hogue stock has a date with the dremmel tonight.

 

[REL1203]

Great to see someone else settled on 44.0 gr of 4064.

FWIW, my velocities vary a bit, but the average out of my 20" Rem 700 AAC-SD is 2640 @ ~8ft

That is a good sounding load, and damn fast, i really need to pick up some IMR4064

 

[Swampman]

Gem-Tech Sandstorm 7.62 = 13.3 Ounces

YHM Stainless Q.D. Phantom 7.62 = 28 Ounces

MtnCreek hit the nail right on the head, the weight of the YHM still causes the barrel to contact the stock when fired off the bipod, which has serious negative impacts on accuracy, especially at longer range.

The suppressor actually improves the accuracy of my M1A, PSL and 59/66 SKS. It has a huge POI shift on all of them, but it's very repeatable as long as you tighten down the suppressor to the same notch each time you install it.

With your shorter, much lighter can and a far stiffer stock, I doubt you'll have any similar issues.
On the other hand, you won't have near as good a field expedient club, hammer and rolling pin. ;-)

 

[58BlackFlag]

I finally made it to the range today and tried a few of the loads my dad and I put together thanks to all the friendly recommendations from you all!

My best results were two separate, five-shot groups, both just under and inch at 100yds using 175gr SMK's with 45gr of Varget, Winchester primers, and various once shot brass set to 2.23 OGL. Muzzle velocity was between 2600-2630fps (not bad for my 20in barrel).

I did notice today after using the chrony, my shots seem to speed up bit by bit as each group progresses. I'm guessing this is due to the barrel heating up and expanding slightly. Does that sound like a good guess to those who have maybe had the same experience??

In addition to that combo we also tried some lapua 155s, 168 amax's, and 168 berger vld's all with varget. The results were not as good. We also tried the 175SMK's with RL-15 but the groups were not as tight.

After shooting at 100yds we went out to a bigger area and set up at 300 yards on a steel gong target I just got. I "guesstimated" for a 15 inch drop and adjusted my scope up 20 clicks (5 MOA) and put three shots in a 1.5 inch spread on the 10 inch steel target. I have not ever done any windage/elevation adjustments with my scope to compensate for distance before so we went back to 100yards, I dialed back down 20 clicks and was able to hit the one inch bullseye on the first shot.

Thanks again to all who made load recommendations! Looks like the 175 SMK's and Varget are the ticket my Remmy. We are going to tinker around with that combo adjusting the powder charge and seating depth and see if we can tighten the groups up more.

 

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

The stock is an easy fix to eliminate the touching issue. After sanding, the factory Hogue will give good clearance to the barrel. Until I find the right McMillan or H&S stock I will be content. I shoot 5/8" patterns at 100yds with mine with 168gr Sierra MK's. I am hoping that I can get atleast as good with the A-Max load I am working on.