powder for .308

[drake]

I was wondering what some people are using for powder for .308 using 175gr SMK bullets

I am currently using Varget powder but was wondering if there might be a better option out there...

I know everyone has their opinion of whats 'better' but want to hear what works for you.

drake

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I use RL-15 and Hornady 165gr Interlocks.

RL-15 is a great powder for medium cases. I use it in 308, 300 Savage, 303 British and 7.62x54R

ZM

 

[Grumulkin]

My vote would be for IMR 4064, Win 760 or H414.

 

[loadedround]

Varget for 150 gr bullets or H4895 for heavier target weight bullets(168 gr). You can't go wrong with those two powders.

 

[aubie515]

A lot of SH members use RL15 and Varget for 308 loads. I personally use Varget for my 308 loads.

 

[tbtrout]

I prefer IMR 4895. IMR 4064 works well also.

 

[USSR]

IMR4895 and RL15.

Don

 

[BsChoy]

The 4 basics you will get IMR or H4895, Varget, 4064, and RE15. All great but (unfortunately) varget seems to really go great with my PSS. But then again so does RE15 with 168 Amaxes.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

4895

 

[robsc]

W748 or H380 with 165gr flat base spire point.. The .308 winchester is not persnikety about rifle powder. Many powders will work in it. Be sure you know minimum and maximum charges for the powder you choose with your bullet weight choice.

 

[mek42]

Am I a neanderthal for not yet venturing forth from BL-C(2)?

 

[Zak Smith]

I think all the LR shooters I know who are still shooting the 175 SMK are using between 44 and 45 grains of Varget. The rest of us figured out the 155 Lapua Scenar is better.

 

[drake]

why do you say the 155 lapua scenar are better? what range are you shooting at?

drake

 

[Zak Smith]

1000 regularly, have gone as far as 1340.

Better because: the same or higher BC; can be shot 150-250fps faster.

 

[dmftoy1]

Zak, just curious. What's the twist rate on the barrel you're shooting those out of?

Regards,
Dave

 

[BsChoy]

Zak, has the 168 grain variety fallen to the wayside?

 

[Zak Smith]

Mine is a 24", 1:12 bbl.

BsChoy,

The 168 SMK "can" be made to work at 1000, but enough people have problems with it that it's probably a good idea to use a different bullet.

-z

 

[specwar451]

Buddy of mine uses AA2520. Watched him win quite a few matches with that powder. SpecWar451

 

[Lupara]

I am using N 140 with 178 A-MAXes to my great satisfaction. The 168 SMKs went well with Varget + CCI BR2s.

 

[Black Snowman]

I've been using 168 and 178 gr Hornady A-Max moly coated bullets pushed by Varget through my A-Bolt Eclipse. Clover leaves at 100 yards, haven't had the opportunity to take it further yet but hope to be shooting at 300 by the end of summer.

 

[Davo]

Ive had a little verticle stringing with rl-15, I still like Varget more.

Zak what powder do you recommend with the Scenars? What kind of velocities can I expect?

 

[Bullet]

I’ve had good luck using VV N540 with 175gr SMK’s Moly. Not the most bullet speed (around 2400fps), but very accurate. I only shoot 300 meters or less.

 

[Zak Smith]

Davo,

I use Varget for the Scenars. A buddy of mine is using RL15, and others have had good luck with IMR4895. But I'm getting great results across my bolt rifles with Varget, H4350, and H4831SC, and minimal thermal drift, so I'm happy.

With the 155 Scenars, most people get 2850-2950 from 24-26" barrels.

-z