Reloads for Tikka .308

[Bear2000]

Hey,

I was wondering if anyone reloads .308 for their Tikka rifle? I have a Tikka T3 Varmint and I don't think my loads are as good as they should be.

Here's what I've been shooting:

168 SMK
42-44 gr Varget
Win LR primer
Lapua & Winchester brass
OAL 2.2875

I've grouped just as well - and maybe a bit better - with Sierra ProHunter 150s with 45 gr of Varget.

I also have VV N140 & H335 powder, CCI BR primers, and Sierra 175 MKs to work with.

Any load recommendations for this particular rifle?

 

[Horsemany]

44 grains of Varget under 168 gr. Hornady A-max is about as good as it gets. I and others I know shoot varmint class benchrest with this. The Matchkings are very good too but I have fliers with them that the A-max's don't. If I was starting with a new gun the A-max is the first thing I'd try with any caliber. They vary in weight much less than Matchkings and have a more uniform meplat.

 

[45ACPUSER]

Get some BR2 primers! You might look to up the powder charge? Max with Hodgdon data is higher, check for yourself....they use WW brass. www.hodgdon.com

 

[Bear2000]

I'll have to pick up some A-Max bullets next time around. I've just sitting on 1000 SMKs right now.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[BAT1]

I have to agree, 42- 44 gr Varget, 42 dead on, 44, one inch over. I use 42 gr on Speer Gold match 168's. 44 on SPBT's I'm working on 180 gr Noslers BT right now.

 

[Afy]

For VV N140

168: 36.2 -42.8 gr
175 35.3-41.4 gr