This is what it is all about, re 308 loads

[MLC]

I just started reloading in the autumn, today made the investment worthwhile. I finally got to the range after loading several candidates for my 308 Whitetail load.
I had two bullet styles: 165g Sierra spitzer boattail and 150 Nosler Ballistic tip. I had used Federals loading of the 150 Nosler in the fall to great success.
I chose BLC-2, Fed 210m primers and fire formed necksized Remington brass for my first round of testing.
I used the data in Noslers manual for the 165g and, of all things, Hogdons data from the can of BLC-2 for the 150.
I loaded 3 different charge weights working up to the max.
The rifle used is a Remington 700LTR with a Springfield 6x Government scope rested on four sandbags. Range was 100 yards in moderate wind.
I shot 5 shot groups to test overall accuracy, I did not allow the barrel to cool completely between shots or groups the results may vary in alternate temperatures and situations.
The Sierra loads,45.46 &46.5g, grouped under an inch with the 46.5g putting 4 rounds into at .65" edge to edge the 5th opening it to .92"
The Nosler, 47-47.5&48, were also sub-inch. The best group was the 47.5 load with 4 shots at .43" and a "flier" opening it to .76".
I was ecstatic with those results from non match bullets and my novice reloading skills.
I think with a little more practice and a better scope those groups can be slimmed down.
I can blame most of my sucess on advice I received over at TFL.

 

[Bacchus]

Sweet! Have you decided which bullets are you going to use when hunting--the 150s or 165s?

 

[MLC]

Well, I'll probably use a mix as I want to do on animal testing of the bullets then make my overall decision on accuracy performance. I will be taking any available shots on hungry deer eating our seedlings.

 

[GooseGestapo]

MLC;
You might as well call it quits for further experimentation!!. I've loaded a lot of .308 through the years and the combo you've got is about as good as is gets. My brother used to use the load you've found, but has switched to H4895. But, his results are not really that different. (He found two 8lb kegs of H4895 at a gun show for really cheap. about a lifetime supply for the amount of shooting he does)

About the only thing that will make a real difference, is bullets, seating depth, and maybe primers.
Still, anything else short of having the gun worked over by a Gunsmith that does bench rest work is going to be futile. And, at the cost, not really effective.
I have a friend that has a Rem 40x-B in .308. Without neckturning, and using bench rest bullets and primers, he gets about the same results as you're getting !!!!!!
So, stick with the combo you've got, and tweak it a little.

As for performance of bullets on deer....
The 150's will give a little more expansion and quicker (very slightly) kills on smaller deer. The 165's are better on Bigger deer and elk.
My brother (one mentioned above) only shoots one load, and two bullets for everything on 4-feet and edible above 75lbs.
A Sierra 150 flat base- for practice and sight in
A Nosler 150 partition- for hunting
To date his .308's have accounted for more than 3 dozen deer and 2 elk, all with one shot each.

The only suggestion I can give is to try the 155gr and 165-168 Match bullets, try BR-primers, and find someone to neck turn and primer pocket ream 100 Federal cases, and SHOOT !!!!!

 

[Dave P]

The Nosler, 47-47.5&48, were also sub-inch. The best group was the 47.5 load with 4 shots at .43" and a "flier" opening it to .76".

If you are measuring those edge to edge, the standard measure of center-to-center translates to: .12" and .45". If you can repeat this feat, you've got a winner! And then don't dink with it!

And since this was 3 different amounts of powder, you obviously do not need a precise scale.

 

[MLC]

If you are measuring those edge to edge, the standard measure of center-to-center translates to: .12" and .45". If you can repeat this feat, you've got a winner! And then don't dink with it!

Ok, I may sound like an *** but what is the best way to measure
center to center? My measurements were from the edges of the two farthest holes.
I'm also trying to get my scanner up an running again so I can post a pic.

 

[Dave P]

Very simple: measure outer to outer, and subtract one bullet diameter (.308")