tips for 308 reloading

[futureranger]

i have purchased a savage arms 10fp in 308 and topped it with a Millett tsr-1 scope. I have fired it at 100 and 200 yards and am impressed with the accuracy... but i want more (it holds 5/8" at 100 yards and 1.2" at 200 with 168gr federal match) i very quickly realized that im the most inaccurate part if the set up, but i cant afford to shoot those shiny federals as much as id like to get better. my uncle suggested reloading but id like to get some suggested bullet powder combos before i start, he is going to let me use his equipment but he doesn’t reload 308, any advice would be great. oh and im still in high school and cant get a job until wrestling is over so i wont be able to start till march. thanks 4 the help

 

[Shawnee]

Hi Futureranger...

You might want to move this thread over to the "Handloading/Reloading" forum to get more, and perhaps more detailed answers etc.

Only bullets I've reloaded for .308 have been the Hornady 150gr BTSP and the 165gr BTSP. They are both good but they aren't the cheapest bullets out there. I got somewhat better results from the 165-grainer. I always used IMR4064 powder but I suspect 748 is probably better. Others who have reloaded it more can give you better advice on powder.

 

[dmftoy1]

Well first I need to know the answer to the most important question? What weight class?


I have a 10 FLP (left handed 10 FP) and it seems to like both the 168's and 175's. I've been playing mostly with the Hornady 168 BTHP's, and the Hornady A-max, but it shot Sierra SMK's just as well.

Brass - I'm using once fired LC brass from Midway ($9 per 100) resized in a small base die for the first firing and then neck sized for subsequent firings.

Primers - I've only used Win LR primers and haven't done any experimentation.

Powder - I've had really good luck with H335 and Varget. (haven't tried anything else)

The rifle seems to shoot under an inch (if I do my part) pretty easily. I've gotten a 1/2 inch group with H335 and 169 grain Sierra SMK's and also with H335 and Hornady 168 BTHP's. With Varget I haven't gotten as good of groups but I think that's because I switched to the A-max and from what I've read they are must more sensitive to seating depth than the SMK's or BTHP's.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[goon]

I've had good luck with Win 748 and 760. They meter very consistently and the usual groups from my FAL with handloads is just under 2" at 100 yards with stock sights. I'd think a really accurate rifle with a scope could do better than that.

 

[AK103K]

Do you REALLY want to go there?

You need to get real picky and prepare to go insane, its a long and frustrating route. It can also be very rewarding when you get there.

I dont use military brass. Its a PITA to work with and short lived.

Get the best brass you can. Ream the primer flash holes. Sort them all by weight.(and capacity if your picky) If your really into it, you turn the necks. Trim to length after every shooting.

Buy the best bullets. Sort them all by weight too. Closely inspect the bases, as thats the most critical part. Jacketed bases are what you want, something like Sierra Match bullets.

I use 4064 in my .308's, I've had the best luck with it and its been very consistent.

Put everything together, do your little magic dance, and NEVER, EVER, look at your groups in the spotting scope before your done shooting the group!

Good luck and pay no mind to the twitch.

 

[eliphalet]

I get sub MOA groups with Core-Lokts from the bulk pack which is the cheapest I can buy locally, they make a good hunting bullet also.

 

[silverlance]

You need to get real picky and prepare to go insane, its a long and frustrating route.

yup. I got into handloading the way i got into C&R - i thought it would help me save money. Well the "cheap milsurps" through my C&R could have helped buy a house... and the "money saved" handloading will need years to pay for all the stuff I bought and the time I spent banging hammers and inhaling powder.

finally I told mjyself that I'm no hathcock, so I just load whatever will go boom these days. good old standard loads. doesn't give me 1/4" groups at 100 yards, but I suspect that even with the world's most expensive cartridges I would still have trouble.

rem corelockts with win 748 is nice and easy.