308 win in Kimber 84

[chet]

ok ladies and gentlemen...... this kimber is finally starting to act like a 1K$ rifle..... break-in nears completion, copper fouling is now minimal.... accuracy seems excellent (considering the various 30 cal slugs I've been launching) 130 gr sierra sp, 150 gr speer FMJ, 180 grain ballistic tips..... I always try to use up left overs as well as shoot different velocities, weights, and brands..... I feel it makes a better "seasoned" and burnished bore in the rifle.....

anyways.... It's time for load development !!!! YAY!!!!!
I have a 3-9 Vortex diamonback with their ballistic plex reticle.
My studies have shown that a 150gr BT at 2770fps zeroed at 100yards will match up perfectly to the hash marks in the scope.... 100.... 200..... 300...... 400..... and the top of the post at 450. Of course I'll have to practice these ranges to know for sure, but as of now it seems that everything is meant to be

So my question to you fine peeps is this:
any load suggestions to get close to 2770?
I know what the books say, and they're seldomly very close to my results, possibly due to barrel length or elevation (i'm at 4500 ft)
I have varget, IMR4350, H380, and H4831 on hand and I'm willing to go buy whatever might be the hot ticket! the barrel is a studly 22" long lol
I have a whole week before I can shoot again, the chrony is ready!
lets hear what ya got!
thanks!

 

[YoteSmoker]

Forget the H4831 for this caliber and maybe even the 4350.

I'd look at powders in Varget, 4064 to start and maybe RL15, 4895, W748 if necessary, which I doubt it will be. Only your chronograph will tell you for sure. On another note, I shoot for accuracy first, velocity being secondary. What good is your shot out further if it won't hold a good group in closer? Your groupings will open up exponentially the further you get out. Case in point, I have a rifle that will shoot 5 shots in one ragged hole at 100 but at 400 the group opens up a tad over 5". Better to find a tight shooting group then determine where the bullet impacts in relation to your hash marks at different ranges imo.

 

[Desert Fox]

You're doing it backward. Find load that will shoot accurately on your rifle first and then piddle with your ballistic reticle. Don't worry it will come together once you found your load. For hunting, the 150 grain bullet is a good start. Load either an AccuBond or Ballistic Tips using Varget, Reloader 15, H-4895, BLC-2, IMR-4064 or TAC. Either one of these powder will work on the 308.

 

[muleman]

Chet,

Congrats! I have the same rifle. Mine absolutley loves Varget , TAC and RL15. TAC does well with the lighter bullets and meters like water. Varget is loaded hot with 165gr. Accubonds and groups at .75" doing 2760fps. This load works very well with my B&C Leupy.

Scott

 

[JD338]

I agree with D-F, find an accurate load first and then work it into your retical.

JD338

 

[Polaris]

My favorite all time .308 load that I have shot a ton, collected many a whitetail and placed a few small F-class matches with various 150 and 155 grain bullets is as follows:
Case, Rem; Bullet 150 or 155 grain (you will have to experiment with specific bullets and seating depth), pushed by 47 -49 grains BL-C 2. This is a nice burn rate for the .308 (the military thought so) and produced amazing accuracy for me. I liked the Hornady 150 grain FB for deer and the Nosler 155 HPBT for match shooting. Your rifle will likely chrono different than mine so you'll have to get your own velocity figures, but that load range should get you there.