Hunting load for my Steyr SSG69 green machine

[kujuak]

I use my SSG69 as my back up rifle on some hunts. I have been using Federal .308165 Premium as the ballistics matched the dial on the ZF 69 scope. I am down to less than a full box of that old ammo (15 years or a bit more old). I have the following bullets on hand, all 165gr
-Nosler 165gr solid base boat tail,200rds of very old bullets, box says regular price was $12.95,sale price was $9.07 a box. I went hog wild and bought 2 boxes ! My first choice just because of the cost.

-Nosler Partition Sptizer,flat base, I have just 1 box of these (50)

-Hornady Interlock BT (1 box of 100)

-Sierra Gamechanger TGK. (3 100rd boxes)

Use mule deer hunting BUT may run into elk, moose and large black bears and infrequently but not zero-grizzly.

Interested n your thoughts and suggestions.
My 1st line hunting rifle s a Sako 75,300WM, 180gr Hornady Interlock and Nosler Partition Blemishes.

 

[Hunter26]

Of the options given and game, my first choice would be the Nosler solid base. They hold together pretty well for a cup and core bullet.

 

[Alaska]

I use my SSG69 as my back up rifle on some hunts. I have been using Federal .308165 Premium as the ballistics matched the dial on the ZF 69 scope. I am down to less than a full box of that old ammo (15 years or a bit more old). I have the following bullets on hand, all 165gr
-Nosler 165gr solid base boat tail,200rds of very old bullets, box says regular price was $12.95,sale price was $9.07 a box. I went hog wild and bought 2 boxes ! My first choice just because of the cost.

-Nosler Partition Sptizer,flat base, I have just 1 box of these (50)

-Hornady Interlock BT (1 box of 100)

-Sierra Gamechanger TGK. (3 100rd boxes)

Use mule deer hunting BUT may run into elk, moose and large black bears and infrequently but not zero-grizzly.

Interested n your thoughts and suggestions.
My 1st line hunting rifle s a Sako 75,300WM, 180gr Hornady Interlock and Nosler Partition Blemishes.

Had a SSG 69 for 30 years loved that rifle !
Varget @ 46.0
168gr MK
2.810”
WW Brass and CCI BR2
For hunting a Sierra GK 165 was excellent
Wow ! And you have the Orginal scope !
I had the Israel Knockoff Nimrod of the Orginal ZF69 scope.
Berger OTM 175gr many great groups with 45.0 of Varget.
Sold it to a couple sheep hunters in Delta Junction Alaska about 10 years ago.
The twist rate favored shorter bullets but the 180gr Nosler Partition Protected Point would group well with 44.1 of Varget in WW brass CCI BR2.

 

[salmonchaser]

I too found Varget to be very agreeable with the 308. Used it in four different rifles with good success.

 

[JD338]

I have a Nosler M21 in 308 Win and Varget is my go to powder for 165-168 gr bullets.

JD338

 

[TackDriver284]

Varget is my powder choice for bullets from 150-178 grains for my .308 GA Precision rifle. Currently using 178 grain ELD-X
I have used H4895 for the lighter 150's and shoots lights out. IMR4064 would be a good alternative if Varget and H4895 is not available.

 

[kujuak]

Old dog learns new trick. I discovered the hard way that I should be using a Small base sizing die for my SSG 69 loading. I had been using one for 40 years because I bought a SB die set way back when , I was loading for my AR10 back when my government was not afraid of them. I had no issues with my reloads for mr SSG69 when I used that die. I got a case stuck in that die awhile back so I have been using my Redding National Match dies. This worked well in my Remington,Sako and Sav age 99s.; I loaded some 165gr Sierra bullets to try in my SSG and promptly had stiff bolt lift, then stuck case. The load was moderate and the fired brass showed no pressure changes. Lo and behold the Interweb says the Steyr SSG69 has notoriously tight chambers and SB dies or specialized body sizing dies are recommended. Hopefully this will save someone from the grief of a stuck bolt. (Luckily I solved the bolt issue, some Kroil over night then cleaning rod down bore, gentle tap while simultaneously trying to open bolt...viola!). I was lucky all those years using a Small base die to load for my SSG69 not because I was smart but because that is all I had. God does indeed seem to look out for fools and children, and alas I am no child.

Always more to learn it seems.