Savage 10FP .308 Suggested reloading info?

[Magnum6]

I am a beginner at reloading and am looking for any suggestions on what components to use for reloading a Savage 10FP .308. Does anyone have any hints on what brand and grain of bullet, type of powder and primer, how much powder etc...

I'm looking for a good starting point for bench rest shooting, and perhaps a little hunting.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Guy Miner]

Here's a link to perhaps the single best article I've ever seen on loading for the .308 Win:

http://www.6mmbr.com/308Win.html

From my experience, think Varget or Reloader 15, Winchester or Lapua cases, CCI BR primers or Federal 210 match primers and mid-weight match bullets in the 150 - 175 grain range. For hunting the same components except substitute a good high quality hunting bullet, like a Nosler Ballistic Tip or a Sierra Gameking.

The .308 is a fine cartridge for learning the long-range/precision shooting game.

Regards, Guy

 

[Magnum6]

Thanks!

I've heard the Varget powder, Lapua brass, and Nosler BT's are the way to go from others as well.

How about proper head space, powder load, and whether to use full length or neck sizing die's?

How about a 180gr BT?

 

[Magnum6]

I also was recommended to use magnum primers? Does this make sense?

 

[DrMike]

Magnum6,

Welcome to the forum. It'll be good to have you on board. You'll meet a great group of fellows willing to help in any way they can to make your time at the bench and in the field a joy.

You won't need magnum primers with your 308 if you are using Varget of RL15. Large rifle primers will work just fine. You may find it necessary to use magnum primers if you use ball powder or shoot in very cold weather. Otherwise, it is good advice to use the "coolest" primer that gives you proper ignition of your powder. If you are thinking of punching paper, you may want to use a different bullet than you would use for game. For game, match the bullet to the animal you intend to hunt. You'll find that the BT, AB and PT provided by Nosler will serve you well for most game you would ever hunt with your 308. If you consider punching paper, the BT will certainly serve you well, but you may want to look at the Nosler Custom Competition. For bragging size groups, the Custom Competition gives you a nice edge.

Get a good hand loading guide, such as the Nosler Reloading Guide, Number six. Read the introductory chapters and follow the suggested (and pressure tested) loads.

I would suggest that you begin with full length dies, simply because it is good to be grounded in the basics before leaping into the esoteric. It will surprise you how quickly you pick up the techniques needed.

 

[matts318]

I have one and now it is rebarreled but my go to load was a stout load of IMR 4064 behind a 168 matchking or custom competition with winchester, hornady or lapua brass with a federal 210m. this load produced 2"-2.5" groups at 300 yards and I could consistently hit steel targets at up to 730 yards, thats all I had adjustment for in my scope. Varget did ok but not sub MOA, H4895 also did good but not as good as 4064. These are all worth a look along with BL-c 2 and reloader 15.

I found that neck sizing didnt improve accuracy so I would start with just full length sizing, buy a good reloading manual and read it, there is a lot of good info. in them. The 308 is very easy to load for and savage makes very accurate rifles so finding a good load should not take to much work, read the 6mmbr article also, I have not found a better one on the 308.

 

[Magnum6]

Thanks for all the info!

Any recommendations on head space, so to speak?

How about which order to change variables and by how much etc.. I'm guessing powder first then bullet weight, then seating depth? Probably no need to vary the primer? Does switching to new brass vs. previously fired factory brass make any difference?

Thanks again.