Suggestions for .308 Win load

[snoodcrusher]

I just purchased a Browning X Bolt Stainless Hunter in .308 Win. I topped it with a Leupold 4.5x14x40 VX-3 w/ 30mm tube and varmint reticle. I've attempted to work up a few loads for it after a 50 round break in. The only powder that I have for a 308 recipe is IMR 4320. I have Hornady Match brass, once fired Win brass, CCI No. 200 LRPs, WLR primers, and Fed. GM210M primers. My bullets are 150 gr Sierra GKs, 150 gr Sierra PHs, and Hornady Match 168 gr.
My best 3 shot groups so far have been the following:

150gr Sierra GK
46.5 gr IMR 4320
Hornady brass- new
Fed. GM210M
COAL : 2.785"
0.78" group (3 shot)

150 gr Sierra PH
46.0 gr IMR 4320
Win. Brass- 1x fired
WLR pr
COAL : 2.790"
1.06" (5 shot group)

168 gr Hormady Match
44.5 gr IMR 4320
Hornady 1x fired brass
CCI No. 200 LRP
COAL : 2.840"
1.14" (5 shot group)

I have walked the ladder up and down on these loads but can't find a sweet spot that stands out.
Any suggestions or input appreciated. I have on hand: IMR 4350, IMR 4451, IMR 7977, H100V, and the IMR 4320. I can get some different powders tomorrow except Varget, 223, and IMR 4007 ssc, we are currently out of those powders locally. Thanks in advance !!



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[snoodcrusher]

FYI, 22" barrel, 1 in 12 twist. Trigger set to a crisp 3 #. Action screws torqued to 40 in/lbs.


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[snoodcrusher]

I know these aren't bad groups but I think it can do much better. Or, maybe my Tikkas have me spoiled. When I have a good day, the Tikkas will tear a clover leaf hole. I hope I can change directions with this rifle and improve its performance.


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[snoodcrusher]

I'm trying to get a grasp on the node concept. Would the QL software save me time and $ in a situation like this?


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[BretN]

The Tikkas do spoil you and make load development almost too easy. I've never tried 4320, but my Tikka 308 shines with IMR 4064, BLC2, and Varget.

I know Varget is hard to come by, but there are other good 308 powders out there. When in doubt about which powder to try next, follow what the book suggests. I've found that if Nosler or Sierra think it's an accurate powder with a given bullet, it is accurate. Short of having Quick Load, which I don't have, that's the best short cut on trying new loads and new powders.

 

[snoodcrusher]

The Tikkas do spoil you and make load development almost too easy. I've never tried 4320, but my Tikka 308 shines with IMR 4064, BLC2, and Varget.

I know Varget is hard to come by, but there are other good 308 powders out there. When in doubt about which powder to try next, follow what the book suggests. I've found that if Nosler or Sierra think it's an accurate powder with a given bullet, it is accurate. Short of having Quick Load, which I don't have, that's the best short cut on trying new loads and new powders.

I can get IMR 4064 tomorrow. Thanks for the input. The Tikkas are awesome. My brother is a die hard Rem 700 guy but he's now ordered a Tikka 308 Tactical. That's almost like a change in religion for him! LOL


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[snoodcrusher]

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[NWBlacktail]

4064 is a classic for the 308 win. RL15 should also work well. I'm a Varget fan, use it in my 223, 308, and 30-30.

 

[BretN]

Those aren't bad groups at all, but I think you are right and can squeeze more out of it. Both my brother and best friend are A bolt addicts for a reason.

The only other thing I would suggest is trying 165 gr bullets. My 308 Tikka shoots Nosler 165 BTs inside 1/2" and my 30-06 Tikka shoots 165 Sierra GKs that well. Both guns shoot 165 gr bullets better than 150's, so I that's what I shoot in them. The '06 will shoot 150 Sierra PH into .75" and would work just fine. But the 165 HPBT gk consistently shoots less than 1/2". Neither is a bad choice really, but I have more confidence in the 165's. Good luck with it.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I shot 165 gr bullets with IMR 4064 in my .308. Grouped really well.

 

[NYDAN]

I had MOA with a Savage Stryker pistol using 47 grains of Win. 748 and 165 gr. BT's seated close to the lands.

 

[Tjay]

oldtrader3
That load 35.5 is 6.5 gr below Hodgdon starting load.

snoodcrusher

I have had good luck with Tac and CFE223. Lots of good powders for the 308.

 

[Oldtrader3]

I should not have posted that load, I was using LC64 brass cases and they only held about 36 grains of 4064 safely.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

I have also had good luck with IMR 4064. Its my go to because I have never loaded it in a .308 that didn't shoot it well. W748 has also been a goo done with 150-165 grain bullets. That sure is a handsome rifle.

 

[mtwarych]

OP,
Have you tried working on seating depth yet?

Maybe you can find the perfect seating depth to close up an already accurate load.

 

[snoodcrusher]

OP,
Have you tried working on seating depth yet?

Maybe you can find the perfect seating depth to close up an already accurate load.

I've fooled with seating depth some. Also got some IMR 4064 and Vihta Vouri N140. Also picked up new Norma brass and Hornady SST 165gr. Shot a few 3/4" to 1" groups today. I've got a bit of options now. I just need to hit on the sweet spot.


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[Horsethief]

I'm lucky to have two very good loads:
44gn W-748, Win cases and large rifle primers, 168gn Sierra Match Kings
and
44gn Varget, Win cases and large rifle primers, 168gn Hornady Match bullets.

The W-748 load is also a very, very good load in my son's 308 Win. It's dropped a large Mule deer with dead right there results. His rifle also likes the 175gn Match Kings with 748 powder.

 

[snoodcrusher]

I'm lucky to have two very good loads:
44gn W-748, Win cases and large rifle primers, 168gn Sierra Match Kings
and
44gn Varget, Win cases and large rifle primers, 168gn Hornady Match bullets.

The W-748 load is also a very, very good load in my son's 308 Win. It's dropped a large Mule deer with dead right there results. His rifle also likes the 175gn Match Kings with 748 powder.

Now that's what I'm looking for !!


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[skidmark]

Varget 44.5
WW Brass 2.005
168 SMK @2.800
210M Fed Primer
Always work up from a starting load.

 

[RAY]

I'm lucky to have two very good loads:
44gn W-748, Win cases and large rifle primers, 168gn Sierra Match Kings
and
44gn Varget, Win cases and large rifle primers, 168gn Hornady Match bullets.

The W-748 load is also a very, very good load in my son's 308 Win. It's dropped a large Mule deer with dead right there results. His rifle also likes the 175gn Match Kings with 748 powder.

Looking good ! How many yards was that mule deer ?
Do you know the muzzle velocity ?

Thanks, Ray .