M14-Pattern Scout - .308 Load Development

[Che762x39]

Been working on load development for a M14-pattern Scout length (Bula 19.25" GI contour, chrome-lined barrel) rifle I built on an early Bula/JRA 'Rock Ola' forged receiver mounted in a USGI fiberglass stock ...

Getting it down to 1 MOA, this is a 10-shot group, the flyers keep coming up and I think it's the projectile (155gr. Nosler Custom Competition HPBT pills) being non-uniform, I just bought some Berger .308 cal. 155gr. HPBT 'Hybrids' which I believe will be more uniform (density & weight) and I'll give it another go with the same powder & charge and the Federal 210M match primers.

You are doing great. I would suggest the Sierra 168 HPBT because that was popular in my day (1980s)

[MeatyMac]

Oh, and because this is the Ammo & Reloading forum, I was busy last might after Mrs. Mac retired for the evening...

Decided to just start afresh with new Starline brass and the Berger Hybrids for this test batch, I did weigh the bullets and sorted by weight, I didn't do so with the brass. I'm also going to get out my Hornady concentricity tool & gauge and go through them, something I typically only do for F-Class bolt gun reloads.

[MeatyMac]

You are doing great. I would suggest the Sierra 168 HPBT because that was popular in my day (1980s)

I have found, through testing, that the SMK 168gr. HPBT bullet works great in M14-pattern rifles with standard 22" barrels but in shorter Scout length barrels (18" to 19.25") the 155gr. HPBT bullet produces better groups.

[Che762x39]

I have found, through testing, that the SMK 168gr. HPBT bullet works great in M14-pattern rifles with standard 22" barrels but in shorter Scout length barrels (18" to 19.25") the 155gr. HPBT bullet produces better groups.

Roger that. I overlooked the barrel length in your earlier post.

[smoothy8500]

Well, as stated previously, adding optics to Service Rifle just killed it for me,

I know this totally off topic, but never understood this sentiment. Skill and experience are key to success but aging eyes were impacting my ability to continue. How is this detrimental to the principals of competition?

[MeatyMac]

I know this totally off topic, but never understood this sentiment. Skill and experience are key to success but aging eyes were impacting my ability to continue. How is this detrimental to the principals of competition?

It's not, but IMO it's in bad taste to the history and all previous competitors in the Service Rifle class; move it to the Match Rifle HP class only and I'm perfectly fine with it.