Looking for more speed in 308

[Gnzrme]

So I am looking to speed up my loads in 308...I am currently using 46.2 gr of Reloader 15 and a 2156 bullet from Sierra. I am averaging 2840 out of this load using CCI # 34 primmers....I just scored some BR2 primmers so I will be out experimenting, but I want to break 2900 with this load....For those that don't know, my bbl is only 20" so thats why I am having the velocity problem...Short of Varget, has anyone else used anything else in 308 with sucess? I am looking for a powder that is inexpensive < 28.00/lb and available....though I realize that is a subjective term these days. What are some of the more common powders in 308?

[PistolPete75]

You might want to try experimenting with RL17 to get your velocities up.

The most common powders for .308 are Varget, RL15, IMR 4064, and IMR 4895. All proven powder, but you'll have similar results as RL15.

46.2gr of RL15 is one hot charge. Becareful with that charge in the summer.

[Gnzrme]

brass is holding up and no pressure signs, so I am sticking with it.

[buffybuster]

Buy a .243Win.

You have a .308Win with a 20" barrel and you're getting 155's@2840fps. That's what I get with a 24" barrel. It is was it is.........

PS~ Reloader17 is probably going to be too slow.

[choprzrul]

You are going to say that I am crazy, but I have seen it myself.

Chrony your gun with 12 shots, throw out the high and low and then average. Soak the living snot out of your barrel with Duralube, plug each end and stand it in the corner for a week. Rotate once a day. Run patches through the barrel until clean and then put a light coat of Duralube on it. Return to the range and do another 12 rounds, throw out the high and low and then average the remaining 10.

My 300 Win Mag gained right at 250 fps after doing this. I have repeated this about once a year and always use Duralube as lubricant. You will notice that you get a lot less copper fouling also.

Like I said, you probably think that I am crazy, but I am just telling you my personal experience. YMMV

[Jonathan Doe]

Try with VihtaVuori N550 powder. You will probably get a little more heat.

[phish]

You might want to try experimenting with RL17 to get your velocities up.

His barrel's too short to take advantage of RL17, not to mention the bullet weight. I'm getting 2700 fps with a 48 gr. charge through my 26" barrel using 185s, and it's a pretty stiff load to boot.

http://www.6mmbr.com/reloder17.html

gnzrme, try 4895

[DirtRacer151]

Im using a semi auto 308 w/ a 20in barrel. I load 46.5 of Varget behind 2156s and get 2800fps with Wolf LR primers. I only got 2780 with CCI BRs. I feel like thats about as fast as im going to go with that gun. Im losing a small amount that cycles my gun compared to you but i'd say your probably about maxed out too.

[ar15barrels]

Quickload shows R17 has the fastest velocity attainable at 62,000 psi in a 20" barrel.

There's nothing wrong with 2840fps.
That's the fastest I ever ran 2156's and it was in a 24" barrel.
My 24" 5r runs the same load at 2800fps.

[popeye4]

Are you shooting a gas gun or a bolt gun? Remember that some gas guns are sensitive to powder burn rate (the M14 in particular).

[not-fishing]

Not enough information, are you shooting Palma out of a M1A or what?

When I wanted more speed out of a "308" I looked at a 300 Weatherby, 300 Dakota or 300 Shooting Times Western. kindof like betting a big block V8 instead of a V6

They all shoot "308"s ---- just one hell of a lot faster. I opted for the 300 Wby - cheaper rifle

[crowbar]

Steven,
While you may get a few more fps out of a different powder, or a stiffer load, for long range (>800yds) shooting, a longer barrel will serve you best imho. That 20" tube on your bolt gun is fine for what it was designed for, but it wasn't thought up with 1,000 yard scores in mind. Sure it can do it, but not as well, or as consistently, as a longer barreled rifle can.
And, you were shooting at Cuyama, which is ~2,700 ft. elevation. Your loads may have a tougher time at Camp Pendleton or Sac Valley which are both considerably lower.
I have both Varget and IMR4064 if you want to try them out.

Mike

[ar15barrels]

Steven,
While you may get a few more fps out of a different powder, or a stiffer load, for long range (>800yds) shooting, a longer barrel will serve you best imho. That 20" tube on your bolt gun is fine for what it was designed for, but it wasn't thought up with 1,000 yard scores in mind. Sure it can do it, but not as well, or as consistently, as a longer barreled rifle can.
And, you were shooting at Cuyama, which is ~2,700 ft. elevation. Your loads may have a tougher time at Camp Pendleton or Sac Valley which are both considerably lower.
I have both Varget and IMR4064 if you want to try them out.

Mike

but, but, but I read this article on the internet that said 18" was all I needed...

[coop44]

sabots

[mif_slim]

So I am looking to speed up my loads in 308...I want to break 2900 with this load

Go to a lighter gr bullet and BOO-YA! jk. That or seat your bullet out further and put a little more powder...but dont take my word for it. Guys in L-R matches does it all the time to get more velocity