First .308 reloads

[21SF]

So i loaded my first .308 reloads....I did 20 rds of 3 different charges.

First load..

155 gr AMAX
40.5 Grains VARGET
PMC brass
CCI 200 Primers
COL 2.810

2ND Load..

"
41.0 Grains VARGET
"
"
"

3RD Load..

"
42.0 Grains VARGET
"
"
"

*No loads showed signs of high pressure*

The best out of those where the 42.0 Grain loads....

I shot 5 rounds of each at 100 yards....Group attached

Should i continue to load "UP"? or start working on OAL.

GUN:

R700 SPS-V
Zeiss 3-9
Harris bi-pod

[Ahhnother8]

42 grains of Varget is a VERY light load for a 155 grain bullet. Most use 46 to 47 grains of Varget in Lapua and Winchester brass, respectively.

[21SF]

Yes! it is....as a matter of fact i was going to comment on THAT.

The hornady 8th addition says 43.4 is MAX load.

Hogdon says 47 is MAX. So i started low.

I need a Chrony...

[damndave]

My book shows the Max Load with 44.9gr of Varget @2700 fps. I would say to write down all the data on your accurate load, and work up. Try and get he extra velocity.

[SixPointEight]

I hit 48.0gr before pressure signs in Win brass. I don't suggest you work up that high, But...your max load is lower than I started with 175s.

[21SF]

Ok ill load up some 43gr 44gr 45gr and try those this weekend.

[SixPointEight]

What do you plan to shoot with these?

[FLIGHT762]

Just shot some Nosler Custom Competition 155's W/ 46.0 Gr. of Varget in my .308 Win. a few days ago. No over pressure signs.

[21SF]

Paper and silhouettes.

[SixPointEight]

At what sort of distances I meant

[21SF]

Oh, lol. not very far 100-200 yards thats all thats available around here.

[SixPointEight]

Alright, in that case, stick with the most accurate charge you're comfortable with using. If you were pushing it out to 1k or anything I'd advise you to go MUCH faster. But for people that only shoot 100-200 yards(most people) a nice, slow, accurate load is great. Several advantages to that, a lot of times you can find a little more accuracy at lower charges. Less recoil. Much longer brass life. Your powder will last longer.

[ubet]

Look at the 168s or the 175s, you will get the as good/better accuracy, but with better barrel life.

[pennstater]

The 8th edition of Hornady's sure seems conservative in terms of amount of powder[Varget] and fps. Really low, especially in 165-168gr bullets.
In my .308 Win, which is a RUGER m77, RSI with 18.5" barrel, I load 150-165gr bullets, both Hornady, at 46.0gr Varget. Over the screens, I get right at 2700fps from 150's, and 2650fps from 165's. This from an 18.5" barrel. No pressure signs whatsoever.
This is in MY rifle. Hope this helps.

[SixPointEight]

Look at the 168s or the 175s, you will get the as good/better accuracy, but with better barrel life.

the 168's shoot tits in almost everyone's rifle, that's true. The 175 usually shoots pretty good too. But the claim at greater barrel life is entirely unsubstantiated. Even in full blown 1000yard guns, pushing the 155's at 2900+, that's only 150ish FPS more than people are pushing the 175s. Using the same powder, and therefor having the same temperature burn, and adding 150fps is simple not going to destroy a barrel any faster than the other bullets.