.308 load confusion!?

[jrivera408]

So I'm a little confused. I purchased a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .308 early this year and have been trying to develop a load for it. First off it's chambered in .308 win with a 24inch barrel and 1-12twist. The manufacture specified a sub moa promise with I believe a 150gr bullet.
I've tried this gun with:150 gr Sierra soft points

165gr Noslers

and 180gr Hornady soft points

So as you can see the 180s group the best and they routinely have since day one. I'm confused because 180s are supposedly heavy for the 1-12 twist. I'd like to be able to shoot the 400+ 150gr bullets I have. Advice?

[RugerNo1]

Most of the time, manufactures guaruntees are based on quality Match loaded ammunition. Not just any load.

If the squares on your target are one inch squares then each group you posted are "sub-MOA" or at least MOA. There are a ton of different factors that may be contributing to your rifle preferring the heavier bullets. How precisely (of tolerances) are you handloading?

[joelogic]

I just googled it and over at the Hide they say 175/178 are great in a 1/12 twist.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2862271

[robert101]

I see good groups. Not confusing to me. Good job.

[jrivera408]

RugerNo1- The squares are 1inch. I guess I am having unrealistic hopes of what the rifle and I can do. I'll be honest, I could be more precise with my loading. As it stands right now the ammo is being loaded with Lee full length dies and a single stage RCBS. Each load is weighed by hand with a RCBS scale as well. Cases are trimmed to spec and measured to within a thousandths. Im just beginning to load off the lands instead of COL. Ill see how that goes on my next outing.
Joelogic - Thanks for the link

This set up was supposed to be for the occasional hunt, but now has turned into my project. Too bad there's not to much out there in terms of improving its accuracy. Would be wise to start fresh probably but that will be later down the road.

[RugerNo1]

For hunting, it looks like your rifle will be able to fill the cooler for many years. A hunting rifle is not designed to be an amazing tack driver, but you do have an excellent rifle that is shooting well. I would invest in shooting more rather than stressing the loads right now. And, since it will be a field rifle, get off the bench! There are no benches out in the woods when you will be hunting.

Good shooting, and good luck!

[gau17]

You might try different powder for the lighter bullet. It looks like the riffle is shooting well.

[Audredger]

What kind of ogive do your 150's have? Most factory rifles have a long leede.. you are jumping your bullets & a tangent ogive or hybrid will work better. Read this http://www.accurateshooter.com/balli...ogive-bullets/

[Divernhunter]

How is the trigger? That can make a big difference. What are you shooting off of? That can matter also. Scope type, reticle type? Last. Just how good is your shooting ablity to get super small groups?

[jrivera408]

Divernhunter- The trigger is a two stage unit. Its been adjusted to about 3-3.5lbs. I typically shoot from either sandbags, backpack, or a bipod. The optic is a Nikon prostaff 4-12 with the cross hair reticle. Im sure my shooting ability needs work, this I don't doubt. I have an ar that typically shoots less than .75 so I know that it is possible for me to shoot DECENTLY on a good day.

[nothing4u]

From those groups that rifle is more than capable for minute of deer accuracy.

[bruceflinch]

How is the trigger? That can make a big difference. What are you shooting off of? That can matter also. Scope type, reticle type? Last. Just how good is your shooting ablity to get super small groups?

Beat me to the punch...

Divernhunter- The trigger is a two stage unit. Its been adjusted to about 3-3.5lbs. I typically shoot from either sandbags, backpack, or a bipod. The optic is a Nikon prostaff 4-12 with the cross hair reticle. Im sure my shooting ability needs work, this I don't doubt. I have an ar that typically shoots less than .75 so I know that it is possible for me to shoot DECENTLY on a good day.

If you haven't been consistant in the shooting of each load , then your groups really mean nothing. You're not comparing apples to apples. Considering, the groups look pretty good. I have the same scope on my Savage 10/308. It's adequate for High Power Sihlouettes, but not Bullseye/shooting groups, IMO.

[jrivera408]

Bruce- agreed. I believe it serves it's purpose as a plinking/hunting rifle. I'm probably being unrealistic with my goals. Guess I'm trying to squeeze the most bang out of my buck before dropping another grand or two on a set up that will group better and more consistently. Guess it's like the saying of using the right tool for the job.

[G-forceJunkie]

Before you make yourself crazy, try it with some off the shelf match grade ammo, like Federal Gold metal in 168 or 175 grain. See how that works. Your own reloads just throws a dozen other factors into the mix.