.308 load for 16.50" bbl?

[Kevin S]

Folks,
Given the availability of reloading components; I'm thinking about working up a hunting load for my Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle with the materials I have on hand.

The GSR has a 16.50" 1:10 barrel. Unfortunately, the fastest powder I have on hand is Ramshot Big Game. Ramshot load data (and my Lee 2nd Edition) only recommends Big Game for heavier (168grn+) projectiles.

My question is - is it worth trying to work up a load with a slower powder/heavier bullet (180grn Nosler e-tip) with a short barrel like this one?

All thoughts/advice are most welcome; thanks!

[Divernhunter]

For me the 180gr e-tip and barnes/hornady is too heavy of a bullet especially in a 308win to get good expansion.
About the short barrel: The powder that gives the best speed in a longer will also do so in a shorter barrel. It may sound like you should use a faster powder but it is not so. Yes you will get a larger fireball at night but the powder that works best in longer barrels also is best for shorter barrels.

In the 308win I prefer the 130gr Barnes TTSX(tipped one) or if you must the 150gr TTSX. I use win 748 powder usually.

[Bill Steele]

For me the 180gr e-tip and barnes/hornady is too heavy of a bullet especially in a 308win to get good expansion.
About the short barrel: The powder that gives the best speed in a longer will also do so in a shorter barrel. It may sound like you should use a faster powder but it is not so. Yes you will get a larger fireball at night but the powder that works best in longer barrels also is best for shorter barrels.

In the 308win I prefer the 130gr Barnes TTSX(tipped one) or if you must the 150gr TTSX. I use win 748 powder usually.

I agree.

I was loading 168gr copper until I had a long conversation with Divernhunter, I now load 130gr TTSX in my 308, Divernhunter knows from which he speaks.

[Kevin S]

Thanks guys! I've got some 150 TTSX coming in on my next PV order; maybe I'll play with those, see how they go.

[AndrewTannerCA]

For my Scout, I get best accuracy with 168gr+ projectiles. My pet load includes 168gr SMK & RL 15