Help with a quick .308 load for 1000 yards

[CSACANNONEER]

Yea, I know that I'll need to work up loads to find the best load for my rifle. But, I'm headed to a 1000 yard FCSA match next weekend and was thinking about taking my new 700 to play at 1000 after we are done with the match. I'm new to this XLR shooting with little cartridges like .308. I haven't even shot it yet. I have 168 gr Amax and 180 grain SPR SPs (midway seconds), Varget, 4895, BLC-2, etc. I just want a quick recipe that will still be good at 1000. Would close to minimum loads work? Or, will I need to get close to max? I just want to load 100 rounds up to plink with. I just don't want them going subsonic at 950 yards. I'd love a load that might allow me to consistently hit clay pigeons on the berm but, for now, I'll stick with my 50s to do that.

So, anyone got any advise?

[Timberwolf]

What's the elevation at the range you'll be shooting at

[CSACANNONEER]

Coalinga So, less than 1000 feet.

[JMP]

Hopefully, you have at least a 24" barrel. I'd go with the 175 SMK or 178 Hornady BTHP Match to buck the wind as these have good BCs. The problem is that the 168s tend to be a bit light. Varget will work at ~44.0gr. Alternatively, you may wish to go with a lighter bullet and push it really fast. The problem with bullets heavier than ~175gr is that you can't pack enough powder into that iddy bitty .308 case to push them fast enough.

[Fjold]

Neither bullet is a good fit for 1,000 yards.

[CSACANNONEER]

Yea, I was thinking of trying 44.0gr of Varget for both bullets. I'll deal with the wind since, I'm not planning on papering them. Just shooting at the clays on the berm. I just want something that will be safe and hopefully shoot sub moa if I do my part.

[CSACANNONEER]

Frank,

It's what I've got in stock right now. If I make it to a reloading store before I leave, what would you recommend for 1000?

[peacedivision]

Not optimal but the 168 amax over ~44gr of varget (43.5 book max per sierra) should get you ~2700fps from a 24" barrel, still supersonic at 1k but just barely.

[damndave]

44gr Varget with either a 175smk or 178 amax will get you there. Both got 2690fps out of a 28" R700 SPS Varmint. I had it seated 0.020" off the lands.

My Tikka T3 Tactical 24" likes 44.8 Varget with a 175smk loaded at 2.80" 2740fps.

[J-cat]

You can't just slap together a 1000 yard load like that.

[Timberwolf]

If you have Lapua, LC Match, or FGMM brass go with 41.5 of H4895 with the 168 AMAXs.

[highpower790]

The US Palma Team uses 47gr Varget and a 155

[Fjold]

I would say any match bullet in 155 or 175 grains but if Bill says the 168 grain A-Max will work, I would take his word for it and give it a try.

[highpower790]

To each his own.I myself am without a proper long range rifle.So to uphold my classification I use my M14 and 175/178 and 43gr of Varget.

[Timberwolf]

I would say any match bullet in 155 or 175 grains but if Bill says the 168 grain A-Max will work, I would take his word for it and give it a try.

Out of the two bullets he has listed the AMAXs would be his best choice for target work.

That said my old 1K load was FGMM brass with 210M primers, 41.7 grn H4895 and 178 AMAXs. I backed that down to 41.5 when I re-barreled as the new chamber was tighter. I also used the 168 AMAXs on at least one occasion with the same load when I was out of 178s. IMR & H 4895 have a love affair with the 308 that pre-dates the discovery of Varget.