Go to .308 default load

[anthonylapoint]

Just wondering if anyone has a standard default setting that you go to for a .308 load. Im talking about an old faithful load thats probably not the most accurate or fastest, but without fail, always performs pretty well. Like an old girlfriend whos number is stored under a fake name in your phone, thats always good for a late night drunken call.

Correct me if im wrong, but it seems to be a varget load, somewhere around 44 grains loaded at around 2.82. If you look at many .308 loads, these seem to be the average numbers and these numbers are easy loads and no matter the gun, it seems these always seem to come out. Whether its a short range load, plinker load, sight in load, or even a few comps.

What do you think? About the load, not the hidden bone, sorry, phone number.

 

[Break Bad]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Load:
175 smk
44.5 varget
2.8

Old Girlfriend:
Mary-Jane Rottencrotch listed in phone as Terminix Pest Control

 

[JoshcBoucher]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Mine is a Vihtavouri Powder: Viht-135-37.3 gr., behind a 168 Sierra BTHP, at 2.96 COL. Supposed to run at 2300fps. I've never checked it, but in my gun{5R}, Shoots flies, at 100. Doesn't stretch the brass, much.

 

[anthonylapoint]

Re: Go to .308 default load

At least its not Sally Blisterlip and at least its a phone book, not a bathroom stall.

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Go to .308 default load

+1 breakbad

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Go to .308 default load

After lots of playing around and experimenting I always seem to end up with

43.5 gr Varget
175 gr Nosler Custom Competition
Wolf/Tula Primer
Winchester Brass
2.800

This is the "food" my Rem 5-R Milspec seems to like under just about all conditions.

Have also found it shoots well with 44.5 gr of Varget and a 168 gr A-Max. The A-max seems to do a little better at long distances, something I would attribute to it's more uniform meplat/point.

The 175 gr load will yield ragged hole groups if I just don't get in a hurry.

As for my "old girlfriend" I lost her number long ago. She "aged" badly.

 

[eclipse57]

Re: Go to .308 default load

41.5 grains of IMR 4895
CCI 200 primer
168 gr SMK
2.8

My savage loves them.

 

[anthonylapoint]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I must be missing something, all this time I thought 2.82 was a go to OAL, but it seems to be actually 2.8. Maybe ill have to start seating my rounds at 2.8 for my screwing around shooting load.

 

[DanSavage]

Re: Go to .308 default load

168 SMK
43.5 Varget
Fed 210M primer
Winchester case
average of 2.801

This is a load I developed trying to mimic FGMM, if using federal brass I lower charge to about 42.5 of Varget.

 

[Huntr]

Re: Go to .308 default load

155gr Scenar
46.0gr's Varget
Wolf LRM primer
Lapua brass
2.810

 

[judgedelta]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Eclipse's load above of 4.15 of IMR 4895 with the 168 SMK is the old military M852 load. Shoots good in everything I've got and functions perfectly in my gasgun. This was originally loaded in Lake City brass, but I shoot it in everything with all kinds of primers. Load to 2.80 COAL.

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Go to .308 default load

155 Scenar, 45 Varget, Lapua brass, Br-2. Mag length. The a fore mentioned 4895 load also hard to beat.

 

[mtrmn]

Re: Go to .308 default load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eclipse57</div><div class="ubbcode-body">41.5 grains of IMR 4895
CCI 200 primer
168 gr SMK
2.8

My savage loves them. </div></div>

What he said^^^^
This works excellent in my 20" 1/10 AR.

 

[Lockback]

Re: Go to .308 default load

46 grs Varget
168smk
Lapua or win brass
cci br2
2.8 oal

My recall roster for pleasure is extensive and since I am not gay noone ever suspects a male name in my phone. eric equals erica, shawn shauna ect....

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Go to .308 default load

43.8 or 44 Grains Varget under 175 or 178 oal 2.82 with a Fed 210m primer.

 

[montgomery627]

Re: Go to .308 default load

178gr A-Max
44.5grs Varget
Fed 210M
2.810
Hornady Match Brass

Shoots lights out in my 20" LTR

168gr SMK
46.0grs Varget
WLR
2.80
R-P BRASS

Shoots like a dream from my 26" RRA LAR-8 Varmint

 

[memyselfi]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I quess I'll be the odd man out...

43.9 grains IMR-4064
175 SMK
WLR primer
Winchester brass
2.81

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Go to .308 default load

45.0 gr Varget or R15 under a 155 grainer(Nosler Custom, Sierra, etc.

In my favorite 20" .308, I am running 46.5gr Varget under the 155s with no signs of pressure and sub-half moa at 100. Anyone have a ballpark figure for what this is doing velocity size in the 20" tube?

 

[anthonylapoint]

Re: Go to .308 default load

My next experimental load will be 43.5 grains of varget and 2.8 OAL. Cant wait to try it

 

[2clicks]

Re: Go to .308 default load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: memyselfi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I quess I'll be the odd man out...

43.9 grains IMR-4064
175 SMK
WLR primer
Winchester brass
2.81 </div></div>

I like this combo too but I use 42 grs. lake city brass In my 26" REM 700P.



These work too.
168 AMax
44-44.5 varget
Win brass
Win primer
2.800

168 AMax
41.5 through 43 grains IMR 4895
Win brass
Win primer
2.800

Had good results with Rl-15 too just forgot the details...

 

[markc.mcconnell]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Mine is 178 amax
44.5 gr varget
CCI LR primer
winchester cases

 

[Tomcat]

Re: Go to .308 default load

175 Sierra Match
44.5 Varget
Federal brass
210M primers
Ten Thousands back from the lands on a GAP Crusader.

 

[roggom]

Re: Go to .308 default load

168 or 178 Hornady Match
44.5 Varget
RP WLR
2.830 mag length

mid accuracy node for the 168, high node or the 178, same trajectory to 350Y the 178 pulls away past 400 by a few 1/10th of a mil drop incrementally (less drop than the 168)

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: Go to .308 default load

You're correct. A go-to load for .308 Win is 42.5-44.5 gr of Varget using 168-175gr SMKs. Also IMR 4064 is an excellent go-to powder. Temp stuff aside, I get better groups with IMR 4064. Mag length/2.8-2.825 COAL. Just works.

 

[chavezz556]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I'm running 168 SMK's over 43.6 of Varget @2.810 OAL out of my REM 700 AAC (stock) getting consistent sub 2" groups @ 200 yards ...

Also have a new one I really like is ..

168 grn Noslers w/ 45 grn Varget @2.810 in a LC case

 

[pcschwenke]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Here's a couple of my go to loads.

Federal/Hornady match brass
Winchester primer
43.3 Reloader15
175 SMK 2.820 OAL

same as above with 47.5gr 2000MR Powder is also awesome.

I'm trying to find the holy grail load and recently purchased Lapau brass and Varget. So far I've been disappointed with the results. My Dad gave me a bunch of 150, 155, and 190 grain matchkings to try also. Not sure why I'm not content with consistantly 3/8-1/2 MOA out of a bone stock 5R. The search continues. Any 178Amax loads? Mine are OK at best.

Paul

 

[Paulus]

Re: Go to .308 default load

43.5 gr Varget
Federal brass 2.0065
CCI 200 primers
COAL 2.8
175 gr SMK's

out of a 26 inch barrel i get about 2700fps

-Paulus

 

[anthonylapoint]

Re: Go to .308 default load

How many of you are using a stock remington SPS?

 

[chavezz556]

Re: Go to .308 default load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SavageMOA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How many of you are using a stock remington SPS? </div></div>


I am for about the next 4 days till I get my new stock ....

 

[REL1203]

Re: Go to .308 default load

44.0 RL15 under a 168AMAX is lights out accurate for me, easily 2" group at 300yards, and on my very first attempt at anything over 300yards, it shot a 7" group in 10mph crosswinds at 600yards (I was impresseed with the grouping for my first time at that distance), and that was all me pulling shots, but its got plenty of speed in my R700 AAC.

 

[judgedelta]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I just got some pulled 175 SMKs for "just shootin'" loads and 43 grains of RL-15 will put three out of four in the same hole in my 700 LTR. I'm still working on that 4th round...

 

[cmh2007]

Re: Go to .308 default load

44.7gr varget under a 155 amax seated .010 under the lands with a cci large rifle primer. works wonders in every rifle i put it through

 

[colt933]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I've posted this one many times. It shoots sub-MOA out of every .308 rifle I've ever tried, including several R700s, Steyr SBS tac, Noveske N6, AR10, SCAR-17, etc. It is truly a go-to load.

178AMAX or 175SMK
LC Match brass
42.5-42.8gr Varget
CCI large rifle
very slight Lee factory crimp
~2.810

With Winchester brass, go to 44gr Varget = same velocity.

I haven't tried any other brass.

This load matches FGMM 7.62x51 175gr SMK load for velocity but can be slightly more accurate. The FGMM exactly matches the only lot of M118LR that I have. The FGMM and M117LR both have a crimp on the case neck (which is why I crimped too) and the bullet and primer are both sealed (I don't do this step).

Beware loads posted here that do not mention brass as this makes a HUGE difference in the powder charge!

 

[NoFail]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I just started loading for my 16" .308 gas gun I recently finished the assembly of. Upper all top shelf parts.

This load was recommended to me by my bro in law whom I shoot with.

Nosler ballistic silver tip 168 gn
Nosler custom cases
43.5 gn 4064
Rem. #9 1/2 primer

This load seems pretty good, but I also used the recipe with A-MAX 168's and Hornady Match brass. I need to shoot more to compare the two parts variations but so far I am especially impressed with the Hornady parts. And I also compared with 168 SMK in Win. brass. Still I I'm leaning towards Hornady components. I have allot of work to do still. I'm noticing the 4064 doesn't seem to be popular to charge with here, I only have experience with just it so far but it is working well for me I think, I just bought some more so I have it. When I load next I wish to try the A-MAX in the Nosler brass.

 

[regatoni5]

Re: Go to .308 default load

TAG! This saves me so much time

 

[dang472]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I have found this loads has worked in 5 rifles so far, bolt and semi:
168gr SMK or Hornady Match HPBT
42gr AA2520
CCI 200 LR
Mixed Rem, Win, FC brass
COAL 2.800

I just did an OCW test with my custom build and settled on:
178gr Hornady AMAX (will try Hornady's 178gr Match HPBT)
44gr Varget
2700FPS out of 26"
CCI 200 LR
Lapua brass
still messing with COAL

 

[Hookman]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Here are my go to loads for MY rifle, I always recommend you work up your own loads.

GAP SCLE - 95 Palma Chamber
175 SMK/178 BTHP (Hornady)
LC LR or Match brass
44 grains Varget
Wolf Primer

168 SMK
LC LR or Match brass
43.1 grains RL-15
Wolf Primer

 

[anthonylapoint]

Re: Go to .308 default load

loading up 43.5 grains varget under sierra 155's @2.8 COAL, see how it shoots tonight. This could be my new go to load. When my 155's depleat, im getting 168 and 178 AMAX and trying those.

20" SPS barrel 1-12 twist and shooting at/under 600 yards. Going for accuarcy over velocity

 

[Cacciatore]

Re: Go to .308 default load

168 SMK
42.5 IMR 4064
WIN Brass
2.807 COAL
205M Primer

Its a little on the light side but shot great through the winter months.

 

[1Sg (ret)]

Re: Go to .308 default load

44.5 Varget 168 or 43.5 varget 175 in .308.Had a sps tac.that would shoot 45.5 varget and 168 amax 1/2 moa.Sold it to buy a Crusader.42 gr imr 4895 w 168 hard to beat in most rifles.

 

[RTodd]

Re: Go to .308 default load

Ditto eclipse and judgedelta, and likely 1Sg(ret)'s load of 42g won't act a bit different than the 41.5 gr of 4895. I keep an ammo can of this in FL sized LC match brass from my National Gaurd buddy. It is probably not the single best load in any of my rifles, but if they won't shoot this load decently, probably something broken besides the load. If you determine to mess with any one thing looking for gilt edge accuracy, I suggest working on OAL first. Seems to pay the biggest dividends.

Funny story about Bobby Reiber who has been shooting Highpower at River Bend gun club in Dawsonville GA since shortly after God rested on the 7th day. Listening to a bunch of shooters talk about good loads/bad loads/better loads, Bobby finally had enough. Walked down the line and asked each shooter for 1 round of their ammo, whatever it was. This was way before black rifles came into their own and Bobby was shooing an M1A like everyone else. Loaded his magazines with the mixed up ammo and proceeded to shoot a clean with a pile of x's using mixed up ammo from up and down the line, and if I remember correctly won the stage. Don't remember if this was 200 or 300 rapid. Point of the story, most of us should be spending more time running our trigger, and less time worrying about ammo.

Randy

 

[Jhnmdahl]

Re: Go to .308 default load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1Sg (ret)</div><div class="ubbcode-body">43.5 Varget 175 in .308</div></div>

Another vote for this

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Go to .308 default load

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eclipse57</div><div class="ubbcode-body">41.5 grains of IMR 4895
CCI 200 primer
168 gr SMK
2.8

My savage loves them. </div></div>

This is a load that mimics Federal Gold Label Match ammo. My favorite fall back.

 

[WKR]

Re: Go to .308 default load

178 gr amax, win brass, 42.6 gr Varget, fed 210 is very accurate in my .308's & does around 2625 fps on my bolt actions ( 24"-26" barrels ), it also shoots really good on my DPMS LR 308 24" SS bbl

 

[BIRDHUNTER]

Re: Go to .308 default load

175 SMK
44.5grs Varget
Lapua brass
Wolf LR primer
2.250 Ogive
2.838 OAL
2720fps - 26" Bartlein barrel

 

[justintimesc]

Re: Go to .308 default load

43.5 gr Varget
Win Brss
Fed match primer
COAL 2.8
175 gr SMK's

 

[fireEMT5]

Re: Go to .308 default load

I'm not looking super long range, but have found good results after an OCW test on my Savage 10PC .308 with Hornady 150 Gr. SST's. Was looking for a good all around bullet for hunting and the range that wouldn't break the bank in reloading costs.

Hornady 150 Gr. SST
Hornady Match brass - once fired.
CCI large rifle primers
46.5 Grains Varget - not quite, but close to a compressed load.
COAL - 2.735"
Chrono average - 2750 ft./sec.
Elevation 1250
Temp. 75

Testing groups ranged from 9/16" to 7/8" @ 100 yds. One later group had 3 holes touching....... I'm guessing I got lucky...?
At any rate, I'm gonna go with this recipe for awhile and see how it does.

Funny thing is that testing out some factory Hornady custom 150 Gr. SST's and some Super Performance 165 Gr. SST's, both averaged right around 2750 ft./sec. too but wouldn't group worth a damn.

Went out on 6/30 and stretched this load out to 550 yds. was able to ring steel with boring regularity. A few shots on a paper target measured just under 5.5 inches or MOA at 550.

 

[cav.scout]

Re: Go to .308 default load

175 grain nosler custom comp. all weight matched-its worth the little bit of extra time .018 off lands. The noslers are better than the smk in my opinion less weight variation and the j4 jacket.

43.8 grains varget or 43.5 rl-15
lapua brass full prep fire formed neck sized only.
fed. 210m primers
=killer load

 

[VKC]

Re: Go to .308 default load

43gr Varget
CCI BR primers
Lapua brass
2665fps from 22.5" barrel 1 in 11.25" twist with AAC cyclone
Under 1/2 MOA

 

[saleen63]

Re: Go to .308 default load

43.4 RL-15
168 Berger vld's
lupua brass
CCI BR primers
2722 fps out of a 24" 1 in 12 twist
groups in the .3 to .4 all day long