.308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

[groundhogbuster]

I have been working on a load for the 175SMK and the 168SMK. I started at 42gr with both and went to 45gr (Max) for the 175's and 46 with the 168's. the targets prove it all, but is this too hot, and gonna ruin my throat? I haven't shot anything through a chrony yet, but heres what i got.
42gr Var/Fed Match primer/Win. Case/175SMK @ 2.810" 1.08"
43.5 same as above/ .667"
45.0gr " " / .221"

Using 168's same components as above
42gr/ .976"
44.5/ .445"
46gr/ .159"
When I shot my 5 shot groups the 45 on the 175s avg. .436", with a cpl in the .2's, and the 168's with 46gr averaged .396", This is on 4 five shot groups with both loads, and I don't see any pressure signs at all, and I haven't shot any fire formed brass yet, all been from new Win brass. I'd love top have an idea of velocity, but no Chrono anymore. This is from a 20" tube with Precision Armament Brake.

 

[hrfunk]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

I don't have a reloading manual in front of me to double check your loads, but so long as you haven't exceeded the maximum charge, and given the fact you're seeing no pressure signs, you should be OK. Any load you shoot through your rifle is going to erode your throat to one degree or another. If you shoot it enough, it's eventually going to need a new barrel, even with mild loads. You bought the rifle to shoot, so work up your most accurate load and go shoot it. The barrel is a wear item. If you manage to wear it out, replace it and continue to march.

HRF

 

[sinister]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

Remington tends to chamber their factory barrels with long throats. You can check it with a Stoney Point gage.

Your charges might be on the higher side for a chamber done with a short or custom reamer, but if it shoots with no pressure signs you should be good.

With the accuracy you're getting without pressure signs I'd be REALLY happy.

The caveat is: check (if you have other .308 rifles) that you don't have pressure problems (i.e., blown primers) in the other rifles.

 

[roggom]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

More than the bbl, running the hottest load will eat up brass rather quickly. If you are only shooting 100, the same results can be achieved by running a reduced load (if all you will shoot is paper and steel). If your goal is to punch out to 1000, or LR competition, then validate that load out to distance and just plan on replacing brass soon, as you primer pockets are gonna open up.

 

[Rob01]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

Any load will burn your throat out eventually. No use shooting an inaccurate slow load. The barrel isn't something to spend alot of time worrying about especially in a .308. You have done it properly in working up and watching for pressure. If there isn't any then you should be fine. Win brass has a larger internal capacity than some others like LC or Lapua so you can get a little more powder in without hitting pressure.

Hodgdon's online manual lists the following for Varget in the .308:
175- Min 42grns Max 45grns
168- Min 42grns Max 46grns

You can find the info here
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[Graham]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

I shoot 45 Varget behind a 180gr bullet in an AI chamber: It took 3200 rounds for the beginning of the rifling to move .035.

 

[groundhogbuster]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

Thanks for replies, and yes I am very happy with the accuracy of this gun. I was looking for the node to be around 42-43.5 which wouldn't be a compressed load, but it likes em hot. I will be using it at some distance, and as a LR whitetail gun. What would be the # of rounds I could shoot at max loads, before I start to see any accuracy loss? The gun hates, anything close to the lands, but loves to jump, and shoots just about as good at 2.800 as 2.810. I'm figuring my .243 will be long gone while this 308 is still shooting.

 

[frankythefly]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

What is your COAL or Ogive? My typical go to load for said rifle was 43.5 varget, Fed 210m or CCI BR2, Lapua brass, 175smk, 2.830 COAL

Also be sure you are checking your ES/SD.

Some factory rifles will have a very long throat that can accommodate higher pressures be careful when you start messing with seating depth as pressure can increase dramatically.

 

[Overflow10]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

My 308 5R 24" barrel loved 44.5-45.0 varget, CC BR primer, Laupa brass, and 175 SMK. 2.82 OAL (can not recall the ogive measurement). Never any signs of pressure from 38F to +100F.

It did not seem to like the 155gr bullets though...never could find a load that grouped worth beans.

SG

 

[tylerw02]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

My 20" 700 is loving them at 43.8 gr Varget in Lapua brass, 175 gr SMK, CCI BR-2, 2.810". Seemed to be the more I stuffed in, the better it shot. Don't worry about the barrel wearing. It's a consumable item and in a .308, it's going to take thousands of rounds. How many exactly? Depends on shooting habits, and tons of other things. Don't sweat it, enjoy the rifle.

 

[raythemanroe]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

Whats the sense of worrying about how long your barrel last if your not gonna run through it what it likes best...Feed it what it likes

 

[KYpatriot]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Overflow10</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My 308 5R 24" barrel loved 44.5-45.0 varget, CC BR primer, Laupa brass, and 175 SMK. 2.82 OAL (can not recall the ogive measurement). Never any signs of pressure from 38F to +100F.

It did not seem to like the 155gr bullets though...never could find a load that grouped worth beans.

SG</div></div>

Same same. Many sub half in groups with 45 varget and 175smks. Barrel life would be my last concern with a 308.

 

[*greenhorn*]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

i shoot 44.7 - 45.7 depending on the weather, running on my buddys crono ay 27-2740 i have not seen ay loss in my POA you would have to soot 1000's in my opinion

if your worried about wear tumble you projectiles in Hbn 70nm, Hexagonal Boron Nitride

it will prolong the life a good bit

 

[tylerw02]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cowboy1978</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

if your worried about wear tumble you projectiles in Hbn 70nm, Hexagonal Boron Nitride

it will prolong the life a good bit </div></div>


Really? Any empirical evidence of this?

 

[groundhogbuster]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

Not really worried, lol. I just wanna know which action I get to get re-barreled 1st. I'm really wanting to put together a 22" Brux/Bartlein in .308. The only other ss action I have is a 22/250. I'm selling a new BR rig that I haven't even shot yet in 6br,BAT action, so I can put something together for a bit more weight/BC than a 6br, and have some $ left by using a 700 action.
Last time I used a .308 Sendaro (10/12 yrs ago) and didn't shoot it but 5 times before it was off to my smith to be a 6mm rem.

 

[raythemanroe]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

I hear people talk about hbn bullets saving barrel life...now this is just my opinion but wouldn't you think most wear comes from the burn not the bullet?

 

[raythemanroe]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

So I would guess slower powder would extend barrel life..

 

[hahco]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

like Rob01 says, those loads should be fine with Winchester brass. If you switched brass to something like Lapua or Federal, you should drop the charge and work back up. I have found full bore loads like this to open up primer pockets more quickly. If you're getting great accuracy, go for it. You can always buy more Winchester brass. I wouldn't worry about the barrel, it's a .308.

 

[groundhogbuster]

Re: .308 5R Varget Accuracy Node? Too hot?

It's workin out awesome. Funny thing was I went to OCW (Optimum Charge Weight) consulting's website and it was the 2 most accurate loads they had as well. The whole site's about finding the accuracy node for a gun, and every charge I have found on there, has been the most accurate with my guns. (Except my gas guns) I also sent him an email about shooting the 105amax's out of the Rem 243, and he gave me same advice that's on this site. The 105's under Retumbo, and push em pretty hard, and boom, there's the node. But yea, I'll shoot the most accurate load I can find, before I save my brass for.