I am curious to see what is the most popular bullet weight for 308 win. Please feel free to explain why you think your particular choice is the best. Not concerned with hunting/target, just your favorite 308 bullet weight.
- Thread starter Jackcrow73
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Favorite: 175 gr SMK
Reason: It is accurate and hits stuff hard.
Reason: It is accurate and hits stuff hard.
155gr Scenar at 2900fps, shorter flight time puts them ahead of heavier bullets for my shooting.
155 Scenar
155 @ 2930 FPS @ 1000 yards = 327.3 Inch drop, 94.8 Inches drift Flight time 1.560 sec, Energy 546 ft/lbs
175 @ 2720 FPS @ 1000 yards = 382.1 Inch drop, 102.8 Inches drift, Flight time 1.682 sec, Energy 527 ft/lbs
Using JBM 155 @ .236 G7, 175 @ .243, Sea Level, 59 degrees, 10 mph 90 degree cross wind
155 @ 2930 FPS @ 1000 yards = 327.3 Inch drop, 94.8 Inches drift Flight time 1.560 sec, Energy 546 ft/lbs
175 @ 2720 FPS @ 1000 yards = 382.1 Inch drop, 102.8 Inches drift, Flight time 1.682 sec, Energy 527 ft/lbs
Using JBM 155 @ .236 G7, 175 @ .243, Sea Level, 59 degrees, 10 mph 90 degree cross wind
155 Berger Hybrid......takes the poor .308 to a whole new level.
I'm shooting them right at 2,900fps from 25" barrel which puts them right up there close to my 6.5mm's ballistically.
8.7 Mils to 1000yds (313.8" drop) at 1,500 Denisty Altitude.
I'm shooting them right at 2,900fps from 25" barrel which puts them right up there close to my 6.5mm's ballistically.
8.7 Mils to 1000yds (313.8" drop) at 1,500 Denisty Altitude.
Another 155 Scenar convert here. I was surprised to see the results so far (50% 150-155 at this point) since most threads will recommend the 175 SMK. I've tried both and the 155gr Scenars were the way to go in my 12 twist.
Love this ! I am just beginning reloading so that I can take this LRP hobby to a competitive level and 1000 yards is bout what the tactical comps including the one I entered maxed at 1007 for it. I had been shooting Black Hills Gold 178 and FGMM175 but Since I got my reloader stuff for christmas I wanted to see about lighter better rounds. I had come up with the 155 scenar and had seen some other fellas mention its great downrange performance......But when I went to the Gun shop and was buying my stuff I said what I wanted and was asked why the 155 scenar I explained and was told I was incorrect in my thoughts and should go with the 168 Berger... SOOoo Since I wasn't sure that was accurate information I got a Box of 155 Amax to get acclimated to reloading then decide for myself my next step. But I am pumped to see you fellas number the 155 Scenars are putting up.
175, available, easy to load, and gets it done
I have swapped from the scenars to the 155 palma smk's and they are showing promise at 200 with load testing. I am hoping to stretch them to 1k this month.
After the 155's my goto is the 175
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After the 155's my goto is the 175
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175/178 for me as well. Though i've shot 155s, 168s, 175s, and now 178s i just like the 175/178. Have gotten the best accuracy out of them as well. Either will work. I had some 168gr hybrids that i gave away because i was moving to a cheaper load. I wonder if anyone is having great success with those the BC is high for a lightweight .30 cal.
Yeah I agree the 168 Berger Hybrids have a very enticing BC.
OK, So the poll is "Favorite" bullet. I chose the 155 as well, for much the same reasons already stated above. Although the 200 hybrids are by far a better bullet choice at long range. 1000 yrds. The ballistic coefficient is out of this world on the 200's. They just are not practical for everyday use.
As always YMMV-Rob
As always YMMV-Rob
Tried 175 SMK's, gun hated them. Tried 168 SMK's, gun hated em. Tried 168 Amaxs, gun eats em like candy. No reasoning behind it. Shoot what your gun likes.
20" barrel Savage Model 10 with YHM can.
20" barrel Savage Model 10 with YHM can.
185 Berger OTM for me and my Savage 1-10" twist @ 2700 + fps.
Stays Supersonic out to 1310 yards (@2500 elev), while retaining more energy than a .45ACP
at the muzzle.
Happy,Happy,Happy...
Stays Supersonic out to 1310 yards (@2500 elev), while retaining more energy than a .45ACP
at the muzzle.
Happy,Happy,Happy...
Performance wise nothing beats the Berger 185 Juggernaut and Hybrid or the 155 Scenar at 308 velocities. Popularity the 168 and 175 SMK for sure, but popularity doesn't get you hits.
308 bullet choice
The 185 will have to pushed adequately to perform though. That doesn't discount it as it's a great choice and a solid performer. It's the same argument as the 175/178 vs 155. BC goes to the 175 but you can't get 175s at 2900+ out of a 26" tube. That said I still choose the 175s over the 155s. I would try the 185s but I moved from Berger a while back due to money. It's a trade off really. What's the max estimate achieved with a 185? I'm guessing around 2600? Or can it be pushed like a 175 if so it's a clear choice if you can fund it.
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The 185 will have to pushed adequately to perform though. That doesn't discount it as it's a great choice and a solid performer. It's the same argument as the 175/178 vs 155. BC goes to the 175 but you can't get 175s at 2900+ out of a 26" tube. That said I still choose the 175s over the 155s. I would try the 185s but I moved from Berger a while back due to money. It's a trade off really. What's the max estimate achieved with a 185? I'm guessing around 2600? Or can it be pushed like a 175 if so it's a clear choice if you can fund it.
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My gun shoots every bullet I've tried very well. The 175 SMK's get my vote for economics and ballistic coefficients.
168 SMK, because it was what the government was paying for. Free bullets are good bullets.
I know jack squat about 308s - how much faster can a 168 be pushed relative to a 175 assuming similar type bullets (say SMK or A-Max)?
Getting about 2730fps from Berger 185 Juggernauts with Re-17 (velocity from POS consumer chrono plus ballistic curve fit).
You guys that are running with the 155's are you shooting them from a 12 twist?
G
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I'm running both 168 and 175 FGMM and 168 Hornady match BTHP. Received 5 boxes of Hornady match 168 AMAX today to test.
Also have had excellent results with XM118LR
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Also have had excellent results with XM118LR
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155 scenar. Has worked well for me, and the old saying goes "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
I shoot 155 smks and amax out of a 12 twist, works perfectly for me, they like to be shot with some velocity though- i'm around 44.6 grains of 8208XBR for my smk and amax loads (2900-3000 fps based on drops out to 800 yards, i just got a chronograph so i'll get actual velocity soon)
178 AMax. Most accurate in my gun. If the choice were available in your poll I would have voted thusly.
Ran them for years from a factory model 700vls with a 12 twist tube. No problem.
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175 SMK @ 2750 fps for target shooting
178gr A-MAX @ 2700 for hunting
178gr A-MAX @ 2700 for hunting
185 juggernauts at 2670 from a 20" tube. They hit like a freight train, stupid accurate, easy to load, and bucks wind like a 6.5mm
FAR exceeds the 175 smk in every way possible.
FAR exceeds the 175 smk in every way possible.
178 Ajax
What is the BC on that round?
.236 g7
That not as good as thought they would be.
Blackops, I'm getting 2700 out of my AX 24" 1:10 Bartlien with the juggernauts. I was up to 2730 during development with no pressure but the 2700fps load shot the best and had the best ES/SD.
The Tooley AINA chamber definitely has a great throat to take advantage of the mag length but at .018 off the lands in my rifle I still have more left in the mag. I think a tick longer throat with the bullet loaded out further, a little more powder, and a can could possibly see 2800FPS or damn close.
The Tooley AINA chamber definitely has a great throat to take advantage of the mag length but at .018 off the lands in my rifle I still have more left in the mag. I think a tick longer throat with the bullet loaded out further, a little more powder, and a can could possibly see 2800FPS or damn close.
155 Scenars at 2930 in a 24" Tube with 46.5grs of Varget loaded at 2.80 COAL with a 210M Primer. All day long. Part of me wishes I would've kept my dies and components and not switched to 6.5 Creedmoor, but shooter ADD got the best of me.
That's insane and awesome. I know custom barrels usually generate more velocity than factory, I don't think I could even manage 2650 with that round. What powder?
I had planned on keeping my 5R barrel and having it cut but if I can sell the thing it's gone. I'm worried about keeping 2500fps with 178s at 18.5"
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I'm using Varget, Matt was using PP2000MR. The key is chambering it long, we're both running AX's which have a bunch of room in the mag compared to a BDL mag box or a AICS mag and that helps a lot.
IMO it would be worth it to load a few at .020 or so off the lands and see what it will do. Use a drop tube or tap them on the bench to settle the powder before you seat the bullet. To run the load permanently though you'd need to notch your action and either run AICS mags with the plate removed or accurate mags. It's certainly doable though.
308 bullet choice
Right now I'm running 178s at 2.860. They barely fit in my AICS mag. My feed ramp on my 700 probably needs to be notched. That said they only seem to hang/jam when I'm just cycling. When I'm shooting and cycling I've never had a problem. Still I probably have 3 hundredths to the lands IIRC I'll have to check it out but I think I'm still jumping quite a bit because the throat is cut so long on factory 700s.
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Right now I'm running 178s at 2.860. They barely fit in my AICS mag. My feed ramp on my 700 probably needs to be notched. That said they only seem to hang/jam when I'm just cycling. When I'm shooting and cycling I've never had a problem. Still I probably have 3 hundredths to the lands IIRC I'll have to check it out but I think I'm still jumping quite a bit because the throat is cut so long on factory 700s.
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Yeah you're at max without doing some work. I'd try load development single loading at first though before you spend the money.
If you can easily acquire some juggs try poking them out to 2.920 or so and see what happens.
Anybody?
Or perhaps lemme ask a different question:
What would a real-world speed be with 168gr Berger Hybrids from a 24" barrel, using Varget? Seems like 2680ish is typical of a 24" barrel with 175 SMKs...
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