Is there a targeted velocity in 308 that is good for most distances. I was wondering if anyone here build different load for punching paper/target at 100, 300, 600 etc. I just finished building my rifle and was thinking of a starting point for loading. This rifle is intended for longer distances as the barrel is finished at 26". Without a chrono at the moment, is it possible to get a decent load for long distances?
308...different loads for different distances?
- Thread starter turbohardtop
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Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
I use the same load reguardless of range. I would zero at 100, then move the target out 50 yards at a time and write down how many minutes you have dialed, then create a drop chart. It is a pain and a lot of shooting to get all the data, but trust me, When I know the range I'm shooting, I turn it to however many minutes of drop and drop the hammer.
I use the same load reguardless of range. I would zero at 100, then move the target out 50 yards at a time and write down how many minutes you have dialed, then create a drop chart. It is a pain and a lot of shooting to get all the data, but trust me, When I know the range I'm shooting, I turn it to however many minutes of drop and drop the hammer.
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
I've always wondered the same, and came up with my own solution.
Do a ladder test and you will/should find "two" accuracy nodes. try the "lower" one at distances 500yd and below. The "high" node at distances 600 and max distance. Might save you some powder since it could be a grain or so different, as well as barrel wear.
Or do what Jeremybj doe shoot the same load regardles of distance.
just my 1 1/2 cents (Im a cheap SOB)
I've always wondered the same, and came up with my own solution.
Do a ladder test and you will/should find "two" accuracy nodes. try the "lower" one at distances 500yd and below. The "high" node at distances 600 and max distance. Might save you some powder since it could be a grain or so different, as well as barrel wear.
Or do what Jeremybj doe shoot the same load regardles of distance.
just my 1 1/2 cents (Im a cheap SOB)
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
My 2 cents:
There is WAY too much shit to keep track of and think about when you are at a match/challenge/competition as it is - without adding the complexity of different loads for different ranges. Find ONE that works, and LEARN it.
Its not as easy as making a simple drop chart one day. You could repeat the test 5 days in a row and get 5 different charts. Will they be close? Yes. Will they allow you to hit a clay bird at 750 yards? No.
Thank you Thunder Valley Precision for teaching me how much I have to learn.
My 2 cents:
There is WAY too much shit to keep track of and think about when you are at a match/challenge/competition as it is - without adding the complexity of different loads for different ranges. Find ONE that works, and LEARN it.
Its not as easy as making a simple drop chart one day. You could repeat the test 5 days in a row and get 5 different charts. Will they be close? Yes. Will they allow you to hit a clay bird at 750 yards? No.
Thank you Thunder Valley Precision for teaching me how much I have to learn.
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
with all these posts i agree, but picking one is definately the best and most practical choice
maddawg
with all these posts i agree, but picking one is definately the best and most practical choice
maddawg
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
A) the target MV for each bullet will be different. 2650 fps is a good speed for a 175 SMK, 2950 is a good MV for a 155 Scenar.
B) Strongly agree with the "One Load" philosophy. This miinimizes the accounting at the reloading bench, the ballistics tables in the field/head, the touchy-feely relationship between the shooter and the gun,... K.I.S.S.
C) About the ONLY time one would need a different load is when one needs to penetrate a {glass, cinder block, wood} barrier. This SELDOM happens in hunting and target shooting.....
A) the target MV for each bullet will be different. 2650 fps is a good speed for a 175 SMK, 2950 is a good MV for a 155 Scenar.
B) Strongly agree with the "One Load" philosophy. This miinimizes the accounting at the reloading bench, the ballistics tables in the field/head, the touchy-feely relationship between the shooter and the gun,... K.I.S.S.
C) About the ONLY time one would need a different load is when one needs to penetrate a {glass, cinder block, wood} barrier. This SELDOM happens in hunting and target shooting.....
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
Thanks everyone for the replies. What is a good speed for 168 grain AMAX or SMK? Also, could the step-ladder process work for 100 yards? access to 100 yard range is a lot easier for me than 300 yards range.
Thanks everyone for the replies. What is a good speed for 168 grain AMAX or SMK? Also, could the step-ladder process work for 100 yards? access to 100 yard range is a lot easier for me than 300 yards range.
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
I like 168gr A-Max over 42gr. Varget with M210 primer @ 100-600yrds. around 2,650fps
But, @ 700-1000yrds. I like 175gr. SMK over 44gr. varget or
R-15 about 1MOA diffrents in the Varget to R-15. with M210 primers. 2,720-2,775fps.
LOBO 151
I like 168gr A-Max over 42gr. Varget with M210 primer @ 100-600yrds. around 2,650fps
But, @ 700-1000yrds. I like 175gr. SMK over 44gr. varget or
R-15 about 1MOA diffrents in the Varget to R-15. with M210 primers. 2,720-2,775fps.
LOBO 151
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
If only 100 yards, you may want to try the OCW (Optimal Charge Weight) way of load development. (I use this system anyway!)
OCW webpage
If only 100 yards, you may want to try the OCW (Optimal Charge Weight) way of load development. (I use this system anyway!)
OCW webpage
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
Old faithful with a 700p 26" barrel
168amax 43grs Imr4895 out to 600yrds.
2700fps zero vertical on a 600yrd ladder test
between 42.5 & 43grs. Yeah I know but I got it for $16 a lb. Plus my elevation knobs work great...
Old faithful with a 700p 26" barrel
168amax 43grs Imr4895 out to 600yrds.
2700fps zero vertical on a 600yrd ladder test
between 42.5 & 43grs. Yeah I know but I got it for $16 a lb. Plus my elevation knobs work great...
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
Yeah, find a load that works well and stick with it. I load 155 Amax's with Varget @ 44.5 which gives me 2850 fps and SMK 175's with 43.0 @ 2680 fps in a 24" Krieger.
Yeah, find a load that works well and stick with it. I load 155 Amax's with Varget @ 44.5 which gives me 2850 fps and SMK 175's with 43.0 @ 2680 fps in a 24" Krieger.
Re: 308...different loads for different distances?
I have considered using a different load for Smack the Smiley. At 100 yards, 43.0 gr of Varget under a 175 SMK is deadly accurate, but not supersonic at 1,000.
I have considered using a different load for Smack the Smiley. At 100 yards, 43.0 gr of Varget under a 175 SMK is deadly accurate, but not supersonic at 1,000.
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