.308 To crimp or not to crimp?

[snipedogg]

Basically what the title says, I am getting very good results at 565 and 1000yds with my current loads, But I feel I can get a lot more accuracy and just don't know where to start. When I back-up Between 100-300yds I have tested loads through out the charge range and cannot get anything worth writing home about.

My current load looks like this:
Berger Target VLD 175gr
Lapua virgin and once fired
Varget 42-45gr (45gr at 565+yds)
Federal GM210 primers
Seated on the lands at 2.868 in Savage Model 10

I currently don't crimp the loads but have read where it can improve accuracy. This may not be what I need to improve but I gotta start somewhere so any ideas and advice would be great!

 

[deadly0311]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

if its out of a bolt gun, dont crimp.

 

[snipedogg]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

That's what I figured, Just trying to find a place to start to gain some accuracy

 

[desertHK]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's what I figured, Just trying to find a place to start to<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold"> gain some accuracy </span></span></div></div>

To chase that illusive accuracy, you now need to do the extra steps of case prepping that the BR folks do.

 

[okiefired]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My current load looks like this:
Berger Target VLD 175gr
Lapua virgin and once fired
Varget 42-45gr (45gr at 565+yds)
Federal GM210 primers
Seated on the lands at 2.868 in Savage Model 10 </div></div>

So....you're varying your charge by 3 grains depending on what distance you're shooting at???

okie

 

[snipedogg]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

I'm just now working on finding the load my gun likes. I made loads from 42 to 45gr and tested them. The 45's work great out past 500yds but it's common for a longer distance load to spread more at shorter distance. Hence why I made loads varying by 3gr to try and find the sweet spot.

 

[Enios]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

Unless you are going to shoot virgin brass all the time I think you will see the accuracy change with fire formed brass. The 168SMK's work fine to 600 yds. Why don't you try a different bullet for the shorter distances. I've had real good luck with the 190SMKs in my 10FCP HS. I think if you crimp and put it in the lands you will find you could have some pressure issues. You might play with your seating depth at the shorter ranges, also. 44.6 of Varget with the 175 SMK's with Lapua and 210's give me excellent groups at 100 and 200 but not as good as 2520 and the 190's.

 

[High Binder]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

I have had bad luck with the rounds that I have crimped. BUT that's going to be specific to my set-up and loads...

 

[PLeighton]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

Start with a Ladder Test.
http://www.6mmbr.com/laddertest.html

If you have problems finding a node, then it is time to start looking at your technique and choice of components for that rifle.

 

[okiefired]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The 45's work great out past 500yds but it's common for a longer distance load to spread more at shorter distance. </div></div>

Interesting.....I didn't know that.

okie

 

[RTH1800]

Re: .308 To crimp or not to crimp?

OP
What kind of results are you getting at 500 and 1000? That would help us figure where you could improve. If you are getting 10 shot groups of 9" at 1000 the answer will not be the same as if you are getting 40" groups.