Range Report 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
- Thread starter MontanaMarine
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Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
MM et al., I've been watching this thread with some interest. I have not however, gone and looked through all 56-odd pages post-by-post.
What, if anything, can you tell me about seating these massive 208gr pills in something like a DPMS magazine with an internal length around 2.820-2.830 (preferrably on the short side for feeding)?
Seating these out to 3" ain't happening for me
MM et al., I've been watching this thread with some interest. I have not however, gone and looked through all 56-odd pages post-by-post.
What, if anything, can you tell me about seating these massive 208gr pills in something like a DPMS magazine with an internal length around 2.820-2.830 (preferrably on the short side for feeding)?
Seating these out to 3" ain't happening for me
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
At 2.82-2.83" the 208 will reduce powder capacity significantly.
At 3.00" with 50gr RL17, there is compression of the powder, and that's in Win brass that has only been neck resized.
At 2.83" you will likely only fit 46-47gr of RL17 without significant compression, maybe less if using heavier brass.
At 2.82-2.83" the 208 will reduce powder capacity significantly.
At 3.00" with 50gr RL17, there is compression of the powder, and that's in Win brass that has only been neck resized.
At 2.83" you will likely only fit 46-47gr of RL17 without significant compression, maybe less if using heavier brass.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
I'm running 45.6grs of RL-17 in a Federal Case at 2.880 COAL (mag length)with a significant crunch. Pushin 2550fps out of a 26 inch barrel at -1450 ASL @46 degrees F. BR-2s lighting the whole thing off. I can get 46grs in the case but deforms the nose of the bullet to do it. YMMV
I'm running 45.6grs of RL-17 in a Federal Case at 2.880 COAL (mag length)with a significant crunch. Pushin 2550fps out of a 26 inch barrel at -1450 ASL @46 degrees F. BR-2s lighting the whole thing off. I can get 46grs in the case but deforms the nose of the bullet to do it. YMMV
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
I just put a Wyatt's extended magazine in my 20.5" 308. It allows 2.99" in the magazine.
I can actually load two down in the magazine, at 3.08" oal. The tips are on the ramp, but it still functions fine.
I just put a Wyatt's extended magazine in my 20.5" 308. It allows 2.99" in the magazine.
I can actually load two down in the magazine, at 3.08" oal. The tips are on the ramp, but it still functions fine.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
Your kidding me right? My Wyatt mag is 2.880 max.
Your kidding me right? My Wyatt mag is 2.880 max.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
Would like to try loading longer but do not want to go single shot if I don't have to.
Would like to try loading longer but do not want to go single shot if I don't have to.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ol' RD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your kidding me right? My Wyatt mag is 2.880 max.
</div></div>
No kidding. I have another one here to install in my other 308, the dimensions are:
2.990" internal length
3.065" external length
It's Wyatt's MBE-5 mag box.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/993148/...dl-short-action
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ol' RD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Your kidding me right? My Wyatt mag is 2.880 max.
</div></div>
No kidding. I have another one here to install in my other 308, the dimensions are:
2.990" internal length
3.065" external length
It's Wyatt's MBE-5 mag box.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/993148/...dl-short-action
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
Wyatt detachable mags only go 2.880 I would like to have a mag like the alpha 2s for a Wyatt DBM.
Wyatt detachable mags only go 2.880 I would like to have a mag like the alpha 2s for a Wyatt DBM.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
OK, I got ya. You are using the detachable mag, I'm using the old school internal BDL style.
OK, I got ya. You are using the detachable mag, I'm using the old school internal BDL style.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
May have to pick one up to put in my sons rifle. LOL!
May have to pick one up to put in my sons rifle. LOL!
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
I'm wanting to get a 208/re17 load together for my semi auto rifle, but that thing chews up brass. What is a good starting point using lake city lr brass loaded to mag length? I'm looking to get around 2450 fps out of a 22 in barrel. I was thinking around 44 or 44.5 for a starting load does that sound about right?
I'm wanting to get a 208/re17 load together for my semi auto rifle, but that thing chews up brass. What is a good starting point using lake city lr brass loaded to mag length? I'm looking to get around 2450 fps out of a 22 in barrel. I was thinking around 44 or 44.5 for a starting load does that sound about right?
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
Well, 44.5 in LC brass at mag length? without knowing all the facts I'll go with this. 44.5grs @ 2.150 to ogive of an amax gives you about 2.75 with trimmed brass, you WILL have crunch! Depending on your barrel, 2450fps is doable depending on atmospheric conditions. What I would worry about would be your gas gun. RL-17 with 208s might be much depending where the gas port is for cycling. I'm not a gas gun guy so that's something you need to think about. I'd start down about 41.5 and work up. Again, I'm not a gas gun guy. I'd get that answered by somebody with gas gun knowledge. Just my 2 cents.
Well, 44.5 in LC brass at mag length? without knowing all the facts I'll go with this. 44.5grs @ 2.150 to ogive of an amax gives you about 2.75 with trimmed brass, you WILL have crunch! Depending on your barrel, 2450fps is doable depending on atmospheric conditions. What I would worry about would be your gas gun. RL-17 with 208s might be much depending where the gas port is for cycling. I'm not a gas gun guy so that's something you need to think about. I'd start down about 41.5 and work up. Again, I'm not a gas gun guy. I'd get that answered by somebody with gas gun knowledge. Just my 2 cents.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
I'm not running gas guns, but just athought, by loading to mag length, and going down to 44-45gr of RL17, I doubt you will gain any velocity over something like W748, or BLC-2.
And as already mentioned, case volume will be reduced a fair amount.
I'm not running gas guns, but just athought, by loading to mag length, and going down to 44-45gr of RL17, I doubt you will gain any velocity over something like W748, or BLC-2.
And as already mentioned, case volume will be reduced a fair amount.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
For coal I can fit 2.82 for sure maybe even 2.83 in my mags. I have an adj gas system and I'm gonna turn it down so that it will barely cycle. The barrel is 22 in with an 11 twist. I really liked how the Powder and bullet performed in my savage. There are few auto loaders in this thread, but they were using win brass and seemed to hit the velocity I'm looking for around 46 gr, but win brass has more case capacity compared to the lc. I was looking at 44 gr as a safe starting point with the lc brass. MM I'll look into those other powders also.
For coal I can fit 2.82 for sure maybe even 2.83 in my mags. I have an adj gas system and I'm gonna turn it down so that it will barely cycle. The barrel is 22 in with an 11 twist. I really liked how the Powder and bullet performed in my savage. There are few auto loaders in this thread, but they were using win brass and seemed to hit the velocity I'm looking for around 46 gr, but win brass has more case capacity compared to the lc. I was looking at 44 gr as a safe starting point with the lc brass. MM I'll look into those other powders also.
Re: 308 Win, 208 AMax, RL17
I did some testing with the 208 AMAX in two of my 308 gas guns this past weekend - a KAC MK11 Mod 0 with a 24" match barrel and an LWRC REPR carbine with a 16" barrel. I loaded from 44-46.5 grains of RL17 in .5 grain increments, and all rounds were loaded to 2.81 for PMAG compatible COAL. Brass was 1x CBC brass with only minimal prep (full length sized and trimmed with a Dillon RT1200 -- no other prep was done).
The KAC loved the loads, putting 5 rounds into .660" off a bipod and table (so I had no ability to load into the weapon at all) with the 45 grain load.
The loads were all somewhat hot, but I would not comfortable regularly shooting above 45.5 grains in either of these weapons.
I also unfortunately did not feel comfortable putting out my chrono as the range was extremely crowed, I was shooting from a middle bench, and I was on a multiple distance range with people crossing shots across the front. I would have liked to have been able to confirm my pre-shooting velocity estimates, but was unable to do so.
The next plan is to try some CFE223 and 8208XBR loads and compare them to the RL17 loads over a chrono. Also, I have ordered some 200gr Sierra GK's to play with as well. The shorter length of these seems like it would play better with the 308 while still having a better BC than the 175 SMK and hitting with a lot more authority out past 500.
I did some testing with the 208 AMAX in two of my 308 gas guns this past weekend - a KAC MK11 Mod 0 with a 24" match barrel and an LWRC REPR carbine with a 16" barrel. I loaded from 44-46.5 grains of RL17 in .5 grain increments, and all rounds were loaded to 2.81 for PMAG compatible COAL. Brass was 1x CBC brass with only minimal prep (full length sized and trimmed with a Dillon RT1200 -- no other prep was done).
The KAC loved the loads, putting 5 rounds into .660" off a bipod and table (so I had no ability to load into the weapon at all) with the 45 grain load.
The loads were all somewhat hot, but I would not comfortable regularly shooting above 45.5 grains in either of these weapons.
I also unfortunately did not feel comfortable putting out my chrono as the range was extremely crowed, I was shooting from a middle bench, and I was on a multiple distance range with people crossing shots across the front. I would have liked to have been able to confirm my pre-shooting velocity estimates, but was unable to do so.
The next plan is to try some CFE223 and 8208XBR loads and compare them to the RL17 loads over a chrono. Also, I have ordered some 200gr Sierra GK's to play with as well. The shorter length of these seems like it would play better with the 308 while still having a better BC than the 175 SMK and hitting with a lot more authority out past 500.
tagged...................
I drank the koolaid
After picking up a Tikka 308 varmint last week I decided to give this a try since mag length will not be a problem
.
Just like previously mentioned, I saw big changes in mv with each .5 grain increase until it plateaued at 49 grains- just under 2700fps & the group opened up significantly (and the bolt got sticky, and I had a primer loosen up). I didn't have any win brass on hand so i used CBC. Gotta say his breathes new life into the 308 as a hunting round (spare me the "not recommended for hunting" line- I've seen quite a few critters go DRT with these from 300 to 900 yards). I suspect I might soon be looking for some win brass to try it out in, but since it works with the CBC I'll see if I can dial it in a little more (see if the 48.5 gr flyer was me or the load). I'm hoping I'm on each end of a node with these two groups- we'll see. Thank you to the guys who contributed to this thread!
After picking up a Tikka 308 varmint last week I decided to give this a try since mag length will not be a problem
. Just like previously mentioned, I saw big changes in mv with each .5 grain increase until it plateaued at 49 grains- just under 2700fps & the group opened up significantly (and the bolt got sticky, and I had a primer loosen up). I didn't have any win brass on hand so i used CBC. Gotta say his breathes new life into the 308 as a hunting round (spare me the "not recommended for hunting" line- I've seen quite a few critters go DRT with these from 300 to 900 yards). I suspect I might soon be looking for some win brass to try it out in, but since it works with the CBC I'll see if I can dial it in a little more (see if the 48.5 gr flyer was me or the load). I'm hoping I'm on each end of a node with these two groups- we'll see. Thank you to the guys who contributed to this thread!
Reading this post got me shooting the 208's out of my .308 28" 5R. I could not get the Amax to group, and crunched powder to the point of inconsistent OAL's using RL17. I switched to Win brass, then switched to the 208gr hpbt, which is shorter, Alliant's 2000mr, then finally, the Wyatt's detach mag box. I have been pushing the 208 hpbt to 2640fps with 47gr of 2000mr. Now that I have a longer mag box, roomy brass and the shorter bullet, I may be able to use the rest of my RL17 in a practical manner. Thanks hardcore to Montana Marine for pioneering this concept here on the Hide. It has brought me into a new realm of distance shooting. Generally, poking steel at 1300yds, 1000ft altitude.
Rob, it was nice meeting you and burning some powder with the 308s. That's a sweet Tikka you have put together.
After picking up a Tikka 308 varmint last week I decided to give this a try since mag length will not be a problem
View attachment 9889 View attachment 9890View attachment 9891
Just like previously mentioned, I saw big changes in mv with each .5 grain increase until it plateaued at 49 grains- just under 2700fps & the group opened up significantly (and the bolt got sticky, and I had a primer loosen up). I didn't have any win brass on hand so i used CBC. Gotta say his breathes new life into the 308 as a hunting round (spare me the "not recommended for hunting" line- I've seen quite a few critters go DRT with these from 300 to 900 yards). I suspect I might soon be looking for some win brass to try it out in, but since it works with the CBC I'll see if I can dial it in a little more (see if the 48.5 gr flyer was me or the load). I'm hoping I'm on each end of a node with these two groups- we'll see. Thank you to the guys who contributed to this thread!
Thank you Shane- oddly humbling & confidence inspiring at the same time to shoot with you & Jeff. Hope to see you when I come up for speedies.
Rob
Rob
Hey Rob, When Jeff and I went downrange to recover that 1000 yard torso, it had probably 25-30 hits, or so. A dozen or so were near the bottom of the steel, and had the signature of a poly-tip bullet. There was quite a divet line on the ground where bullet spray was churning it up. I think some of those shots we thought were missing low, were actually hitting low on steel, and the bullet spray was making the dust cloud we were seeing. Shane
I finally got my V2 Magneto Speed and tested it with the following 208 A Max loads. These are preliminary tests and the ladder tests will come later. Rem 700 SPS Varmint, 26", Choate stock, and Burris Xtr 6x24x50, 1/4" moa turrets. I tested 5 rounds of each load, more to come later. I really am impressed with the Magneto Speed.
LOAD WORK UP FOR HORNADY 208gr A-MAX
Can’t seat to lands. Too long to eject from port.
Aug 21, 2013
Tested at Payson Range Alt 5000 Temp 67 Hum 84% Baro 26.57 100yds
Used Magneto Speed Chronograph
OG Seat—2.333---OAL—3.082—Jump--.020---Neck Tension--.003---Wolf Primer
Shoulder 1.618
MFG BC-----------648
Bullet Length------1.543
1-RE 17-----46.5gr---5 rnds----Avg fps----2565------SD—5
2-RE 17-----47.0gr---5 rnds----Avg fps----2597------SD---4
3-RE 17-----47.5gr---5 rnds----Avg fps----2624------SD---9
LOAD WORK UP FOR HORNADY 208gr A-MAX
Can’t seat to lands. Too long to eject from port.
Aug 21, 2013
Tested at Payson Range Alt 5000 Temp 67 Hum 84% Baro 26.57 100yds
Used Magneto Speed Chronograph
OG Seat—2.333---OAL—3.082—Jump--.020---Neck Tension--.003---Wolf Primer
Shoulder 1.618
MFG BC-----------648
Bullet Length------1.543
1-RE 17-----46.5gr---5 rnds----Avg fps----2565------SD—5
2-RE 17-----47.0gr---5 rnds----Avg fps----2597------SD---4
3-RE 17-----47.5gr---5 rnds----Avg fps----2624------SD---9
I tried some 210 VLD, I like them
308 210 VLD hunting at 616 yards - YouTube
308 210 VLD hunting at 616 yards - YouTube
Tag for later, Im going to work this up for a scar 17, FN mags will allow me to seat bullet longer than mag length (not sure by how much though)
Gret info F4D.
Belisarius, I had consistently excellent results with the 210 Berger also. Both in the 1/12 308Win, and 1/10 30-06.
I made the switch to the 208 solely for reasons of economy.
Belisarius, I had consistently excellent results with the 210 Berger also. Both in the 1/12 308Win, and 1/10 30-06.
I made the switch to the 208 solely for reasons of economy.
A friend actually gave me a box of the Bergers. They shot surprisingly, a bit flatter at 1000 yards, compared to the 208's. Way too expensive to shoot.
I can't believe how effective this load is out to a mile! I'll put together an actual thread with pics after I go through my notes (tomorrow), but had to bump this for anyone following along. Shane has made the 308 my favorite cartridge with this.
Rob,
Had a great time stretching out those rifles today!
I measured that end-of-the-day 100 yard zero check I shot with the 30-06/208 AMax. You were right, it was .327" center to center.
Had a great time stretching out those rifles today!
I measured that end-of-the-day 100 yard zero check I shot with the 30-06/208 AMax. You were right, it was .327" center to center.
Last time I did 44gr RE-15 with a COAL to fit in my mag I was in crunch town seating that bullet. Now I'm interested in trying out some Re-17. 2600+ with a 208 is pretty killer for a 308... I was getting right at 2500 with Re15...
208gr A-Max
Rem 700 SPS Varmint 26” Heavy Barrel, 1 in 12 twist
Altitude 5000 Humidity 46 Temp 64 Baro 29.82
Magneto Speed V2 Chronograph
Ogive Seat 2.333 OAL 3.082 Off lands .020 Neck tension .003
Powder Grains Primer Brass Av FPS
RE-17 47.5 Wolf Win 2629
48.0 2646
48.5 2675
Same loads with CCI magnum Primers
RE-17 47.5 CCI Mag Win 2643
48.0 2678
48.5 2703
I need to take this load to 1000 and beyond me thinks. I usually don't shoot this consistent.
Rem 700 SPS Varmint 26” Heavy Barrel, 1 in 12 twist
Altitude 5000 Humidity 46 Temp 64 Baro 29.82
Magneto Speed V2 Chronograph
Ogive Seat 2.333 OAL 3.082 Off lands .020 Neck tension .003
Powder Grains Primer Brass Av FPS
RE-17 47.5 Wolf Win 2629
48.0 2646
48.5 2675
Same loads with CCI magnum Primers
RE-17 47.5 CCI Mag Win 2643
48.0 2678
48.5 2703
I need to take this load to 1000 and beyond me thinks. I usually don't shoot this consistent.
Last edited:
208gr A-Max
Rem 700 SPS Varmint 26” Heavy Barrel, 1 in 12 twist
Altitude 5000 Humidity 46 Temp 64 Baro 29.82
Magneto Speed V2 Chronograph
Ogive Seat 2.333 OAL 3.082 Off lands .020 Neck tension .003
Powder Grains Primer Brass Av FPS
RE-17 47.5 Wolf Win 2629
48.0 2646
48.5 2675
Same loads with CCI magnum Primers
RE-17 47.5 CCI Mag Win 2643
48.0 2678
48.5 2703
I need to take this load to a 1000 and beyond me thinks. I usually don't soot this consistent.
Nice! My 308's are SPS Varmints too.
That's pretty amazing from a .308. Im using a 300wm at 2850fps, same bullet and alot more powder. That's a factory sps varmint rifle? Dicks has them for about $450 right now.
Fine shooting there F4D!!!
Thanks to you and Montana Marine. I had one one of days where every thing was right. That group was also shot with the Magneto Speed strapped on with no additional click adjustments other than what I need from a 100 yard zero which is 15 clicks. That really surprised me.
F4 Are you using moly?
Today I decided to try out the 208 amax With Reloader 17. Rifle is as follows : Stiller Tac 30 Action With a 28 inch Barein barrel 1:11..25 in an AICS. I read a bunch of information on several different websites about what was working for people So I decided to start in the middle. I was using lapua brass and federal gold match 210 primers. Charge was 47.3 grains With the bullet at 2.961 COA L. 2.207 to ogive. Mileage muzzle velocity was 2649 ft./s With an ES of 14 out of 4 shots. I ran out of time but will play a lot more later
4 Shots gave me .311" group!!
4 Shots gave me .311" group!!
I know I'm little late, but real nice shooting young man.208gr A-Max
Rem 700 SPS Varmint 26” Heavy Barrel, 1 in 12 twist
Altitude 5000 Humidity 46 Temp 64 Baro 29.82
Magneto Speed V2 Chronograph
Ogive Seat 2.333 OAL 3.082 Off lands .020 Neck tension .003
Powder Grains Primer Brass Av FPS
RE-17 47.5 Wolf Win 2629
48.0 2646
48.5 2675
Same loads with CCI magnum Primers
RE-17 47.5 CCI Mag Win 2643
48.0 2678
48.5 2703
I need to take this load to 1000 and beyond me thinks. I usually don't shoot this consistent.
OK guys - I'm jumping in with both feet here.
Rifle: FN A3G 1:12 24" with CDI DBM and Alpha Type 2 mags
I'm using .002" neck-sized Lapua brass and CCI BR2 primers, and my base-ogive length touching the lands is 2.181" or a COAL of 2.963". This fits in my magazine - it will take 2.945" COAL.
Question 1: What jump are you guys seeing the best accuracy with? I thought I'd start at .010 off for charge weight development, but if this is going to lie to me right out of the gate I'd like to know so I can do something different.
Q 2: Figured I'd try a ladder from 45.0 to 49.5 (based on what I was reading in the thread, my max charge will be less with Lapua than Winchester), see if I have a node. Anyone see any issues there?
Thanks in advance!!
Rifle: FN A3G 1:12 24" with CDI DBM and Alpha Type 2 mags
I'm using .002" neck-sized Lapua brass and CCI BR2 primers, and my base-ogive length touching the lands is 2.181" or a COAL of 2.963". This fits in my magazine - it will take 2.945" COAL.
Question 1: What jump are you guys seeing the best accuracy with? I thought I'd start at .010 off for charge weight development, but if this is going to lie to me right out of the gate I'd like to know so I can do something different.
Q 2: Figured I'd try a ladder from 45.0 to 49.5 (based on what I was reading in the thread, my max charge will be less with Lapua than Winchester), see if I have a node. Anyone see any issues there?
Thanks in advance!!
Your plan looks good.
I've had good accuracy from touching lands, to 20 thou off. The distance has not been very critical in my rifles.
I've had good accuracy from touching lands, to 20 thou off. The distance has not been very critical in my rifles.
I would like to thank everyone for their information on this topic. I decided to go ahead and do a load workup with the 208 AMAX and Reloader 17 in my Remington 700 AAC-SD and have only had favorable results. I started with the bullet 0.002" off the lands, Lapua brass, Winchester primers and achieved my best 100 yard group with 46.7 grains. I went as high as 47.5 grains and the bolt just started becoming sticky upon lift. The accuracy wasn't there though so I stayed with the 46.7 grain load and have been very happy with it. Won't post any group pics here because they are 3 shot groups but I do have them in my pictures on my profile if anyone cared to see. I don't have a chronograph but using Strelok+ my calculated velocity through trajectory validation is 2458f/s and required 34 MOA to reach 950 yards off of a 133 yard zero. I had very favorable results at that distance as well. Overall I'm very happy with this load and have decided to stock up on bullets and powder.
I checked out your pics. Nice shooting! Nice looking rifle too. I see you have a Timney flat trigger too. I have those on my 308s and really like them.
Just for comparison, I'm shooting a 26" factory rem. Rem brass, br2, 48.0g RL17, 3.030 coal .020 off lands, 2640fps.
moa out to 850+
Love this 208AMAX!
1000yards= 31.4 moa elevation, 1483fps, 1021ft/lb energy. Not bad for a wimpy old .308
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
moa out to 850+
Love this 208AMAX!
1000yards= 31.4 moa elevation, 1483fps, 1021ft/lb energy. Not bad for a wimpy old .308
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Thanks MontanaMarine, your post is what got me started toying with this and I appreciate the time you took to start this post as well as updating along the way. I'll do some actual 5 shot groups as well and see how it works. Thanks for the compliments on the rifle as well! Happy with how it turned out for the money invested.
Here's a vid of a shot at 950, excuse the smile at the end. I couldn't quit smiling at how easy it was to hit my 10" plate at that distance
Watch "Remington 700 AAC-SD 950 yards" on YouTube
Remington 700 AAC-SD 950 yards: http://youtu.be/I6Bm8VW-teA
Was out rezeroing a 308 today after remounting a scope, and taking off a brake. After a couple sighters I put 10 rounds into about .65" at 100 yards. After rezeroing my turrets I applied 11.0 mils el, held .5 mil windage, and put one round on a 1120 yard target .3 mils in diameter.
HTG stock, 20.5" Rem varmint 1/12 barrel, Bushnell 10X scope. It makes handy little rifle.
HTG stock, 20.5" Rem varmint 1/12 barrel, Bushnell 10X scope. It makes handy little rifle.
