308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

[bjordan]

I have a long range match coming up in 3 weeks

and need some help with some accuracy loads. I'll only have maybe 3 oppurtunities to shoot between now and then so not much time for thorough load development. 500 yards will be the max range so velocity is no big concern. I'm gonna swith to 175's but don't have time for that now. I have Varget, Reloader 15, IMR 4064, H4831, and H4831SC on hand. I have new winchester brass, and have rem 9 1/2, WLR, BR2's, and 210M's for components. The gun is a rem 700 XCR LRT 26" barell. It has about 150 rounds through it and has previously shot 2 5 round groups of 44g RL15 all in .250 range at 100 yards. Since then that load is all to hell but the temp has rose about 30 degrees, I've tried to decrease the load with not so good results. It shoots everything around 1 moa but I'm really looking for the accuracy I had a month ago. I've been searching and looking through threads all day but thought a thread of my own may help. Sorry the post is so long. Thanks in advance.

 

[81sfo]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=323517&nt=10&page=1

My slow load is 42 gn Reloader 15 w the 168. Very accurate ,and my fast load is 45-45.5 varget . This is in my rifle ,yours might be different.so work up safely ,check for signs of pressure.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

Before I ran out of 168s (and bought 175s) I was using neck sized winchester brass, cci standard primers, 44.0 grains varget, naked 168 smk.

I cannot remember the oal off the top of my head, but it was close to the lands. The smk is pretty tolerant of jump, so it should not be a huge issue.

As was said, your load will be different, but I would bet you will be finding something good 42.5 to a bit over 44 grains. As always, work up though.

What was your velocity when the load was running well? I would try to get back to that velocity.

My rifle was had a 26 inch barrel with a 12 twist. This load would shoot 3/4 minute very very consistently and into half minute pretty out to 500 yards.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

If you are determined to use the 168's then 45.5gr of RE15 at 2.80" will work well.

However I would suggest 43gr of RE15 pushing a 175smk. This load has been universally accurate for me and is my "stock" load.

If you are shooting a TACTICAL competition you do not need 1/4 MOA loads to win it. You NEED familiarity with a sub-MOA load. I would load a proven accuracy load, then spend a couple days getting YOUR velocity data and a perfect dope.

 

[bjordan]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

I never shot the load through a chrono so i don't know the velocity. 44 grains of RL 15 still shoots the best of anything I've tried. I've been loading everything 2.800 because It would be impossible to reach the lands in this gun. I may try an ocw test with the 168's and RL-15. I have some 175's on the way but only 100 of them. I could try a few and if they shoot good I could probably get some more. The shoot I'm going to is shooting at dots a 100-500 yards from the prone position. Starting at 2 moa and getting smaller each time you make a hit. Thanks for the info so far.

 

[marksman25]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

Check the thread on ladder tests by Tresmon http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1713419#Post1713419.
I think this is it

 

[SScott]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

168 grn SMK
44.7 gr Varget
RP brass, full prep
Seated 2.820
CCI std primer/Winchester also did same
Average 2680fps, 24" barrel, depending on rifle +/- 10 fps
This load shot lights out in 2 Rem 5R's and 3 other non Rem rifles.
I am now shooting 175's, because I am shooting to 1,000 yards, but have some of these loaded up, and use them as my accuaracy "standard" for testing.
Good luck on your shoot.
SScott

 

[Leaddog]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

42.0 grs of 4064 with the 168 SMK is pretty much the standard for accuracy in the .308 if you are going to use them for mid-range.

When you switch to the 175's go with Varget or RL15.

Just curious.... why so many powder/primer choices on hand?

 

[bjordan]

Re: 308win + 168 SMK's Accuracy Load Help

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Leaddog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">42.0 grs of 4064 with the 168 SMK is pretty much the standard for accuracy in the .308 if you are going to use them for mid-range.

When you switch to the 175's go with Varget or RL15.

Just curious.... why so many powder/primer choices on hand? </div></div>

I bought a complete reloading setup that came with alot of powder and primers, I also have Reloader, 17, 19, and 22, Hogdon 4350 and IMR 4350. I've been reloading 270wsm for a while now but just started for the 308.