I just picked up a new 700 LTR .308 a couple weeks ago. My goal is to shoot one load all the time, for target and hunting. This way I can avoid having a separate load for each, with different ballistics, different bullets, etc. I'm really kinda stuck on this goal 
.
The rifle / load will be used for target (paper / steel out to 1000), and hunting (deer / elk). My goals for said magic bullet:
-relatively economical = more shooting
-high BC
-preferably a higher weight bullet due to the elk possibility
-hunting suitable, expanding bullet (no SMKs)
-good accuracy, as close to SMK like performance as possible
Ya know, pretty much everything under the sun for next to nothing
.
With all that in mind the 180 Sierra Gameking floated to the top of the list. After running the numbers and considering prices for several bullets, the 180 GK seems to be an obvious choice. They're only $28 / 100, have a higher BC than a 175 SMK (.506), and are regarded as a reliable hunting bullet. The 165 GK doesn't retain as much energy at distance, 178 AMAX isn't suitable for large game, 180 Accubonds are prohibitively expensive, as are Barnes TSX. The only real alternative I see at this point is 175 or 185 Berger hunting VLD. They're more expensive, but not as bad as Accubonds for example. Nonetheless, I'd really like to get these 180 GKs to shoot.
That being said, I'm a little discouraged with it after today at the range. The first 50 rounds through the LTR were 175 SMK / Rem brass / 42 gr H4895 / Fed 210M primers / 2.8" COAL. These were shooting sub MOA and I was quite optimistic about things to come. The last 25 of these were shot today at the range, still with sub MOA performance. I then started to shoot the 180 GK load I put together. It consisted of 180 GK / Win brass / 42 gr H4895 / Fed 210M primers / 2.8" COAL. The first 5 shot group at 100 yards was 3+". My first thought was that the 1/12 twist of the LTR wasn't enough to stabilize the 180s, but Im doubting that now. Just to check, I fired 5 out of "scottishtornado's" 1/10 twist 308 and it was way sub MOA, mostly one ragged hole at 100. I fired another group out of mine at 100 and while it wasn't as large as the first, it was still well over 2 inches.
Just for giggles we tried the load through both rifles at 200 yards. My LTR printed a 5 shot group at 200 of 2.3". While still way larger than I find acceptable, I found it curious that the 200 yard group was smaller than both 100's. Two groups through the 1/10 rifle were just under 1.5", sub MOA, so it wasn't just a sloppy load. On that note, it was new win brass FL sized, Giraud trimmed, chargemaster charged with due diligence.
So... I still have 150 of the 180 GKs left. My thought at this point is to load 10 ea of 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, and 43, and shoot a couple groups with each. Hopefully that will show some promise somewhere. If not, then maybe play with seating depths? Does anyone have any insight on the Gamekings or a pet load for the 180s in a 700?
If I can't get the GKs to shoot then it will probably be onto the VLDs. Anyone have any input on their performance on elk class game in the 175 / 185 weight? I've seen some of the best of the west clips, but am always wary of feedback that's paid for.
Also, does anyone think that the 1/12 could just be too slow for the 180 GK? It doesn't seem like it, but they sure weren't performing. Although the 175 SMKs shot well. ... Any input is appreciated!
The rifle / load will be used for target (paper / steel out to 1000), and hunting (deer / elk). My goals for said magic bullet:
-relatively economical = more shooting
-high BC
-preferably a higher weight bullet due to the elk possibility
-hunting suitable, expanding bullet (no SMKs)
-good accuracy, as close to SMK like performance as possible
Ya know, pretty much everything under the sun for next to nothing
With all that in mind the 180 Sierra Gameking floated to the top of the list. After running the numbers and considering prices for several bullets, the 180 GK seems to be an obvious choice. They're only $28 / 100, have a higher BC than a 175 SMK (.506), and are regarded as a reliable hunting bullet. The 165 GK doesn't retain as much energy at distance, 178 AMAX isn't suitable for large game, 180 Accubonds are prohibitively expensive, as are Barnes TSX. The only real alternative I see at this point is 175 or 185 Berger hunting VLD. They're more expensive, but not as bad as Accubonds for example. Nonetheless, I'd really like to get these 180 GKs to shoot.
That being said, I'm a little discouraged with it after today at the range. The first 50 rounds through the LTR were 175 SMK / Rem brass / 42 gr H4895 / Fed 210M primers / 2.8" COAL. These were shooting sub MOA and I was quite optimistic about things to come. The last 25 of these were shot today at the range, still with sub MOA performance. I then started to shoot the 180 GK load I put together. It consisted of 180 GK / Win brass / 42 gr H4895 / Fed 210M primers / 2.8" COAL. The first 5 shot group at 100 yards was 3+". My first thought was that the 1/12 twist of the LTR wasn't enough to stabilize the 180s, but Im doubting that now. Just to check, I fired 5 out of "scottishtornado's" 1/10 twist 308 and it was way sub MOA, mostly one ragged hole at 100. I fired another group out of mine at 100 and while it wasn't as large as the first, it was still well over 2 inches.
Just for giggles we tried the load through both rifles at 200 yards. My LTR printed a 5 shot group at 200 of 2.3". While still way larger than I find acceptable, I found it curious that the 200 yard group was smaller than both 100's. Two groups through the 1/10 rifle were just under 1.5", sub MOA, so it wasn't just a sloppy load. On that note, it was new win brass FL sized, Giraud trimmed, chargemaster charged with due diligence.
So... I still have 150 of the 180 GKs left. My thought at this point is to load 10 ea of 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, and 43, and shoot a couple groups with each. Hopefully that will show some promise somewhere. If not, then maybe play with seating depths? Does anyone have any insight on the Gamekings or a pet load for the 180s in a 700?
If I can't get the GKs to shoot then it will probably be onto the VLDs. Anyone have any input on their performance on elk class game in the 175 / 185 weight? I've seen some of the best of the west clips, but am always wary of feedback that's paid for.
Also, does anyone think that the 1/12 could just be too slow for the 180 GK? It doesn't seem like it, but they sure weren't performing. Although the 175 SMKs shot well. ... Any input is appreciated!
