Help with load development!

[burkeknives]

I need a bit of help, developing a load for my 308, shooting 175smks. I am shooting a Rem 700 with Rock Creek 1/11.27,twist barrel, 22in long, with match chamber.

I am trying to get this load to be a lazer at 300 and way out!
I have been working on this at the 300 mark, with little success, using This load, 42. grains of imr8208, lapua brass, Fed 210M primer, at 2.825 COL. Checked this at 2600fps. Cosistant 2.5 to 3. groups. I tried 43grains, it was worse!

Just to note, 43grains of 8208 with 168smks, gives me nice 1. groups at 300! Checked this load at 2700fps.

I know this is novice crap, but I would be greatfull of help.
Thanks

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Help with load development!

Not sure what you need help with? If your load is not working, change it. Try a different 175 gr bullet. Try a different powder like Varget. Some rifles will absolutely not shoot well with a particular powder or bullet no matter what you do. So change something.

There are no magic loads. You got to find it yourself.

Luck,

Bob

 

[burkeknives]

Re: Help with load development!

Would some of the guys who shoot the 175smks with success from a similar platform please let me in on your load?

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Help with load development!

burke,

Not to be rude, but have you looked here:

.308 Loads

I mean there is only 10 friggin pages of loads for the .308 win that members here have had success with. Pick one, and work up to it from below in your rifle.

 

[burkeknives]

Re: Help with load development!

Got it now, good stuff!

I need to learn to use better wording in the search function!

Thanks!

 

[MALLARD]

Re: Help with load development!

not sure what kind of reloading gear your using , but maybe you should upgrade.

i think you might be asking for to much , 1 moa at 300y isnt bad.

what kind of scope you using ?

if you really want laser accuracy you might want to look into a 6mm caliber.

 

[gvanhyning]

Re: Help with load development!

I second BobinNC ... Try Varget or RE15. I build up and find the charge that gives you the best group @ 100 yds using the standard OAL. I build shots @ 1/2 grain increments to a targeted max & fine tune from there. After I have a charge wt established I play with the seating depth until it's shooting bug holes. You may want to look at other bullets if you're still not satisfied.

 

[esromvre]

Re: Help with load development!

42.3 RL 15 with 175 smks gives me consistent .1 to .2 at 100

 

[vman]

Re: Help with load development!

45 grains Varget with 175smk, fully formed lapua brass, resized and bumped back 0.001" each time, seated to touch the lands. Fed210M primers.

I have had this load shoot 1moa out past 100 yards. Last 5 shot group at 400 yards measure a tad under 3".

 

[burkeknives]

Re: Help with load development!

Thanks guys!
I went out yesterday for a quick test. I used the same load, 42.grain of 8208, 175smks, fed210m primer, necksized lapua cases. At 100yrds, this shoots consistantly under .5. At 300 consistant moa.
The 168smks, in same cases with 43.grain 8208, shoots consistant half moa at 300, and bug holes at 100!

Also got some Varget yesterday, I will try it this weekend.

I have read here on the hide, time and time again that 168 grain projectiles arent good past 600. Is it the BC or the weight?

Thanks for the help!

 

[esromvre]

Re: Help with load development!

the 168 SMK was designed to be a 300m bullet. still works great at 600

 

[vman]

Re: Help with load development!

Inherent instability issues beyond 800 yards... I think its due to the angle of the boat tail or something like that.

I just avoid it for that reason and stick with fast flying 155's or 175smk, for my go to round.

 

[jbailey]

Re: Help with load development!

Burkeknives-

You need to get a system for establishing what the best charge weight is for your rifle/load. Many guys use ladder tests (described on this site with a sticky), other guys use a process called OCW (Optimal Charge Weight). For info on OCW, check this piece out:

http://www.shell-central.com/Powder1.html

 

[jbailey]

Re: Help with load development!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: burkeknives</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I have read here on the hide, time and time again that 168 grain projectiles arent good past 600. Is it the BC or the weight?

Thanks for the help! </div></div>

Nothing to do with weight. Everything to do with the poorly designed boat-tail. The 168gr SMK boat-tail is too short and steep, which means its air-flow "wake" is very "choppy", producing poor performance at long-ranges. It goes thru the sound barrier like sh*t thru a dryer.