How fast is too fast for 178gr ELD in 308?

[turnerdye1]

Bergara HMR in 308 w/ 20" barrel 1:10

Bullet - Hornady 178gr ELD Match
Powder - CFE223
Primer - CCI
Case - LC
COAL - 2.80

Loads from 46-48 grains in .5gr increments.

Velocity (I apologize for the spacing. I cant get ti figured out on here)
Loads Shot 1- Shot 2 -Shot 3- Shot 4- Shot 5---Average-- SD Group Size Pressure Signs
46------ 2709 ---2656--- 2694---2627---2593----- 2655------47.6
46.5-----2741--- 2764--- 2778-- 2793---2823----- 2779---- 30.8
47 ------2816----2799---2833---2785----2828------2812---- 20.1 **Best**---- Very slight primer cratering
47.5----2857----2856---2854----2863----2870----- 2860----- 6.5 ---------------- Extractor marks and primer cratering
48------ No Shoot Pressure Signs

All these groups shot right around 1MOA at 100yards. I left my tape measure at home so I don't have exact measurements. The 47.0gr load shot at probably .5-.75" and was by far the best.

From what I've read a lot of people aim for 2600-2700fps is this bullet weight range. Is there any reason for that or is 2800 good to go as long as the pressure signs are minimal?

These were shot at 100 yards. I have access to 1100 at my family farm which will be the max for this gun but I only get up there once a month. I think I'll be switching to Varget so maybe I'll have to try my hand at a ladder test.

 

[Megahoser]

What is your twist-rate?

 

[turnerdye1]

1:10 twist

 

[GIXXER2000]

Here is what my load is for 178's
AINA 26 in barrel 1-12 twist 1/2 MOA
I think LC brass has a little less volume the Lapua

Lapua Brass
CCI-BR2
Varget = 42.9
AVG FPS 2721
Extreme Spread of 6 FPS over 5 shots

 

[AZgeek]

For what its worth I shoot the 178 ELDx and found that in my 24" R5 Milspec with an 1-11.25 twist, 43.3 gr of Varget with a COAL of 2.805 was the ticket. In my ladder testing higher velocities and longer seating depths just made things worse.

 

[AZgeek]

For what its worth I shoot the 178 ELDx and found that in my 24" R5 Milspec with an 1-11.25 twist, 43.3 gr of Varget with a COAL of 2.805 was the ticket. In my ladder testing higher velocities and longer seating depths just made things worse.

MV is 2650 from my Magnetospeed v3.

 

[Megahoser]

Those velocities are pretty high from a 20” barrel...and if you’re seeing no pressure signs and they are grouping well, sounds like you’ve got a good load.