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IMR 4064--Berger 175gn tactical .308 load help

Militarybuilt

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Minuteman
Jun 21, 2011
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WI
I don't happen to have a Berger manual, but can anyone help me with a starting point? 42gns of IMR 4064 and a 175SMK is the best load I've found for my rifle so far, but I know there's better with Berger. I know I should have asked Bryan Litz when I met him a while back ha. Thanks.
 
Berger lists 37.5 starting 42.0 max 4064 for 175 gr.
 
My pet load is the same for 175 SMK and 178 Amax: 42.2 grains of IMR 4064. I would imagine the Berger would be close or identical. If your best load is 42.0 grains, maybe try 41.8, 42.0 and 42.2 and see which is best. Whichever comes out on top, play with seating depth.
 
Sean Little, the former Marine Scout Sniper , and I were talking about the M118LR match ammo that he helped redesign a few years back. And he told me that it didn't matter what brass they used, or which particular rifle liked in terms of charge weights... 42.0 grains of IMR 4064 was IT as far as repeatability and accuracy in ALL weapon platforms they used. (M40, M24 I'm assuming )

I started taking his advice and HOLY COW was he right. I shot this just last week.


 
Sean Little, the former Marine Scout Sniper , and I were talking about the M118LR match ammo that he helped redesign a few years back. And he told me that it didn't matter what brass they used, or which particular rifle liked in terms of charge weights... 42.0 grains of IMR 4064 was IT as far as repeatability and accuracy in ALL weapon platforms they used. (M40, M24 I'm assuming )

I started taking his advice and HOLY COW was he right. I shot this just last week.



At what seating depth?
 
It was 2.230 to ogive and I think it was 2.845 COAL. If that's what your asking.... I'm sure Sean was shooting 2.790 to 2.810 max
 
It was 2.230 to ogive and I think it was 2.845 COAL. If that's what your asking.... I'm sure Sean was shooting 2.790 to 2.810 max

Thanks! I was asking cause I am seating 2.200 to OGive and getting similar results.
 
42.5 gr is the magic number for both my 700s. One is a 26in 1/12 twist and the other is a 20in 1/10. I'm going to play around with the 20in a little more. I just used some of my 26in rounds in it and was surprised how accurate it was. Trial and error. Best way to figure it out.
 
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I use the exact load as Tacticalboltknob, 42.2 gr 4064 w/ 175 SMK, at 2.245" on comparator.

With 175 gr Berger VLD Hunting 41.2 gr 4064 at 2.16" on comparator, 2.85" coal

Both are the best loads I've found for my FN SPR stock rifle.
 
Berger lists 37.5 starting 42.0 max 4064 for 175 gr.
Thats weird western website load data manual shows 41.5 min 46 max for 175gn projectiles
 

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Berger lists 37.5 starting 42.0 max 4064 for 175 gr.
Thats weird. Western powders load manual shows a higher starting point and max for 175gn bullet
 

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I sure do. Looks like someone is paying attention. Has that much changed with the powder since 2014?
IMR 4064 and AA 4064 are not the same burn rate.
Make sure comparing IMR to IMR, not IMR to AA.
Brass can influence charge weight as well.

No, burn rate of powders hasn’t changed appreciably in last 7 years for IMR 4064 / AA 4064.