IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

[aac_shooter]

I have been using IMR 4895 with a Sie 168 MK with good results (.4 moa). After searching the reloading section it doesn't seem that many are trying this combo. Is IMR 4895 a problem in the 308? Are other powders like Varget and H4895 that much better? I have not tried these yet and am wondering if the time of working another handload with another powder is worth it? Please give me your thoughts.

 

[pappy42]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

For years, 4895 was the gold standard in the .308 cartridge. When we were shooting high power with the .308; the saying was if it wouldn't shoot with 4895; it wouldn't shoot.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

IMR4895 is extremely common in .308. I run about 42.5 gr. of it behind a 168 Berger or SMK.

 

[aac_shooter]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

I have never tried anything else. I also use it for my 223s and it works great for them as well. I was just wondering if I am missing out by not trying others.

 

[former naval person]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

Not really missing anything. For years it was the standard military powder for match rounds.

 

[aac_shooter]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

Good to know. I might still play with Varget just to see.

 

[sandwarrior]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: aac_shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good to know. I might still play with Varget just to see.</div></div>

Varget actually is a better choice for that weight of bullet in the .308 A little slower so you can get a little more velocity. Another one I meant to mention if you want to save a couple bucks is the H4895X. It's made the same way varget is. It's just as consistent, just suited to a little faster situation like a smaller case and lighter bullets. But, it will work very well for accuracy in the .308.

Edit:

Just an FYI, the old H4895 and IMR4895 used to be two powders just a shade apart. The new H4895X (x=extreme) is a whole new animal. Hodgdon decreased the size of the kernels and increased both the amount of burn retardant sprayed on the powder kernels and the quality of that spray-on process. the result is that the powder performs almost exactly the same as the old H4895. For marketing purposes Hodgdon chose to remain with H4895 as that is a known selling product. Everyone knows they can always use it. Even if not to the best effect always. But you can make it work in just about anything.

 

[Casey Simpson]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

I second Pappy. My loading mentor shot for Army in the 60's. Garands in .308. In the 80's when I loaded with him, the load was always: 40 grains of IMR 4895, 168 smk. For 308, bolt or semi, in his shop, there was no other 308 load...for years.

 

[aac_shooter]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like it is time to start testing again.

 

[samnev]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

I still use IMR 4895 for all my rifle caliber > 223. My favorite for 308 with 168 SMK's in my M1A match and TRG 22.

 

[jwoolf]

Re: IMR 4895 for 308 with SIE 168 mk

41.5gr of IMR 4895 will produce M852 White box Match ammo with 168gr SMK and LC cases.