Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

[Boomstick308]

I picked up some IMR 4895 the other day, but I was wondering if this would be the best "starting point" to start experimenting/loading with. I should also mention that I want to use a Hornady LNL to load, so I would like for the powder to meter accurately.

A few other options according to the Hornady manual:
-A 2495
-H 4895
-Varget
-IMR 4320
-8208 xbr
-RL15
-N150
-2000 MR


Any idea why IMR 4064 is listed under the 178gr but NOT under the 168gr loads?

Rifle: Savage FCP .308 24" 1:10 twist
Primers: CCI #200

I welcome any load information (at my own risk) that points me in the right direction with rifle/bullet choice. Accuracy and powder metering ease are top priorities.

Thanks

 

[Jacko Jeebus]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

My load for my .308 is 168 Hornady match loaded to 2.800. Powder is Varget at 45.5 gr with a 210M primer. I have not been able to get out and chrono it, but it measures out at .563 at 100 yds out side to out side. Going with a .270 hole which I have found most .308 to leave thats a .293 of an inch group. I have not found any problems with powder measurement and Varget has been very temp stable. We get highs in the 104 range and lows in the teens here. I started at 43 gr and went up to a 46.7gr load without any pressure signs in my .308 SPS Varmint 26" barrel. 1 in 12 twist

 

[Griffin4590]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

I'm shooting varget with a 168 Amax. I I just started working up from 43gains and it continues to get more accurate. I'll post when i settle on a charge weight.

 

[josie6637]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

+1 for varget, temps don't bother it as much in my experience (upper midwest).

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

My buddy runs 178 Amax's over 44.2 grains of RL15 from a factory chambered Savage. OAL is 2.830 or 2.835

It is sub MOA, and consistently 1/2 MOA in his gun and runs about 2650 from his 24" factory barrel. I actually watched him shoot a 3 round group yesterday that had to be right at .25 with this load.

Its a proven load out to 730 yards also.

 

[Subxero]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

i have been using IMR4895 for .308 loading, I just loaded up some 168gr SMK's at 41.5grs charge, OAL 2.810

Tons of people love this combination, but you should work up to it each rifle is different. Can't wait to see how it performs for me.

I have also shot 178 AMAX, loaded clean up to 42.5grs IMR4895, very mild pressure signs in my rifle, again work it up yourself. Chrono'ed these as well but can't remember Velocity off top of my head.

and also even shot 225gr BTHP 38.5gr IMR4895. OAL was 3.0 (this is very important as little to none of the bullet was actually in the case which helped keep pressure low, Use extreme caution

In short, i think IMR4895 is great for the 168's and down, you would be better with slightly slower powder with the 178's and up

best,
joe

 

[ejd049]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

308 load 178amax 44.0 Varget
300wsm load 178amax 65.4 H4350

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

43.8 & 44 grains of Varget have shot the best out of my rifle.

 

[montgomery627]

Re: Loading some 168gr & 178gr A-Max. Powder choice?

Haven't played around with 168's yet but, 44.5grs of Varget under a 178 gives me consistent 3/4" 10 shot groups @ 100yds. Shoot them @ steel in the summer and also deer hunting in the winter. The temp doesn't affect them @ all from what I can tell.