Need advice: fastest powders for 308, for tactical precision rifle comps

[Joe.grey]

Hey everyone,

I’ve shot a few PRS style events with my 260 Rem and have had great results with the bullet components I’ve been using in my three 6.5mm rifles.

Near my place of residence, every month, a military base holds a precision rifle competition that only allows 5.56/223, 7.62/308 or 300 Winmag. So, I went ahead and bought a 308 to participate in these competitions. Max distance is 600 m (654 yards).

My question: which powders yield the fastest velocities using 175 gr bullets?

Related/required additional info: I’m using the following components and gear, rifle setup.

Nosler RDF 175 gr bullets
Hornady 308 brass
CCI BR2 primers
*Have a pound of IMR4895

Rifle is a Rem 700, 308 Win
22” barrel, 5R rifling, 1:10, heavy bbl.
McMillan A5, bedded.
ATRS rail and Nifgtfore ultralight rings.

If you need additional info, please ask and I will answer ASAP.

PS: Lease note that the only calibers allowed are those stated in my post so commenting that I should go with a 6mm or 6.5mm will be counter productive. Thanks for understanding. Looking for 308 related advice only

Thx
Joe.grey

 

[JZimm9mm]

IMR4895 will work but for highest muzzle velocity you probably want to look at Varget or Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR. Nosler has load data online. It will tell you what powders were fastest for them.

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/308-winchester/

 

[Joe.grey]

IMR4895 will work but for highest muzzle velocity you probably want to look at Varget or Alliant Power Pro 2000-MR. Nosler has load data online. It will tell you what powders were fastest for them.

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/308-winchester/

Thx. I read that 2000MR was very temp sensitive. I’ve never tried it. Temperatures where I live can vary feom 60F to 95F from morning to mid afternoon. I really need a powder that can handle such temp swings.

I’ve resd some good reviews on IMR 4895 and hoping to see some good velocities from it.

Thx for the input.
Joe.grey

 

[buffybuster]

There's a lot of powders between 4895 and BLC-2. Since you're only shooting to 600M, highest velocity shouldn't be your primary concern. IMO you want a good load that is stable across various conditions. The go to powders (H4895, IMR4064, Varget) will get you there. Another 75-100fps isn't going to make a huge difference out to 600M.

If you want to game it, get some 155's@3Kfps.

 

[Joe.grey]

There's a lot of powders between 4895 and BLC-2. Since you're only shooting to 600M, highest velocity shouldn't be your primary concern. IMO you want a good load that is stable across various conditions. The go to powders (H4895, IMR4064, Varget) will get you there. Another 75-100fps isn't going to make a huge difference out to 600M.

If you want to game it, get some 155's@3Kfps.

155s were an option that I considered but I might also take that 308 and run a PRS in the tactical devision, so 175s are better suited because of the velocity limit.

I agree with your pount that at 600m, 100-120 fps more won’t be a huge advantage but I would still prefer a high velocity recipe so that I may use the same one for PRS. Also, having a little less wind deflection is never a bad thing.

I noticed you mentioned H4895, isn’t IMR4895 getting better velocities out of both? (I only have reading experience regarding the H4895).

Thx for your input.
Joe.grey

 

[buffybuster]

I have had good results for both but found H4895 more temperature stable than IMR4895.

 

[canezach]

I'd suggest Varget or AR Comp. Both will be relatively temp stable, with AR Comp performing better in the temp swings, in my experience, but Varget seems to produce higher velocities. Personally, I'd go with the more accurate load after testing them both.

 

[Joe.grey]

Thx guys, taking notes.

 

[918v]

Have you considered 208’s? They run with 175’s with less wind drift and the recoil is a moderate push rather than a sharp blow in comparison.

Even though they 200 FPS slower.

In my rifle I use 41.6 grains of Varget in a 157gr Win commercial case @ 2.935” which fits in my mag. It does 2455 ES10 from a 26” barrel. Mild load. Very mild.

 

[Joe.grey]

Have you considered 208’s? They run with 175’s with less wind drift and the recoil is a moderate push rather than a sharp blow in comparison.

Even though they 200 FPS slower.

In my rifle I use 41.6 grains of Varget in a 157gr Win commercial case @ 2.935” which fits in my mag. It does 2455 ES10 from a 26” barrel. Mild load. Very mild.

A friend also suggested I try the 208s. Something to think about. I have a minth until next comp so I’ll be performing a few tests along with my Magneto Speed 3.

 

[W54/XM-388]

I might suggest that for the distances you are suggesting you go with the 155gr and push them to the 3k range which can be done easily and usually doesn't create any problems. In the 0 to 600 range, a fast 155gr will give you excellent results, get a longer barrel with a twist rate optimized for 155grs and load it hot, and you could hit 3100fps.

 

[Bradu]

I might suggest that for the distances you are suggesting you go with the 155gr and push them to the 3k range which can be done easily and usually doesn't create any problems. In the 0 to 600 range, a fast 155gr will give you excellent results, get a longer barrel with a twist rate optimized for 155grs and load it hot, and you could hit 3100fps.

3100 out of a 308?

 

[tnc]

I can’t touch 3100 but I consistently get 2890 with my 155 scenars and Varget. Comparable to my 6.5 loads inside 650yds

 

[W54/XM-388]

I can’t touch 3100 but I consistently get 2890 with my 155 scenars and Varget. Comparable to my 6.5 loads inside 650yds

What barrel length are you running?
You might try a 32" barrel with 1:12 twist and P5 rifling and see if that pushes you up closer.

 

[tnc]

Just a 22” barrel. It’s plenty fast for me. With a 9” can it’d get a little unwieldy with a 32” barrel!