Need help finding powder for 130gr SOST 308 load

[Roscoe_M4]

I'm trying to work up a load to approximate the Mk319 Mod 0 using the same 130 GR SOST bullets for my LMT-MWS with its 16" C.L. barrel. I've established 2,850 fps as my goal for this project. I'm using LC brass and seem to be hitting a wall around 2,720 fps with the surplus ball powder that easily pushes my 125 GR TNT plinking loads past 3,000 fps in my other 308s. In looking for another powder, Hodgdon's data for 130 GR loads shows Varget as the powder yielding the 2nd highest velocity (3,130 fps) with a range of 47.0 to 50.0 grains, but Speer's data shows 47.0 grains as a maximum load.

Is anyone using Varget or something similar like IMR 8208 or 4064 for this application or for lightweight (130 - 135 GR) target bullets?

If so, where are you seeing your best results?

Thanks for any suggestions you have on this.

 

[Ravenworks]

It's kinda hard to beat an old school power like the IMR 4064 .
The stuff has been around since Hector was a puppy.
It's very versatile for just about the whole spectrum of 308 rounds.
I haven't loaded anything as lite as what you're doing and I'm pretty certain someone will be along shortly to help you.

 

[Dogtown]

I went down the same road a long time ago when those bullets were easy to find. Here’s what my log book say (HK MR762 16.5”):


130gr SOST
LC Brass
Fed 210 primers
44.5gr Ramshot TAC
2.750” COAL
2830fps

 

[Roscoe_M4]

Thanks for the recipe, Dogtown! Looks like I need to rustle up some TAC and start loading test rounds.

 

[Dogtown]

AR-Comp also worked well.

 

[Alaska]

I'm trying to work up a load to approximate the Mk319 Mod 0 using the same 130 GR SOST bullets for my LMT-MWS with its 16" C.L. barrel. I've established 2,850 fps as my goal for this project. I'm using LC brass and seem to be hitting a wall around 2,720 fps with the surplus ball powder that easily pushes my 125 GR TNT plinking loads past 3,000 fps in my other 308s. In looking for another powder, Hodgdon's data for 130 GR loads shows Varget as the powder yielding the 2nd highest velocity (3,130 fps) with a range of 47.0 to 50.0 grains, but Speer's data shows 47.0 grains as a maximum load.

Is anyone using Varget or something similar like IMR 8208 or 4064 for this application or for lightweight (130 - 135 GR) target bullets?

If so, where are you seeing your best results?

Thanks for any suggestions you have on this.

Using LC military 7.62mm case, WW primer, and the MK 319 bullet of 130 gr., C.O.L. 2.79 in., my powder charges of XBR 8208 yielded as follows:

41.0 gr. one cartridge failed to cycle so I figure for my rifle this charge is just below the minimum needed for reliable function of the action.42.0 gr. avg. muzzle velocity 2724 fps.

43.0 gr. avg. muzzle velocity 2945 fps Good load