Well, that's why I mention the 22lr.
It can simulate larger centerfire performance at much shorter, and more easily accessible, distances. For initial/primary wind training, it was my goto implement for quite a few years. At my local club range, I could reach out to 300yd, and with the 22LR, that was a far reach.
Our club also did sorta F Class club centerfire matches, and that was also pretty challenging at 300yd, too.
My own shooting has been cranked down over the past year or two, age and all; but I've come to really appreciate the advantages of the 223 as a trainer, especially since my most accessible club ranges are limited to 300yd.
I'm also starting a new relationship with the AR-Based 6.5 Grendel, with a 20" and a 24" in load development now. I'm liking it, even in the bargain basement implements I've managed to concoct. Early yet; time will tell.
Returning to the handloading issue, it's a great way to refine your rifle's potential, and can (not necessarily, though), make more shooting more accurate, and more affordable. It's been my way for most of my shooting experience, and I highly recommend it. The thing I do not like about the 22lr is being held subject to an outside source for ammunition whose composition is out of my control. I've standardized on the Hornady 75gr HPBT Match bullet and Varget for my 223, and when produced to a reliable load recipe (23.5gr) in bulk, it can be very reasonably produced.
For the 308, I load Starline Brass (Large Primer Pocket), CCI BR-2 or Win WLR Primers, and either 175SMK at 2.815" OAL, and 42.2gr of IMR-4064 for 1000yd, or the 168SMK and 43.5gr of IMR-4064 for significantly less distance, like 800yd and less. I am currently trying this latter load with the Speer 168gr Gold Dot in substitution.
Greg
