Reloading 200GR+ for the .308WIN

[Saclee Rhino]

Hey guys, from Australia.
I have a Remington Model 700 PCR
24" Barrel, 1 in 10" Twist 5R
Still need to find out and measure what my maximum C.O.L. can be.

Looking to be loading up some fireformed cases with a few of the following rounds for testing.

BRASS: Currently have 200 Hornady fire formed cases. Might try Lapua Brass at some stage.
POWDER: RL-15 , RL-16 or RL-17
PRIMERS: CCI Large Rifle
BULLETS:
Sierra 200GR BTHP MatchKing
Hornady 220GR ELD-X
Hornady 225GR ELD-Match (Concerned that I need a faster twist rate.)
Sierra 230GR BTHP MatchKing (Concerned that I need a faster twist rate.)

For the two Sierra rounds above, Sierra's load data is suggesting a 3.150" and 3.200" C.O.L., wont know what I can get til I check the max seating depth for my rifle.
Anyway bellow is the Sierra load data.

Sierra 200GR BTHP MatchKing

Sierra 230GR BTHP MatchKing

Has anyone tried some of the Sierra bullets with the "27 caliber elongated ogive"? Was wondering how well it works.

(Will edit here when I get the 220GR ELD-X Data from the Hornady Book)

(No 308 Load Data for 225GR ELD-Match)

Reason I am looking at ELD-X rounds is because the 178GR ELD-X factory rounds are giving me 1/2 MOA. So I am looking at the heavier rounds for my twist rate and also for the High BC and Sectional Density.

Was just wondering if I could please get some advice on the subject as I am new to reloading. Looking to load develope an accurate round to eventually walk out to 1000 Yards.

 

[NFAJohn]

tagged

 

[culater]

I would bump down to the 195gr ELD max for your application. You should be able to get good speed out of it if your rifle likes to shoot them. I wouldn't bother with the very heavy bullets. You'll need a throat cut longer to fit the bullet in with with as much powder in the case to push it at a decent speed. The guys in the U.S. have purpose built barrels that are 30 in long with a 1-9 twist with longer than normal throats for the heavier 308 bullets. They are single feeding them.

I would load the 178 ELD match bullet or the 178 ELD x and be happy with it. They can get to 1000yds and beyond with no issues.

If you want to shoot the heavier bullet in the future buy a 300 Mag then.

 

[supercorndogs]

Your max COAL will be around 2.88, if you want to feed out of a mag. I doubt you can drive any of those bullets fast enough to gain an advantage over the 178 in a .308win.

 

[culater]

Keep us posted on your reloading ventures

 

[Saclee Rhino]

Keep us posted on your reloading ventures

Will do.

Might try a variation of different bullet weights and see what produces best results. But definitely going to be staying 178GR or bigger for the twist rate.

In terms of Hornady ELD-X and ELD-Match might try out the following
178GR ELD-X
178GR ELD-Match
195GR ELD-Match
200GR ELD-X
220GR ELD-X

Will see how it turns out. Both 178GR look quite appealing as they are almost identical which will make not much difference between the two if they both perform the same at the same velocities.

 

[CDubb]

Did you get to the range?

 

[Kilozulu]

Have the same rifle, 175 lapua scenar L give good results, I wouldn't bet for a much heavier bullet . How was the test ,
??