Which powder and bullet combination ?

[Timo Turl]

Hi,

I'm planning to put together my first reloads over Xmas and was hoping for a little guidance. I have new Lapua brass (& once fired RWS) for my 24" 308 1:12 and I would like to know if anyone has a strong opinion on which powder/bullet a novice should start out with ie is one combination more forgiving than another to imperfect reloading technique ?

I am more interested in learning & refining technique & avoiding an accident than identifying the "wonder load" at the moment.

Ultimately, I would like to shoot 155 Scenars with Varget & CCI primers but is that an appropriate combination for a novice to start with or should I be considering a different mix that might for example have lower pressure or other features ? I presume that I will gain similar experience reloading 2155 Palma and perhaps a cheaper powder or is that the wrong way to think about it ?

Thanks

 

[Rob01]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

If that is what you want to shoot then buy it and work up a load for your rifle. Varget is a great powder. Load with what you will use. Varget isn't anymore expensive than other powders so why not use it?

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

Well, one reason I ask is because I was having a PM conversation with a regular contributor to the reloading forum who suggested I should start with 175 SMKs given they are way more forgiving to poor technique than the 155 Scenar which are better suited to more experienced reloaders. I hadn't heard that before so wanted to see if it was a common view.

 

[Headgear]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

Varget is my favorite powder. It is more temperature forgiving than a lot of others so it reacts more consistently over different times of the year. Also it pretty much fills a 308 case, depending on the charge so you can visually check to see that there are no gross overcharges and it meters well.

I use 168 and 175 SMK's. I have recently been told that 168 Amax are good out to 1200 +/- yards. I am switching and testing them because soon I will be getting out to a 1000. So far, I've had good success with all three of them at 500 Yards.

Merry Christmas!

 

[Rob01]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

Never shot 155s but reloading is reloading. You might need to play with seating depth a little to get a better load with the 155s as the 175 SMK is a little less worried about it's jump to the lands but it's all learning. You want to shoot 155s then get some and some Varget and get to it. Yes you will screw up some bullets and brass. Everyone does and it's part of learning but if that is the round you plan on using then use it and learn about setting seating depth.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

Try the 155 Sierra match king. I think you'll find that it's more accurate than the Lapua Scenar in a factory barrel.

Also, you want the 2156 Palma. The 2155 is an old bullet.

It also very much depends on your range, because if you're only going to shoot 200 yards, flat base bullets will shoot fine.

 

[k2peaker]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

When I started loading for LR rifle in .308, I started with 155 gr. Scenars and Varget. No problems whatsoever out to 600 yds. I switched to 6.5mm before the comp season so never tested it's legs out to 1000 yds.

But, as a long time IPSC shooter, I wasn't new to reloading. Just all the brass prep and measuring single charge weights was new for me. I tried to get Varget to meter well out of one of my progressives and eventually gave up (.2-.5 gr. variances despite trying many of the tweaks). Still, Varget's a great powder for .308 (and other cals).

SMKs over Scenars? I'm very pleased with 142 gr. SMKs in 6.5mm. However, I was equally content with the Scenars for .308 (AIAW barrel).
What's your application though? For LR Tac matches, I think you'd be fine with either.

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

Practical/Civilian Service Rifle mainly but perhaps F/TR too. The comps go out to 1200yrds but mainly all distances up to 1k. Am using an AI AE MkII.

I'd love to try the A-Max 208 with RL-17 but you know the story there (another Amax perhaps ?). My local store has all the major powders and bullets in stock (except the 208) so i can start with just about any combination. The main attraction is the ability to push the 155 over 2900 and get it to 1k. If there is another combination that you think works better for a multitude of ranges in typically windy conditions I would be interested in hearing it.

Thanks

 

[Rob01]

Re: Which powder and bullet combination ?

178 AMAX ois an excellent bullet for long range as well. Shot them to 1300 yards before and they performed well. 1000 and in will be no problem with them sitting on some Varget.

Keep an eye out for the new 178 HPBT bullet from Hornady. Has a BC of .530 and you should be able to get them between 2700-2750fps pretty easy with a 24" .308. I pulled some 178HPBT Superformance loaded ammo and dumped the powder and filled the case with 44grns of Varget as a basic midline load just to see how they would shoot over Varget. Below is the 4 rounds after shooting one to adjust the zero on paper. I think I will try this again over a chrono to see what numbers I am getting.