Loading Up Some 308's

[Jimbo357mag]

I got a new 308 Win rifle (Mossberg Patriot) and then all my reloading stuff and I have to say loading these 308's is great fun. In the picture below I have some copper plated bullets I shoot in my 30-30 as well as some pointy bullets loaded to around 2000 fps. The other pointy bullets are loaded with three different 308 Win start loads using H4895, Varget and W748. I will be giving these a try again this Saturday. Last time I shot similar loads pretty well but I wasn't getting the accuracy I thought I should, probably because I was nervous or something.

 

[Chief 101]

it should start shooting better when you get closer to max load...just an observation

 

[SweetWilliam]

My Rem700 308 likes 44.5grs of Varget with just about any 165gr. bullet.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

My Rem700 308 likes 44.5grs of Varget with just about any 165gr. bullet.

Yup, 44 1/2 gr. Varget under a quality 165 gr. Bullet is THE classic load. It shoots match quality in almost every rifle. If your gun wont shoot it, it probably wont shoot any load well.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I'm really hoping to find a cheap bullet to shoot at a very mild velocity, maybe even lead with a gas check. It's for shooting targets at 50 and 100 yards. I will have fun playing around with this one.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

A buddy started reloading just a few months ago, for his Savage .308. He bought several boxes of bullets, some 125s from Hornady (SSTs if memory serves), 150 gr Hornady SPs and some 165s (I forget what flavor), and loaded a couple of boxes of each, all atop a starting load of H4895. He's shot a couple of boxes of the 125s, while the heavier ones are still waiting for a range trip to try out.

I took a single shot with that first load, the 125, at a "fat" 100yds on his rangefinder, and nicked the lower right corner of the 2" center square on a sighting in target with the scope just freshly bore sighted. In truth, it was my luckiest shot of the day, and I let him think I did it on purpose, but either way, the load worked well.

I've never tried any Varget, and do have some 748 but keep it set aside for the .30-30. So far, the H4895 has worked fine for me in several calibers...

Rick C

 

[wizofwas]

I've been loading 268 Gr. Hornady HPBT with real good results using R-15 and a CCI primer in my military brass. I'm down to fine tuning it now, then it's off to the civilian brass. Good luck with the lead. I've been working on trying to find a load for 115 Gr. lead but nothing so far. I'm about ready to quit the 115 Gr. and try a 170 Gr. lead, both gas checked.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I've never tried any Varget, and do have some 748 but keep it set aside for the .30-30. So far, the H4895 has worked fine for me in several calibers...

The beauty of H4895 is you can down load it a lot, if that is what you want to do. Hodgdon says you can use the 60% rule with any bullet they list and I am sure others work just as well.

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/H4895%20Reduced%20Rifle%20Loads.pdf

 

[Chief 101]

I'm really hoping to find a cheap bullet to shoot at a very mild velocity, maybe even lead with a gas check. It's for shooting targets at 50 and 100 yards. I will have fun playing around with this one.

for a lot of rifles I shoot I try to approach a load of this quality, usually cast with gas check. I have several molds to choose from but generally select a heavier one. For 308 W I use a 185gr mold with gc and 2400 powder...at about 1600fps, but 1300-2000fps works for me also. When I am selecting powders for these inexpensive loads I go to an old Lyman 'Cast Bullet Handbook" I have... of the several powders on hand I like 2400, 4227, Unique, SR475 and 4895(for the higher pressure stuff). I like hot primers and hard lead. While there are other powders suitable,maybe even better, this is what I have (most of which I purchased around 40 years ago). 308Win seems to be inherently accurate, almost everything I shoot out of my bolt gun shoots well(have had a few over the last several years). Have fun and good luck with your project. I found this article, hope it helps...
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/ammunition_st_practic308loads_201008/

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Thanks Chief that is some good information and a good article for exactly what I am doing.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The 308's are shooting better on the second outing, at least the start loads of H4895 and Varget and the Winchester 150gr factory loads. The reduced loads were terrible as was the start load with W748. The gun seems to like near full power factory loads better than the reduced loads. Lots to work on in the future. I will try some heavier bullets pretty soon.

These targets were at 50 yards with start loads of H4895 and Varget. The factory ammo was 4 shots into a quarter. I also had one round that would not chamber? It was a nickel plated case that I sized and loaded. All the others were fine.

 

[greenmtnguy]

Even though this is a ruger forum, I've been contemplating a Mossberg Patriot in 308.
How do you like the rifle so far, and, have you made any adjustment to the trigger?

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Even though this is a ruger forum, I've been contemplating a Mossberg Patriot in 308.
How do you like the rifle so far, and, have you made any adjustment to the trigger?

I have the compact version and regret not getting the full sized model. The stock doesn't seem to have enough drop, it hits my ear muffs and I have to cant my head to shoot and the LOP is a little short for me. (duh). The gun seems to work great though. The magazines (I bought an extra) work good, and after about 50 rounds it is very accurate. The butt pad makes shooting comfortable and I especially like the floated barrel on a good walnut stock. It is a pretty rifle. The trigger set from the factory is perfect for me and is by far the best I have. I did notice the chamber has a very long lead. Meaning a bullet has to be set way out to touch the rifling. That is not a problem just something good to know. For an inexpensive rifle I give it **** (four stars).

 

[Rumrunner]

I have had good luck with Rem CoreLok's and Hornady SST's in my 308's. I use H-4895 because it works well not only in 308, but my 45/70's and 223 as well. The above bullets won't break the bank.

 

[oldreliable45120]

Try some IMR-4064 and a good 168 match bullet. Get 10 shot groups of 1/2" or less in my Sako TRG, FN-SPR-A2, and my Kimber Advanced Tactical (just sold it). Gadget is also an excellent powder. Use to use 4895 but the 4064 was better.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

The .308 , like most modern cartridges, seem to shoot at their best when loaded up to near maximum. I just continue to increase the charge by .5 gr and test. Stop when groups no longer improve or ANY pressure signs are noted. The 165 gr. boattail spitzer style being my favorite hunting bullet.