308 advice

[Matt_G]

My .308 absolutely loves 42.5 grs. of IMR 4064 with the 168 gr SMK.
Fed 210M primers.
Winchester brass
.010 jump to the lands.

[bgoldhunter]

In my 308 with 168gr SMKs, I am running 46gr of Varget. Accuracy was darn good from 44.5gr on up to my current load, with 46gr just slightly better for me. Be sure to work up to this load, as it is fairly hot.

With 175 SMKs, I am using 44.5 gr of Varget. OAL is also 2.810 if I recall correctly.

Loading both in Winchester brass right now until it wears out, then switching to Lapua brass (and backing off the load accordingly).

[docopac]

Just remember though that what may produce tight groups for some rifles may not work as well in your rifle.

What I do when I get a new rifle is load 3 rounds each of differing powder charges in 1/2 grain increments. Then I place a target at 25 yards and shoot the 3 rounds at it, then switch to another target for the next 3 rounds and so on and so on. You will see your groups get smaller as you aproach the optimum charge for your gun and bullet weight that you have chosen. Then you will see the groups get larger again as you leave that optimum charge. This narrows it down for you but now you start over and load from the 1/2 grain below what looks like the optimum to 1/2 grain over the optimum charge in 1/10 grain increments and go back to the range and do it all again. This time the spread in groupings won't be as pronounced but try to pick the best one and load some bullets. go to the range again and sight in at 100 yards and see how tight you can hold your group then move out to 200......300.....+ what ever you are wanting to shoot at.

Keep in mind that different powders may also influence the groups. as has been stated here Varget and IMR powders are both good choices.

Get yourself a reputable loading manual from the bullet manufacturer you wish to use and approach the max loads with a great deal of caution! look for presure indicators as you work your way through the loads and if you see signs of over presure stop and disassemble the higher charged bullets ASAP.

I hope this helps.
Doc

[Buffalobob]

I am not sure what it is that you want to do with the rifle but the 168 SMK goes subsonic at about 900 - 950yards. The 175 SMK will make it past 1000 yards unless you have a light load and or a short barrel.

[eddybo]

Wow, you guys are getting 46gr of varget in a case w/o any pressure problems what brass are you using? With Lapua brass and CCI primers 44.6 is my max summer load. I worked up a load for another member here a couple weeks back and ran into pressure signs right at 46gr. I havent used any brass other than lapua in the 308 since I started using varget, but would suggest starting a little lowerer than 46gr if your using lapua brass. If your using win brass that is probably right in line. I tell everyone if your 308 will not shoot 168s with 45gr of varget into little bitty holes the gun is broke.
I used to use RL 15 before I tried varget, and it worked well also, just not quite as wide of a load window it seems.