.308 Hunting Load Development

[Gardien]

I set out to develop a elk hunting load for my .308. Below are the results of my test loads that I wanted to share with the forum. All were < 1.0 MOA. I found no obvious signs of over pressure.

Components:
180 gr SGK SPBT (#2160)
Once fired Federal case trimmed to 2.010"
Wolf Primer
COL 2.800"

Rifle:
Remy 700 XCR .308
20 inch 1:12 twist barrel

Conditions:
72 deg F
25% RH
7,979 ft ASL

Powder Amt (gr) 42.0 42.5 43.0 43.5
Powder Varget Varget Varget Varget
Velocity (fps) 2,576 2,665 2,735 2,761
STD (fps) 37.8 27.2 24.8 27.2
RSD (%) 1.5% 1.0% 0.9% 1.0%
Min (fps) 2,622 2,743 2,763 2,801
Max (fps) 2,536 2,558 2,703 2,728

 

[backwoods83]

Use 44.5grns of varget with cci br2 or fed210m primers and i'd opt for the accubond or interlock but that will get your speed up and your ES down. Wolff primers sometimes don't do so well when its real cold out.

 

[Nomad]

Give RL-17 a try it may surprise you as well as please you.
Load data on Alliant web site is on and work up........

 

[Gardien]

I wasn't looking for advice; just wanted to share my data.

 

[bobfriday]

Were the 43 gr and higher compressed loads?

 

[Gardien]

Hi Bob.

No. None of the loads were compressed and there were no signs of over pressure.

 

[bobfriday]

Interesting... I just loaded some 168 gr nosler ballistic tips in lapua brass and 43 gr of varget was compressed. I guess lapua has a smaller case cap than the brass you used.

 

[Gardien]

Yes it is. What length do you trim to? Also, what COL? I'm using Federal brass.

 

[bobfriday]

I trim to 2.005 and my col is 2.800. I'm looking into making an elk load, and am trying to decide between the 180 sgk or a 180 gr nosler accubond. With their very similar bc's it a tough choice.

 

[demented]

Frankly, I'm amazed at the velocities you obtained with a 180 from a 20" barrel.

 

[Johnboy]

43gn of varget is not a compressed load with a 165-8gn bullet even in Lapua brass. but 45gn is.