RCPO, I just recently bought a Browning A-bolt II in 308Win and I looked at the manual data and thought I would try some IMR4064 with Speer 165BTSP in Win brass. I started 1 grain over the listed start load and worked up in .5 grain increments with 4 rounds at each charge weight. My start load was the only load that showed any promise at all. I was shooting in a moderate cross wind and pulled on shot and it was 1/2" left of the other three which went through one ragged hole. I am pleased with the accuracy, and though I didn't run these over a chronograph I know they have to be on the slow side of velocity. I don't think I am going to fret over the speed as I don't plan on shooting at extreme long range with this caliber. I chose 4064 because it was shown to be able to reach the higher velocities while keeping the pressure in check! Yeah, whatever....
I've had some real good results so far with the CFE 223. When I get my loads worked up I'll post some more info. I shooting a 20" barrel with a 1 in 10 twist. I'm getting great velocity with this powder and 168/175 grain bullets.
Cool, I'll let you know what I find out. I have the Savage Model 10 Precision Carbine, and my neighbor has the Remington SPS Tactical. We are both developing loads right now so we have a side by side comparison. Mine is completely stock and all he has done to his is bed the stock and reinforce it with some full length treaded rods. He also has a 1 in 12 twist.Good, I hope you keep us informed. I am researching 20" barrel 308's now, likely to go with Remington. I noticed the new Hodgdon book/mag. shows great velocities for this powder with 168-175 gr. bullets. Sometimes reality doesn't mesh with new data, so I look forward to your results.
RC, with the 168 grain Amaxes I loaded up 3, five round sets of 46.5, 47, 47.5 grains. The most accurate load was with the 47gr grain charge. The speed going from 47 grains to 47.5 was only about 20fps. I think that is do to the shorter barrel. The jump from 46.5 to 47 was like 60fps. I plan on working off to the 47grains up and down by one grain increments to see where the best accuracy is. I'm using new Winchester brass, and WLR primers. I haven't seen any pressure signs yet.Deny how many grns you running
I had a few spare minutes to day ran out and tried 48 grns of CFE and the speed was really great the average was 2837 with a SD of 7 fps
After running through the chrono I shot 4 5 shot groups shot One(third one) was one hole and the others where around a inch no better groups where very eratic..
Think Ill load up several backing off by .2 grains down to 47 and see if things settle in.
Retiredcpo