Accurate 308 speeds

[Bdubose]

Just acquired a new Tika T3x Lite in 308 - my first in that caliber.
It shoots Sierra Match Kings 168 grain sub MOA at 2596 FPS.

When we loaded a ladder test we were flying a bit faster than that.

For those with experience in 308 bolt guns - what speed are you shooting? 2600 feels slow to me, but I normally shoot a 7 mag.

 

[huntinghuasna]

I run 124g Hammer Hunters at ~ 3,115 fps out of a Kimber 84m Hunter. Factory Federal Premium with 150g TTX's fly @ 2,866 fps.

 

[Tank308]

Nosler 168 ablr. Factory Ammo Shoot 2700
Out of my 24" barrel.

 

[Steves1911]

I get 2550 with 18" tube and 168gr and 2590 with a 20". I've pushed faster but that's where I found accuracy.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

If you want to flatten the trajectory a bit; I'm getting 3,130 ft/sec with Barnes 130 TTSX and 3,200 ft/sec with the 124gr Hammers.

I've found that Hodgdon's Benchmark to be the perfect powder for case volume, velocity and accuracy. Few other powders worked well for me with these light .308 bullets.

 

[DoneNOut]

2600fps for 168gr 308 22" Tikka is right where you should be with factory match ammo. All the match ammo I've shot in 20" 308 ran 2500-2580. My fastest hand load was 2665.

 

[DoneNOut]

I get 2550 with 18" tube and 168gr and 2590 with a 20". I've pushed faster but that's where I found accuracy.

I'm getting same with my gas gun 18". 42gr H4895, 43gr IMR4895, 42.5 IMR4064. 2570 with the IMR4895.

 

[jraulsten]

2675 with 165 SGK in 24" Rem 5R Mil Spec. 44 grains of Varget and shoots consistent .3s.

 

[DoneNOut]

If you want to flatten the trajectory a bit; I'm getting 3,130 ft/sec with Barnes 130 TTSX and 3,200 ft/sec with the 124gr Hammers.

I've found that Hodgdon's Benchmark to be the perfect powder for case volume, velocity and accuracy. Few other powders worked well for me with these light .308 bullets.

IMR 3031 possibly?

 

[xsn10s]

Just acquired a new Tika T3x Lite in 308 - my first in that caliber.
It shoots Sierra Match Kings 168 grain sub MOA at 2596 FPS.

When we loaded a ladder test we were flying a bit faster than that.

For those with experience in 308 bolt guns - what speed are you shooting? 2600 feels slow to me, but I normally shoot a 7 mag.

Depending on your barrel/ load that's probably close to right. My 24" PSS can get over 2800 fps with 168 gr SMK, Nosler CC, or Berger. But most loads are around 2750 fps.

 

[xsn10s]

It seems like your Tikka would be a 20" barrel? If so then I wouldn't be put off with a new barrel shooting those velocities. I'd just break it in and test the velocities again after a 100 or 200 rounds. It could speed up some after breaking in.

 

[DoneNOut]

It seems like your Tikka would be a 20" barrel? If so then I wouldn't be put off with a new barrel shooting those velocities. I'd just break it in and test the velocities again after a 100 or 200 rounds. It could speed up some after breaking in.

Factory specs say 22.4" barrels on these.

 

[xsn10s]

Factory specs say 22.4" barrels on these.

Yeah I thought I saw one at 20". Thanks for clearing it up. I'd still be okay at 2590 fps while breaking in. When I first started loading for my PSS even with it's 24" barrel my 168 SMK accuracy load was around 2500 fps just off the lands.

 

[DoneNOut]