Improving the 308 Win performance

[AZ82New]

I do agree that you can handload the 308 to surpass factory 30-06 ammo.

You can always handload the 30-06 and out perform the 308 by the same logic.

I played around with the badlands but didn't settle on it. Instead, I went the other direction with the 190 Speer impact at 2,650 using PP2000mr. That's out of a 20inch Sako barrel. I would consider that a legitimate Elk load out to 600+ yards.

The downside I found was that in order to get those higher velocities, you have to use less temp stable powders. Just taking those cartridges out of my air conditioned car and shooting them 15 minutes later in 100 plus degree Arizona heat, I was seeing velocities go up 30-50 fps. You would really have to keep an eye on pressures.

I would much prefer a loads that can get me good velocities with Varget or AR Comp. Or another caliber that can do it with any of the temp stable powders.

In the end. I settled on a 168 shooting 2,650 with Varget for the above reasons. That's probably more of a 400 yard elk load if you run the math and doesn't outperform a 30-06 at all.

 

[JAYgs8163]

So, the 150BD2 lists a minimum twist of 1:11. Pardon me for my ignorance, but does that mean a faster twist is okay or is the minimum going by the number? All of mine have 1:10. Very interested in this bullet when I get back to buying components again.

Good morning friend. The info I posted above was shot with a 10 twist. I also use it in 2 other 10 twist 308 rifles.

 

[USAFRet]

Good morning friend. The info I posted above was shot with a 10 twist. I also use it in 2 other 10 twist 308 rifles.

Outstanding! On my list when finances are better suited to purchase components. Also need to see if they have a mil discount. Thanks Jay.

 

[JAYgs8163]

I do agree that you can handload the 308 to surpass factory 30-06 ammo.

You can always handload the 30-06 and out perform the 308 by the same logic.

I played around with the badlands but didn't settle on it. Instead, I went the other direction with the 190 Speer impact at 2,650 using PP2000mr. That's out of a 20inch Sako barrel. I would consider that a legitimate Elk load out to 600+ yards.

The downside I found was that in order to get those higher velocities, you have to use less temp stable powders. Just taking those cartridges out of my air conditioned car and shooting them 15 minutes later in 100 plus degree Arizona heat, I was seeing velocities go up 30-50 fps. You would really have to keep an eye on pressures.

I would much prefer a loads that can get me good velocities with Varget or AR Comp. Or another caliber that can do it with any of the temp stable powders.

In the end. I settled on a 168 shooting 2,650 with Varget for the above reasons. That's probably more of a 400 yard elk load if you run the math and doesn't outperform a 30-06 at all.

I live in Az also and have similar concerns about temp/pressure spikes but have not run into them YET. That being said I'm planning on trying the 150 out with Varget and see when're it lands. I currently also run 45 grains of Varget with the 168 Amax/ELDX with no pressure signs using SRP brass.

 

[CaptainBLW]

My lab Radar says I am getting 2640fps out of my .308 24 inch 5r barrel with 47.5g of Mr2000 with a Hornady 208 Amax.
It is quite a hammer on Deer and Nilgai. I am at 100' elevation in Texas. Shoots .6 moa out to 300yds.

 

[22250imp]

This thread would be dedicated to ways to improve the performance of the 308 Win or the 7.62x51 mm cartridge without wildcatting the case. Experienced and innovative reloaders should find this interesting and are encouraged to participate. The 308Win is so versatile, inherently accurate and commonly used, and yet its performance in terms of MV, trajectory and speed is a bit mediocre. I am sure it can out perform the 3006. To start with I offer up my favorite hunting load I have used for the past 6/7 years in the 308Win. The 150 gr BD or BD2 with 49 gr of Leverevolution going 2920 fps from a 1:10, 20"Douglas barrel in a short action rifle. The same load from a 24" Bartlein 1:9 twist barrel goes 3050 fps. This load would be a pretty decent long range Elk load to 900 yds or so.

So I'm feeling like an idiot. Who is the BD and BD2 bullet?

 

[bamban]

My lab Radar says I am getting 2640fps out of my .308 24 inch 5r barrel with 47.5g of Mr2000 with a Hornady 208 Amax.
It is quite a hammer on Deer and Nilgai. I am at 100' elevation in Texas. Shoots .6 moa out to 300yds.

The velocity using 2000MR sounds right. Years ago I did a short ladder with 2000MR launching the 185 Juggernauts through my 308 M1 Garand. Range - 200.

Oehler chrono was used. I settled on 47.5. No chrono data on the 47.5, but note speed at 48.1.

 

[JAYgs8163]

So I'm feeling like an idiot. Who is the BD and BD2 bullet?

Badlands Precision Bulldozer bullets

 

[coop2564]

Science says it can't be better than the 30-06. And it just gets worse the heavier in bullet weight you go. It's a nice mid range Elk round.

 

[Charles Duke]

My JB LR308 with a 20 inch just loves 48.7 grs of varget pushing Nosler 150 BT. I would never imagined a semi-auto that could out perform my bolts. Pushing out at 3818 fps +-10, it hits at below moa very consistently. The upper is JB, mated to a 80 lower I did. No pressure issues except a blown primer about 1 out of 100.

 

[USAFRet]

The velocity using 2000MR sounds right. Years ago I did a short ladder with 2000MR launching the 185 Juggernauts through my 308 M1 Garand. Range - 200.

Oehler chrono was used. I settled on 47.5. No chrono data on the 47.5, but note speed at 48.1.

View attachment 489570

That's screaming with a 185.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

My JB LR308 with a 20 inch just loves 48.7 grs of varget pushing Nosler 150 BT. I would never imagined a semi-auto that could out perform my bolts. Pushing out at 3818 fps +-10, it hits at below moa very consistently. The upper is JB, mated to a 80 lower I did. No pressure issues except a blown primer about 1 out of 100.

Is this a typo? You mean 2818 right?

 

[greenejc]

My JB LR308 with a 20 inch just loves 48.7 grs of varget pushing Nosler 150 BT. I would never imagined a semi-auto that could out perform my bolts. Pushing out at 3818 fps +-10, it hits at below moa very consistently. The upper is JB, mated to a 80 lower I did. No pressure issues except a blown primer about 1 out of 100.

blown primers are pressure issues. They are pressure issues every time they happen.

 

[Shane Lindsey]

blown primers are pressure issues. They are pressure issues every time they happen.

Or worse...a charging handle through the face...