Lighter weight, faster 308 win load

adams

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Jan 22, 2021
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california
Anyone have a good load worked up for a light faster load in a 308win? I currently had a good load with 165gr Barnes tsx with 45 gr of Varget going 2750fps. I just got a new 300 Norma mag which is a beast and for the time being I'm stuck with the 308 for a smaller CA deer gun. Looking to drop down to 150ish gr or less, lead free (thanks CA) to gain some speed.
 
Anyone have a good load worked up for a light faster load in a 308win? I currently had a good load with 165gr Barnes tsx with 45 gr of Varget going 2750fps. I just got a new 300 Norma mag which is a beast and for the time being I'm stuck with the 308 for a smaller CA deer gun. Looking to drop down to 150ish gr or less, lead free (thanks CA) to gain some speed.
The 124 HH should be your friend.
 
Anyone have a good load worked up for a light faster load in a 308win? I currently had a good load with 165gr Barnes tsx with 45 gr of Varget going 2750fps. I just got a new 300 Norma mag which is a beast and for the time being I'm stuck with the 308 for a smaller CA deer gun. Looking to drop down to 150ish gr or less, lead free (thanks CA) to gain some speed.
Barrel twist? If you have the right twist, check out the high BC 150g BD2 (G1 .515/G7.264 - https://badlandsprecision.com/product/308-150gr-bulldozer-2/).

Here's a link to your lead-free bullet options https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/lead-free-bullet-compilation.290864/
 
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I am running 130 Barnes at 3100 fps using 4895 powder and CCI 250 primers in WW brass. I can get them to 3200 an still not see pressure signs.The 150 grain run 3000 fps, same powder etc. The NULA rifle I shoot them out of has a 21" barrel and is still as fast as a couple of my 24" barreled 308s.
 
I am running 130 Barnes at 3100 fps using 4895 powder and CCI 250 primers in WW brass. I can get them to 3200 an still not see pressure signs.The 150 grain run 3000 fps, same powder etc. The NULA rifle I shoot them out of has a 21" barrel and is still as fast as a couple of my 24" barreled 308s.
Those velocities are impressive! I'm only getting a hair over 2600fps out of a 20" with the 168 Amax and IMR4895. I may need to look at some of the lighter offerings to pick up some speed!
 
Tagging in here. I've been considering loading some 125 ballistic tips or accubonds for my dad's short barreled 308. He can't shoot past 150 yds so I was thinking about cranking up the fps. His old corelocks are accurate enoughfor that range and he hasn't lost a deer but last year it took the help of a dog to find the deer 200yds away because there was no blood trail.
 
If you're not needing to shoot a high quantity of bullets (eg hunting) do yourself a favor and at least look at Hammer Bullets page. They have a different bearing surface than a traditional bullet and the extra velocity you get out of them is crazy. Their website will tell you experienced handloaders only though because you can't just pull up a standard 120gr load data and use it. So definitely start low and work up. I believe they even say you need a faster than normal burning powder for the cartridge you're loading for.
 
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I was running 155 ELDm's with H4895 and was getting 2880-2900 out of a 20" Bartlein. Hammer hunter's were previously mentioned, I would definitely give those a go if I were starting over.
 
Here is a test target I shot just after I bought the NULA many years ago. Notice the variety of powders, Varget and 4895, bullets 130 Barnes and 150 Hornady, and velocities. Once I picked the loads I ahve never had to adjust the scope in 14 years. Target squares are 1/2" on a side.

 
Barrel twist? If you have the right twist, check out the high BC 150g BD2 (G1 .515/G7.264 - https://badlandsprecision.com/product/308-150gr-bulldozer-2/).

Here's a link to your lead-free bullet options https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/lead-free-bullet-compilation.290864/
I think it's just a 1:10, 18" proof. That's an awesome bc for a 150gr. Thank sir I'll check those out. I've loaded lots of hammer bullets and they are super easy to load but I've never looked into the badlands
 
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