Starting loads for 308

[gnlvr22]

I'm getting ready to load some shells for my 308(1 in 11" twist). I'll be using Berger 168 Hunting VLDs. I would like to replicate the factory ammo that i have been shooting...Lapua Scenar 167 grain which is shooting well. So which powder and how much to get me in the neighborhood of 2690fps?
List of powders i have in the appropriate burn rate window...
XBR 8208
IMR 4064
Reloader 15
Varget
H380
H414
Lots of IMR 4350 but I'm thinking that it's too slow

 

[Darkker]

That factory ammo doesn't use canister grade powder, which is what you can buy. That velocity is certainly not a "starting load" for that bullet weight, that's near the max.
Pick up your load manuals and start reading for yourself.

 

[Bart B]

41 through 44 grains of IMR4064 under Sierra 168's won many matches setting several records. A grain less of IMR4895 did almost as well.

I wouldn't try for 2690 fps for a muzzle velocity unless you've got a 28" barrel.

What's most important; 2690 fps or best accuracy?

 

[Greyfox]

Starting loads of 42gr worked up a couple of grains of Reloader 15 or Varget using LR primers, with 165/168 gr bullets will produce velocities comparable to factory loads and superb accuracy.

 

[rcoody]

Starting loads of 42gr worked up a couple of grains of Reloader 15 or Varget using LR primers, with 165/168 gr bullets will produce velocities comparable to factory loads and superb accuracy.

I agree. Start at 42 and work up. I use both powders and the berger 168 classic hunter. its seems varget gives me better results in my rifle.

The lapua scenars are great target bullets. The lapua hunting bullets have a pretty poor BC.

 

[TOM H]

You have few powders that Berger list in their manual for 308 with 168gr Match/Hunting bullets

IMR-8208XBR start 37.5gr @ 2422fps and max of 41.5gr @ 2649fps

Varget start 38gr @ 2428fps and max of 42.5gr @ 2685fps

IMR-4064 start 38.5gr @ 2450fps and max 42.6gr @ 2688fps

R-15 start 40gr @ 2485fps and max 43.8gr @ 2738fps

H-414 start 42.5gr @ 2404fps and max 47.3gr @ 2686

Barrel they used was 24"

They had total of 21 powders list for their bullets

 

[alaska]

IMR 4064
180gr Part
42.0
WW brass

Federal uses IMR 4064 for Gold Medal Match ammo as well as Military sniper ammo.

 

[gnlvr22]

Thanks for all the info. I'm not really concerned about any velocity...I just know that the factory ammo shoots well with a similar BC bullet so I wanted to get in that neighborhood...(hopefully I wouldn't have to change my zero but I know that I'm not that lucky!). Looks like I'll work up some loads with 41-44 grains of 4064 and see what that does

 

[SidecarFlip]

Starting loads of 42gr worked up a couple of grains of Reloader 15 or Varget using LR primers, with 165/168 gr bullets will produce velocities comparable to factory loads and superb accuracy.

+100 on that (Varget). I never give load data on any forum but you did so it's all good. (I'm a bit past 42 grains but not much).....

Lets refine it a bit to 168 Bergers and appropriate jump with Federal LR or LRM primers. Lapua brass of course, bumped 0.0015 for my rifles.

I'm getting around 2650 with a Bartlien 26 light contour and excellent grouping at 200 yards.... How about one hole for 3 out of 5 on the bench consistently, with the 'flyers' less than 1/2" away. Thats with 2 different actions as well.

If I was the OP, I'd develop the jump according to the berger regimen with a moderate load for group and then crank it up....