Varget and the Sierra 165gr. HPBT

[Center Shot]

Guys, I am purchasing the new Ruger Gunsight Scout Rifle, in 308 Winchester. I would like to reload for it. I have settled on the Sierra 165gr. HPBT Gameking, and Hodgon Varget powder, Winchester brass, and CCI BR-2 primers.

I would like a good accurate moderate powered hunting load.

Could you help me out? I was thinking 43gr. of Varget, do you believe this is to be about right?

Thanks for your response!

 

[captacademy]

I shoot 43 grains of Varget with a 175 SMK's and 43.5 grains of IMR 4064 with a 168 SMK's, with Fed 210 M primers. They both shoot extremely well in my Rem 700 308 rilfe! My elevation is 5000 feet. I used these loads for tactical comp. (1/4" groups)

The 168 Berger VLD (Hunting) also shot well using 42.5 grains of Varget.

RL-15 with 45 grains also shoots very well with the 175 SMK's.

Work up slowly!

 

[boomtube]

"I have settled on the Sierra 165gr. HPBT Gameking, and Hodgon Varget powder, Winchester brass, and CCI BR-2 primers."

Enjoy your technicool rifle. You've settled on everything but power weigth and OAL; experiment. Our guesses won't be any more predictably accurate than yours.

 

[Center Shot]

Thanks for responding!

I know I said that I settled on Varget as my powder, but I have been doing some more research.

The Ruger Gunsight scout rifle has only a 16 1/2 inch barrel. To get maximum velocity would another faster burning powder be a better choice for such a short barrel? Or would it not make that much difference to worry about?

I would still like a accurate load. Thanks

 

[boomtube]

All else the same, the powder that obtains highest velocity in a 26" barrel will do the same in a 16" barrel. Muzzle blast would be different tho!

We would all like someone to give us an accurate load. Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. If I give you mine and you copied it you would only be loading for my rifle and that's not what you will be shooting; experiment.

 

[backwoods83]

For max speed and accuracy with that case, primer, bullet combo I think 47.5grns RE15 with a 2.825" oal but work up to it. With varget or 4064 at 2.825 max will be around 46grns.