.308 Loads with RL-15

[abrasivereshaping]

Hello Everyone,

I finally got some more time at the range and test my current handloads.

Here is my load data for my Savage 10FCP .308 24" barrel 1:10 twist


Brass: Winchester (New)

Primers: Federal Gold Match GM210

Powder: Alliant Reloader 15 @ 44.0 gr

Bullets: Sierra Matchking 168gr and 175gr

Sierra Matchking 168gr & 175gr bullets installed to 2.232 to the ogive (approx 2.810" Overall length)

FYI: Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr measure 2.222 to the ogive, give or take a few thousands.

Chronographed records today 8/22/2012

2598 FPS for 168gr Sierra Matchking 44.0gr RL-15 powder
2559 FPS for 175gr Sierra Matchking 44.0gr RL-15 powder

Do these seem low for the amount of RL-15 I'm using? I was thinking they were moving a bit faster, but the chrono told the story.

Federal Gold Medal Match box ammo 168gr Chrono @ 2661 FPS

At 100yds with my handloads I will say 5 shot group overall averages are .750-.875" and very consistent.

However with the FGMM 168gr I have done 5 shot groups on many occasions, that are .500-.687" in size. However I have more flyers that open up the groups, ruining a nice run.


So the BIG question is...do you think I should up the powder charge more to equal the FGMM since that gives me the tightest group for my gun???

AM I BLOWING HOT AIR???!!!

I want to try my hand at 600yd F-Class style competition this year, we have a few coming up before the snow flys. It looks like a lot of fun.

Thanks for your help everyone,

[scope eye]

If you want to run hotter loads, Check the head space I have been checking factory settings and they are looser than I prefer.

Tanks Dean

[Curtis12]

In my 10FP I found that with RL15 42gr was best accuracy in my gun with the 168 SMK's, and 43gr was a hot load (not stuck bolt or blown primers hot, just flat primers and as hot as I felt was safe)
I have a 20" barrel and was getting 2458 w/ 42gr and 2584 w/ 43gr.

Curtis

[abrasivereshaping]

In my 10FP I found that with RL15 42gr was best accuracy in my gun with the 168 SMK's, and 43gr was a hot load (not stuck bolt or blown primers hot, just flat primers and as hot as I felt was safe)
I have a 20" barrel and was getting 2458 w/ 42gr and 2584 w/ 43gr.

Curtis

Hmmmm...did you ever chrono any FGMM 168gr.

[Curtis12]

No, only handloads in this rifle. I currently run Varget, 41gr to 42gr nets me 2450 - 2550 and that works pretty well in my gun. I typically only run this gun out to 400 meters, so the lower velocities I get with the shorter barrel are not too much of an issue. If I need to go faster or farther I go to my 6.5x284.

Curtis

[Billch]

I just put a new barrel on my F/TR. Today was the first time out with it.
RL-15 has always been a good performing powder for me in the .308. Keep in mind that this is a 30"er.
The last time I chrono'd this load I was getting about 2650 (old factory barrel). I have run mine up to 45gr. of Varget and RL-15, no pressure signs (in my rifle). RL-15 at 43.1 gr. just shoots the 175 MK better. Your MV sounds about right for that much powder.

B

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy192/Billerator/FTR/th_FTR175MK200.jpg (http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy192/Billerator/FTR/FTR175MK200.jpg)

[Curtis12]

Hmmmm...did you ever chrono any FGMM 168gr.

I finally had the opportunity to chrono some FGMM 168's out of my .308 10FP 20" barrel.

High 2618
Low 2576
Ave 2599
Ext Spr 42.37
Std Dev 13.45

Curtis