Which powder would be better for the .308?

[DanSavage]

I have a lot of 168 grain bullets and I have a choice of IMR 4895 or Winchester 748. Any advice would be great, I couldn't find much data for the Win 748 with 168 grain bullets, but a ton of data for the 4895. I've heard that the 748 burns cooler and that would be a good thing for me shooting in match's.

[stangfish]

Seems I have heard that the 748 is not good for high temps. The powder is to be the same thing as BL-C2, so load data should be very comparable. If this information is correct the Winchester powder is a little more refined than the H BLC2 and the benefits where to be cooler burn like you stated.

The H4895 might be better for temp ranges than its sister IMR but you did not mention the availability. I am making the switch myself and will be experimenting with the H4895 soon. Good luck and keep us posted.

[psharon97]

My go to load for 168gr in 308 would be Accurate 4064 at 41g. It's a lighter load but gets the job done.

[stangfish]

My go to load for 168gr in 308 would be Accurate 4064 at 41g. It's a lighter load but gets the job done.

I agree with the 4064, Varget and R15 getting the job done at or near 41 gr. My understanding was powder availability.

[Gary paugh]

43.6grs of 4895 is a great load it matches the FGMM load.

[DanSavage]

My order of accurate 2495 should be here any day, it's supposed to fall between the H and IMR 4895. Hopefully that works because i've only have a couple pounds of Varget and 1 lb. of Rel-15 left.

[darkker]

748 isn't cranky in the heat. I have loved 748 in my 308 for a decade. Of the other powder you listed, 4895 will work in A TON of cartridges.
There is no "good or Bad" just choices, so make one.

[stomp442]

Imr 4064 has always worked great for me and have heard good things about 4895.

[scope eye]

Accurate arms 2520 is there camp "perry powder" I have used that with good results.

Dean

[390fe]

My Fourth Edition Hornady manual shows reloading data for Winchester 748 - 45.8 grains is the maximum listed load for the 168 grain boat tail hollow point match bullet - 2,700 fps.

I'm using Winchester 760 with good results.

[brtelec]

I have to agree with Darkker. Pick one and start rolling. I have used a lot of 4895 in a number of calibers and it was very accurate for me in my .308. I have since switched to RL-15 because I had a problem finding 4895 in the current availability and someone sold me 3 lbs. of RL-15. I have not seen any difference in accuracy after working up a load for it.

[scope eye]

H4895 is like they adjustable wrench of powders, few powders cover such a wide gamut.

Dean

[davemuzz]

Scope Eye and I seem to often post to the same threads, and most times I agree with his post. It's not that I disagree with his recommendation of H4895, but for my Savage .308 that has long turned into something else, and my Winchester M-88 Lever, a 150gr. bullet and Varget was always the powder that gave the best groups. Oh, those 150gr bullets also killed anything that I pulled the trigger on and sent 'em on their merry way.

DAve

[DanSavage]

Well, I ended up finding a 5 lb. jug of Reloder 15 at a local store here. Reloder 15 has been working rather well, Ive settled on a light load of,

40.7 gr. Reloder 15
168 Hornady BTHP
Lapua brass
Fed 210 match primer
.016 jump

[stangfish]

Dan the hornadys are going on suspension at the factory. Check into noslers or if you cant find any PM me I might have a SMK solution for you.

[DanSavage]

Dan the hornadys are going on suspension at the factory. Check into noslers or if you cant find any PM me I might have a SMK solution for you.

Yeah, I heard that about the Hornady bullets too, I have about 700 of the 168's and 100 of the 178 BTHP bullets left. I've been shooting them in a 10fp in a Bell&Carlson Varmint Tactical stock with a ER Shaw SS varmint barrel. Weaver 1 piece base and 6 hole tactical rings 1 " for the Tasco 10-40x50 varmint scope.

I'm waiting on a new .308 Shilen select match SS S8 bull at 26" 10 twist I ordered from the Barrel Man and have been waiting 12 weeks now and that was what I was quoted so I should be getting close. I'm looking at the Night Force scopes NXS series with up to 32 power but can't decide on the reticle. Also the Night force competition scope is not out of the question with up to 55 power. Spending over 2 grand on a scope is a big comitment but I'll get a lot of enjoyment out of it for many many years.
See the goal is too get 2 ten shot groups both at half MOA. Most of the guys at the local 200 yard F class may get around 20 X's with the very best shooter's with 6 ppc's and 6 br's 30 + X's with 40 X's being a perfect score.

I just got in a box of 500 168 gr sierra match kings that I'm saving for the new barrel. If I could just order what I really wanted that has proven to be most consistent and accurate load it would be Varget powder 175 SMK's Lapua brass and what ever primer works best, I've had really good results with CCI and Federal's Match and regular also the CCi#34 military spec mag primer.

[stangfish]

As long as you got some.

[243LPR]

Varget is one of their "extreme" powders and isn't temp sensitive,works great year round. I always run my varmint loads on the hot side and in the summer it can get quite warm,reduces the chance of over pressure problems.

[JCalhoun]

Dan,

Just a heads up that the 168gr SMK are not stable beyond 700y. Most LR competitions don't allow them.

That does not apply the 168gr Bergers or Noslers.

[DanSavage]

Dan,

Just a heads up that the 168gr SMK are not stable beyond 700y. Most LR competitions don't allow them.

That does not apply the 168gr Bergers or Noslers.

Yeah, I figured the 168's are good enough for the 300 yard F class shoots, and my standard overall preference match load is a Win. case, 44 grain Varget or IMR 4064 , and 175 grain SMK. I get 2650 with the Varget, but never chrono'd the 4064. The 4064 shoots 2700+ in my friend's 26" barrel though and it is real accurate.

I've been backing off on the loads shooting in the medium level lately because I want to be gentle on my new Lapua brass.LOL:laser: