Looking for 2800fps in .308

[aka:Cliff]

Hi,

I'm trying to duplicate a Magtech load in .308.

They run a 150gr bullet and a 91/2 Primer but no powder data. (special blend)
Stated 2800 fps, and I get the best accuracy with them.

Wondering if anyone's loaded to this?



I'm using a short barrel Hog Hunter with a Smith Ent. Brake on it.

Thanks,

[earl39]

check it out http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp lots of loads will go to 2800 with the 150gr bullet.

[aka:Cliff]

No data @ 200 yds yet btw.

Thanks Earl.

I guess a good nights sleep helps.
Looking again at the data, I've been looking at the low side data and not further over at the max load.


/sigh

[CharlieNC]

Cliff I would not assume 2800 fps to be the magic ingredient to give you the best accuracy. I suggest you choose a proven powder such as Varget, 4064, RL15 and do a ladder / OCW test starting at 42.0 grains and work up in 0.3 increments to define the nodes for that combination in your barrel; then you will know for sure. Google "OCW" to obtain a full description of the procedure; it's simple and fast and gets you the most "bang for the buck". You should find a couple of nodes at approx 3% difference in powder so you can choose either the slower or faster one based on your needs for refinement.

[aka:Cliff]

Hi Charlie,

I've used the process before but will look at it again.

Thought I was doing good, but having a short barrel, and the muzzle jumping so much, I thought THAT was my accuracy issue.
It's a plastic stock (hate it) so it has no weight.

It has not been as fun to shoot as I would have thought, so far.

I just picked up some Varget but haven't emptied all the cases yet. ;)

[CharlieNC]

I have a couple of Choate Tactical stocks, one on 223 Hog Hunter and the other on 308. Like any good stock, they really make it more fun and easier to achieve consistency. I have a lightweight 308 Savage for hunting in a Boyds thumbhole stock, and it has worse recoil than my standard weight 300 win mag hunter so I know what you mean!

[aka:Cliff]

I'll have to look at those.

Thanks Charlie.

[LoneWolf]

44grs of IMR 4064 pushes 175 SMKs at 2700+ in a 26" barrel

[aka:Cliff]

44grs of IMR 4064 pushes 175 SMKs at 2700+ in a 26" barrel

I made the mistake of buying a short barrel. 20"

[LoneWolf]

Keep in mind that most factory loads are tested in a 24" barrel. So you're probably not getting 2800fps.

[aka:Cliff]

Keep in mind that most factory loads are tested in a 24" barrel. So you're probably not getting 2800fps.

INTERESTING you say that !!!

I've taken the cronograph out and check factory loads & all my reloads.
The FACTORY rounds are all at 2800 FPS, & my reloads loaded to 2800 FPS crono @ 27xx.

Go figure.
Have not been able to crono the magnum primer vs non- mag primer (same load) -Yet.

[memilanuk]

For my 20" 10PC-SR... a S155MK (2156) over 45.2gn I4895 in FGMM brass lit by a R9.5 primer would pretty consistently do ~2830fps, both according to the chrono (MagnetoSpeed) and elevation drop @ distance.

YMMV,

Monte

[aka:Cliff]

For my 20" 10PC-SR... a S155MK (2156) over 45.2gn I4895 in FGMM brass lit by a R9.5 primer would pretty consistently do ~2830fps, both according to the chrono (MagnetoSpeed) and elevation drop @ distance.

YMMV,

Monte

Good info, I've been using Winchester primers (with a few duds in various batches) I might just have to switch primers to the 9.5's.
-saying I can find them locally.

[The_Agent_]

You could also look at the Hodgdon superformance powder, I've heard of people getting crazy speeds outta it

[243LPR]

I don't think Superformance has loads listed for the 308. Try CFE223,it's fast in mine.

[6mmBR_Shooter]

That Magtech ammo never shot well for me out of any of the 3 308s I had. I used them for plinking ammo, because they were not good groupers at 100 and worse past that. I would think most anything you load up would group better than that.

What bullet are you planning on loading? A buddy has had decent results in his Garand with the Hornady FMJ cannalured bullets.

[aka:Cliff]

I'll look at both.

[aka:Cliff]

Hodgdon superformance is not for .308 from what I've found.

[aka:Cliff]

That Magtech ammo never shot well for me out of any of the 3 308s I had. I used them for plinking ammo, because they were not good groupers at 100 and worse past that. I would think most anything you load up would group better than that.

What bullet are you planning on loading? A buddy has had decent results in his Garand with the Hornady FMJ cannalured bullets.

Heh,
150gr, 168 right now.

I chuckle because it's what I can find around town.

[6mmBR_Shooter]

I would definitely consider buying mail order in bulk, to save you some cash. If you're only target shooting, check out Palma bullets. They are generally a little spendy, but they are in the weight range you want and are used out to 1,000yds in Palma matches. You may have an issue hitting 2,800fps safely in a shorter barrel.

I'm not reloading 308 right now, but Varget and RE-15 were good performers for me in the past.