Axis .308 reloads

[Remingtonman]

I just got a savage axis in .308 and am currently waiting on my reloading dies to get here. I was wondering if any of you guys on here have any load data for a factory axis in .308 and what type of bullets work best for this gun. I will be rebarreling in the future with a mcgowan or shilen but until now Im just trying to find the best load and what shoots most accurately out of a stock axis in .308. Thanks for any advice.

[sixonetonoffun]

Really need to know brass and bullets to be used. I get a good load using Winchester brass, br-2 primers, imr4064 with 165-168gr bullets. Best node was 41.5-41.8 the other was 44.5-44.8 slightly less accurate but velocity was more inline with factory offerings.

[LoneWolf]

308 is extremely easy to load for long range use. I based my reloads off the M118LR; Lake City Brass, CCI# 200 Primer, 44grs of IMR 4064 (worked up from 42grs), and 168 Nosler Custom Comps, or 175gr SMKs or Nosler CC's. I'd imagine this same data will work in most 308's with the load worked up in .5 Grain increments. I hadn't fine tuned my load as I ran out of time before I deployed, but it's a pretty solid combination in most cases with the heavier projectiles.

If you go on the Hodgon website there is a mess of reloading data for 308 for just about every weight class projectile and powder you can use in a 308. That is where I'd start if looking outside of a manual.

[sixonetonoffun]

Some manuals you might miss the lower node. ie I started with Remington brass with a lower case capacity and the first couple sources started above the lower node. Though when I switched to Winchester commercial brass I had to increase the load to reach the same node and to get enough pressure to prevent sooting at the neck. But heck yes easy tuning and lots of data to work with.

[Remingtonman]

Ok thanks for the info. What kind of groups are the norm for the axis .308's that you guys are shooting?

[wbm]

The M118LR load is 41.7gr IMR4064 and uses the 175gr Sierra Match King.

[thermaler]

Ok thanks for the info. What kind of groups are the norm for the axis .308's that you guys are shooting?
http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s388/triggerpull/LRXt_zps41bd239c.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/triggerpull/media/LRXt_zps41bd239c.jpg.html)LRX 175
http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s388/triggerpull/silvertipT_zps73e45d12.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/triggerpull/media/silvertipT_zps73e45d12.jpg.html)BST 150

[Tempest]

If 1/10 twist, here was most accurate load so far in my 10BA. Note, this was the low node as was perfect for 600 yard F/TR.

42.6g IMR 4064
Fed 210 primer
Win brass
175 SMK

.020" jump in my gun.

[Remingtonman]

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s388/triggerpull/LRXt_zps41bd239c.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/triggerpull/media/LRXt_zps41bd239c.jpg.html)LRX 175
http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s388/triggerpull/silvertipT_zps73e45d12.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/triggerpull/media/silvertipT_zps73e45d12.jpg.html)BST 150


Nice groups there. What type of 150 gr where you shooting in the bottom pict? I just reloaded some 150gr hornady sst's for my axis. Cant wait to see how she shoots them.

[thermaler]

Nice groups there. What type of 150 gr where you shooting in the bottom pict? I just reloaded some 150gr hornady sst's for my axis. Cant wait to see how she shoots them.Nosler silver ballistic tip 150 gr spitzer. This is a "cinderella" load that my axis loves. My gun--or should I say formerly my gun since I just sold it--for the most part shoots 165 to 175 gr bullets best. But for some reason that I don't understand--this bullet is amazingly accurate out of my gun driven by RL15 while other 150 gr bullets are not so good. The bullet has a lubricant coating called lubalox--though it's not a moly coating, maybe that has something to do with it. Best shooting bullet I've ever had go through my axis 308.

[pinsnscrews]

.308 Axis, trigger spring trim job. NO OTHER WORK DONE ON RIFLE!
BSA 3-16x40 IR Scope, Weaver rings
125gr Nosler Accubond, 43gr IMR4895
Winchester "7.62" brass
Winchester WLR primer
100 yards
Shooting rest

5th shot was called flyer (wind gust)
4 shot group measured less than .850 center to center (.542 MOA)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c167/wyckedflesh/IMG_1469_zps90a1a173.jpg