Am I the only one shooting the 185 Bergers for .308?

[Galveston22]

I am suprised that the Berger 185 HPBT LR isnt more popular with all the guys shooting .308 on here. Seems like a .560 G1 BC would be a big advantage for the long range shooters.

I'm looking for some velocity numbers for this load.

185gr HPBT .308 Berger Long Range
Lapua neck sized brass
210m primer
42.2gr Varget
2.930" COAL

My guess puts it at 2500 2650 fps, but I got no chrono. I have a 1:10 24" barrel for reference. Surely, someone else has loaded this right?

[Balljoint]

I was shooting this bullet at the 2009 Savage Shoot in my FT/R 1/12 twist 30 inch barrel, shot real well but no velocity numbers as wasn't able to set up chronograph(no tripod)
Received a box of bullets from Berger to try out and report back, got them when i saw a post on another form for people to test bullets for them

[fastgixxerlv]

I think this was asked somewhere else but not sure? Snipershide?.. I have'nt tried the LR, but have some on the way. I have loaded the 185 target VLDs, but I'm also using reloader 17 and seated .010 jammed. Here are the numbers just in case it helps. It was 92 degrees this morning and no wind to speak of. 44gr. 2663fps, 44.5gr. 2680, 45gr. 2692, 45.5gr. 2715, 46.5 2745, 47gr. 2771. I only loaded to 47gr max and there was no signs of pressure. I did a second refined load but did not chrono it. At 47.1 there was still no sign of pressure. I'm using Hornady match brass and Remington 9.5 primers. Oh yeah... Savage 10 .308 24" factory barrel.
'

[Galveston22]

Thats really fast for such a heavy bullet.

[ThorBird]

I was wondering who was going to come forward with the RL17 Data. I am very impressed with the velocity out of a 24" barrel. Looks like I may have to look into some for my f/tr.

[fastgixxerlv]

I did a ladder test with the combo and it liked the higher velocity. I was starting to get sweaty hands hitting past 2700 but theres no signs of pressure at all. It could probably go to 48 grains max like on the Alliant website but I'm not gonna try. I'm still new and a little scared of compressed loads. This bullet is amazing at long ranges. I was gonna try the 208 amax when I can get my hands on it, but I think this is good enough for my rifle.

[tammons]

RL17 is the powder for heavy bullets in 308 and a lot of other calibers too.

I got 2560 with 208 gr amax bullets, new win brass, 2.9 col, 22" barrel and that was with the chrono about
10 yards from the gun. That is very close to a max load i my gun.

Got 2500 so far from the 338-06 with 250 gr gamekings.

Got a lot of speed with a 80 gr TTSX over RL17 in 243.
Very close to 3400 fps out of an 18" barrel.

[wbm]

Seems like a .560 G1 BC would be a big advantage for the long range shooters.

Seems like it to me too! ;D

[tammons]

I am mostly a fan of Bergers and scenars.
The most accurate bullets I have used.

The most popular long range cheap bullet for .308 right now seems to be the 208 gr amax
at $27 / 100.

Its cheap and has a .65 BC

[Galveston22]

Went to the range today to verify zero and shot this in the rain. I know its only a 3 round group, but thats all I needed to shoot. Still have no idea on velocity but it shoots good @ 100y at least. For reference the squares are 1" x 1" and the center dot is 0.75" in diameter.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4802/11191674.jpg

[Ernest]

Nope, I use them for F/TR out of my 28" Shilen. I'm getting good results with RL17 after reading German's write up on 6BR.com. The data below is from my Winchester. I did get some from my Savage, but it's invalid since the firing pin spring gave out and was getting inconsistent results, will re-test at a later date.

I'm trying out the 190 vld this weekend since I originally got the 185s for my M70 used in tactical type matches.

Chabot range 1_29_10
800 ft. elevation
55 Farenheit
30.04 inHg
69% humidity
26", 1:11, .308 match chamber
powder RL17 lot 02709
case Lapua lot 4PH7217
bullet Berger 185 gr. BT lot 2128

47.0 gr. WLR UKL382G 47.0 gr. Wolf 8-09

2635 2637
2632 2625
2652 2621

47.5 gr. WLR UKL382G 48.0 gr. Wolf 8-09

2657 2670
2679 2675
2669 2674
2672

48.0 gr. WLR UKL382G 48.0 gr. Wolf 11-09

2688 2685
2694 2700
2694 2683
2695 2671

[Galveston22]

I was able to shoot this load at 12" square plate at 550y today with another member on here and according to my dialed elevation (13.0" high at 100y) and jbm ballistics, it puts it right at 2650 fps. I also had 1.25" windage dialed for a 4mph crosswind. So my original velocity estimate was low. I will edit my original post to reflect the new data.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2471/dropy.th.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2471/dropy.jpg)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[kschilling]

That was some "fine" shooting today...... It's a completely different world past 100 yards........ Looking forward to the next round. We'll need to take out the wireless target cam and setup an F Class target next time.

[Galveston22]

Man, I had a blast today. Shooting paper at 100y just doesnt seem that fun anymore after you hear that "ping", especially hit after hit after hit. I watched the video when I got home, and now I know that when I thought you were missing the plate, you were actually smoking clay pigeons (at 550y) off to the left!!! Guess I need to load some more rounds.

[kschilling]

Yeah Brother... that was a good session. Wait till we dial you in on the 7 inch plate..... you'll get bored with that too and start shooting the broken pieces of clays! Just let me know when you're ready for the next trip!

[Galveston22]

I just ordered some more Bergers and filled out the CTSA membership form. I've got all my brass sized and cleaned, just need to load them and I will be ready.