I would like to start reloading match grade ammunition. What is a good source for reloading recipes and such?
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I would like to start reloading match grade ammunition. What is a good source for reloading recipes and such?
Reloading manuals and then the range. Snipers Hide has an myriad of cartridges and member recipe contributions. Where in Texas?
The "staying power" of the .308 Winchester
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/prac...6bc2507e4692bf
Old School .308 Winchester Match Loads
308 Winchester load development: Sierra 168 gr. MatchKing with IMR 4064 and VARGET
https://rifleshooter.com/2016/12/308...64-and-varget/
The Nosler reloading manual lists " most accurate load tested in their manuals and Sierra lists accuracy loads. Every rifle seems to like something different but I have found these sources to be a good place to start.
Dan Newberry as mentioned above has a good site on load development.
Easy bullet to tune is the 168 gr Sierra Matchking and it's younger sibling the 168 gr Tipped Matchking.
Varget powder is very popular for a reason. Start at 41 and work up to 45 gr in 0.5gr or 0.3gr increments.
Learn to read pressure signs... (primers can't be trusted on their own to read pressure signs)
https://www.primalrights.com/library...nding-pressure
That link is one of the best in explaining pressure signs.
There really is no shortcut in finding the most accurate load for your rifle, but sometimes we can get lucky. If you just want to try one load to see how it shoots, make sure it's nowhere near any reloading manual's Max charge weight. If most manuals state that minimum for Varget is 40gr and Maximum is 45, don't load more than 42.5gr. with out going up incrementally.
Different rifles have different Maximums. The variables are many, from brass make, powder lot, bullet lot, primers, COAL, chamber specs and outside temperature are the main variables.
Never assume it's safe with out working up incrementally.
All manuals have how to sections that are a must read for beginners.
Like others stated, look up OCW method and the Audette Ladder method is another way if you have access to 300+ yards.
Hodgdon: http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/rifle
Nosler: https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/308-winchester/
I also like the Hodgdon Handloading Annual (printed magazine format).
As far as technique - Handloader Magazine (and decades of back issues) covers the tricks and techniques for eeeking out accuracy.
https://www.wolfeoutdoorsports.com/b...loader-issues/
You can poke through the indexes and find goodies like Ken Water's Pet Loads by caliber or articles on technique.
I never met a .308 yet that would not shoot 168 SMK's over Varget. There may be better loads for certain barrels but that combo seems to work in every gun
Can't argue with that... it's a great back-up load for me. No matter what I try, though, I always wind up back at 168's over 4064. My 10T & M1A both eat that combo up.Quote:
Originally Posted by SCdawg
168’s over 4064 match up with Federals GMM...
I just started reloading myself and for me .308 was an easy process and got to some loads very quickly using 175gr SMKs and Varget. Out of a Tikka CTR 20" barrel, I got to over 2600fps with no pressure signs and no sticky bolt or anything. I only noticed some marks at 2740fps and 45gr and that was my last load on .308 before jumping onto 6.5 which is becoming a pain in the ass but I assume that's because I'm not using what must be the holy grail of 6.5 powder in H4350. I was told by everyone to get Varget if possible and that's probably why I got great results so fast. I was only after 2600fps with 175s out of the 20" barrel. I regularly shoot to 1200yds with that gun and 175s so I was looking to stretch it to 1400yds.
Again, I just started and my first .308 powder was Varget and haven't tried anything else, didn't see the need to. Good luck but I'm sure people here will set you on the right path, they're already helping me and I've learned a lot in just a couple of days of following their advice.
I have shot some very tiny groups with this combination in an older Savage FP. 4064 works great in the .308Win.and my Milsurp 3006's. I think Varget only bests it because you don't need to tweak the pressures to compensate with temperature changes.Quote:
Originally Posted by lonestardiver
OCW dannewberry
https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/prac...6bc2507e4692bf
All Winchester brass. Reduce by .4 grains if using Lake City, or Federal brass. Reduce by .3 grains if using Lapua brass.
155 grain Sierra Matchking (or any comparable 155 grain match bullet)
45.6 grains of IMR 4895
or
46.5 grains of Varget, IMR 4064, or W748
there is a high node with Varget at about 47.8 grains (Nosler's max is 48 grains).
168 grain Sierra Matchking (or any comparable 168 grain match bullet)
43.6 grains of IMR 4895 (my all time favorite accuracy load)
or
44.5 grains of Varget or IMR 4064 or W748
there is a high node with Varget at or near 46 grains, Hodgdon's max...
or
39.0 grains of IMR 3031 (slower, but very accurate to 300 yards, a great close range tactical load).
175 Sierra Matchking
43.5 Varget, or 45.0 Varget (high node, be careful).
or
42.4 grains IMR 4895
or
43.4 grains of IMR 4064 (high node)
42.2 grains of IMR 4064 (low node)
or
43.5 grains of RL15
With 178 AMAX (Hornady)
42.0 grains IMR 4895
or
43.1 grains of Varget
or
43.0 grains of IMR 4064 (high node)
41.8 grians of IMR 4064 (low node)
or
43.1 grains of RL15
190 grain Sierra Matchking
40.9 grains of IMR 4064
200 grain Sierra Matchking
40.2 grains of IMR 4064
These load recipes are approximate (but very close) to where the accuracy nodes are. Work up from a grain or two below, to be safe.
www.BANGSTEEL.com
Practical Long Range Rifle Training... OCW handload consulting...
Let's leave the name calling in grade school where it belongs.
Sierra or Nosler 168grn BTHP with IMR4064... both in my 10T and my 99F. Pretty hard to go wrong with those as a starting point.