12bvss in 308

[jon8777]

I am looking for pet load data for a Hornady A-max in the 155-168 grain bullet. I have Varget, 4350 and 748 on the shelf.

I am looking to set this up as a hunting round, but also have the accuracy for 300 and 500 yard shoot that the local gun club puts on once a month. I know they are better bullets for the club shoots, but I want to have one load, one universal bullet and one ballistics chart for the gun.

I want to get this round to be at or below 3/4" moa, I have other Savages that meet or exceed this when I do my part.

What are your guys suggestions?

Thanks

[Texas Solo]

I can tell you what my BVSS 308 liked, but YMMV.
44.0 Varget, A-Max 168 seated -.015 = 2850 fps and .512" groups

[jon8777]

Thanks for the load data.

[foxx]

I only have 150 NBT, but am getting .5" at 100 yards with 46.5g Varget out of my Hog Hunter in a Tacticool stock.

[bootsmcguire]

45.0 gr Varget under a 155 A-Max seated to 2.810 gives me an average of 2850fps with my 26" 10-twist barrel (factory Savage barrel) and well under 1/2MOA. I use WLR Primers and Winchester brass and use the Lee Collet dies to neck size only and then bump with the FL die every 6-7 firings as needed. Shoots great.

FWIW with Varget and the 308 you will find the data for max load varies between manuals, but Hodgdon lists 47.0 as a max IIRC and 45.0 gives me zero pressure signs.

RL15 is another great powder for the 308 in that weight class of bullets.

Of course use at your own risk, and work up properly.

[jon8777]

Thanks for the 155 load data. I was hoping to stick with the varget for the temp stability, it works great in the powder thrower and I am already using it for the 223. How does the rl15 compare to the varget for temp and powder thrower? Ive never used it before.

[bootsmcguire]

Throws about the same for me. In the 308 I have not noticed any difference in ambient temperature affecting it. Now in my 22-250 I noticed RL15 was a bit more finicky, not allowing me to run it anywhere close to max in the summer, but it was that way with Varget also, so I a thinking that was more of a barrel issue with that one. I have really been wondering about trying RL17 as a replacement for RL15 to gain a bit more oomph, but too many irons in the fire right now to go messing with things that are working great as is.

[jon8777]

Is the varget a compressed load?

[bootsmcguire]

It is a pretty full case, but I don't recall it compressing at 45.0gr. IIRC its right on the edge, any more and I am sure it would be getting compressed.

[psharon97]

45 grains of IMR 4895 has always been a good load across several different rifles.

[Dennis]

I have better luck with Sierra 168 smk's. 42.5 grns RL15, or Varget should run the about the same. I'm .002 off the lands.

Allways work up to these loads. I have gone as much as 43.5 grns, but it may be hot for your rifle. 175 smk's work well also. I have never had any luck with the Hornady's.

[jon8777]

I love the smk's for the 223, everything I read they are dead on for this setup... I just don't want to use them for medium game animals. .

[reloader]

I'm with Dennis on that Load Data 42.5 RL-15 OVER A FEDERAL 210M Primer 168 Sierra 168 gr BTHP Match 1 Bug Hole @ 100 yrds

[McGee68]

Not trying to hijack but I run the 168 SMK over 43.5 grains Varget out of my 11VT and have great results. Groups of 1" at 200 yards with the bullet set .010" of the lands.

I know the RL15 is similar to Alliant AR-Comp. Does anyone have any info using AR-Comp with the 168 SMK or 178 A-max?? I'm running low on Varget but have a bunch of AR-Comp.

[GooseHawk]

just a side note I have a 12bvss in .308 also haven't reloading for it yet only at 72 rounds threw it and best group with rem match ammo is 1" at 100 yards. question is did yours shoot tight out of box and or how long tell it was broke in?