Author Topic: Disappointing loads for my .308 (Read 1586 times)

Carroll B · « **on:** August 08, 2006, 02:03:04 PM »

I'm trying to work up a load for an antelope hunt in mid Sept. I loaded some Hornady 150 gr. BTSP using 50 gr of 380 and also 46 gr of 4064. At 100 yards over a sandbag rest the 4064 shoots 1.5 - 2.5 inches. The 380 shoots 3-4 inches. I bought a box of Winchester 150 gr power points CXP2's and they shot 1.25 inches. I was shooting a couple of grains more powder of both the 380 and 4064 but still had lousy groups. I would say some of the problem is my shoooting but yet the factory loads are within my ability. The rifle is a Ruger 77 and has only had about 125 bullets down the barrel. If I can't improve my groups within the next couple of weeks I will take the Winchester 150's with me to Wyoming. I'm open to suggestions and willing to try a different powder. I can't get the duplicate factory load that my manual calls for of the 4064 because I can't fit that much powder in the brass. I have Hornady's in the following weights; 130 gr SP , 150 gr BTSP, and 168 gr BTHP.

I had some 130 gr Hornady SP over 45.5 gr of 4064 and they grouped 1.5-2.0 inches today. I plan to take some of the 130 gr bullets with me in case I get chance to shoot coyotes or prarie dogs.

Cheesehead · « **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2006, 02:31:10 PM »

I shoot a 308 and focus on consistency in brass prep, the quality of the brass itself and bullet seating depth.

Cheese

Carroll B · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2006, 02:46:52 PM »

All my brass has been new, and this is the first time it has been fired. I use dial calibers to insure that each bullet is at the same LOA and is at the LOA spec of the reloading manual. The last batch that I shot today I weighed each powder charge on my scale rather then using the powder measure. I'm using the same brand of primers in all the bullets I have loaded. Today is was hot at the range and by the time I finished shooting 20+ rounds I could not keep my hand on the barrel, maybe this affected my groups.

longwinters · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2006, 03:17:29 PM »

I have had excellent accuracy, out of the 308, with 150 Interbonds-Reloader 15 and CCI primers. Also with 150 Sierra Gamekings-Reloader 15 and Fed 210 primers. For me Reloader 15 is magic in the 7m-08 and 308. I am just starting to fool with Hornady Interlocks and Accubonds.

Long

jd45 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2006, 03:50:25 PM »

You might need to determine what the twist-rate is in your R-77 to pick the most acurate bullet weight. I have a Rem. Varmint Synthetic w/1 in 12 barrel. I've shot 1" groups @ 200yds w/H-Varget & 150grs. ( 150 to 180 work best in this barrel, I understand), JD45

huntswithdogs · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2006, 03:14:23 AM »

Carroll,
Have ya tried IMR3031? I've tried the4064 and like you have only gotten around 2'' groups. As for the loads listed that overfill the case...Use a drop tube. 308s are known for their compressed loads. My Rem 788 likes 130gr bullets with 3031 and WLR primers. Have ya ever tried 110gr hp bullets ? These things will turn a grondhog inside out and ought to anchor a song-dog right where he stands.

HWD

STexhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** August 09, 2006, 05:00:42 AM »

I have got groups of 1-1.5 consisently with 45.5 grs. of 4064 with my bolt action and my Rem 7600 will group the same load 1 inch are better. I guess I am a minority here with 4064. Another powder I have got good results with is 4895. These are the two powders I use when I reload for the 308. Just proves that each gun is different.

Val · « **Reply #7 on:** August 09, 2006, 05:22:36 AM »

A heated barrel will definitely affect the group size. When shooting for small groups you should take plenty of time between shots to keep the barrel cool. I wait until I can comfortably hold the barrel with my hand. In addition, shooting through a hot barrel is the fastest way wear out a barrel. If have to keep experimenting with different loads until you find the load that your particular rifle likes.

Carroll B · « **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2006, 06:17:38 AM »

Thanks for the tips. I would notrmally let the barrel cool but only had about 20 rounds to shoot and a limited amount of time. My plans were to start finding the best load for this rifle several months ago but my Sept. hunt is fast approaching and I'm running out of time to experiment. I have some 110 gr Harnady that I shot when I first got the gun. I want to use at minimum 130 or better yet the 150 grain bullets for antelope. It just bugs me that a factory load shoots better then my handloads. I noticed that the factory loads had a lot more crimp then my loads which had almost no crimp. If I remember correctly my manual lists the max 380 charge of 53 grains. I tried to load one bullet with this charge and buckled the neck of the case trying to seat the bullet. I had vibrated the case to compact the powder cgarge before seating the bullet too. Maybe I'll just stop by BassPro and pick up 1-2 powders other then the two I already have. For me part of the pride, if that's what you call it, to the hunt is being able to say I harvested my animal with a bullet I loaded.

Whelen Man · « **Reply #9 on:** August 09, 2006, 07:43:13 AM »

Try some W748 in the 308. It always gave me good groups loaded with 125 and 150 grain ballistic tips. Like the others said, many times once the barrel gets so hot it's an exercise in futility trying to get groups. What looks poor may actually shoot fine out of a cool barrel with paced shooting.

menotomyhunter · « **Reply #10 on:** August 09, 2006, 08:49:47 AM »

My .308W is a NEF SB2 Handi with the 22-inch bull barrel. It just loves 150gr and 165gr Remington PSPCLs over Alliant Re15 and Federal 210 primers. Being a single shot rifle, I seat the bullets .020 inches from touching the lands. Groups consistently under 1.25 inches at 100 yds off the bench which suits me fine for deer hunting. Other good powders are VARGET and AA2520.
Cheers and don't give up!
Regards,
mh

Cheesehead · « **Reply #11 on:** August 09, 2006, 02:04:18 PM »

Longwinters mentioned RL-15 as a good powder . I also use it and have had great accuracy results with a variety of 150 grain bullets.

Cheese

bubba · « **Reply #12 on:** August 09, 2006, 03:13:04 PM »

In My buddies savage 110 we use 150 grain bullets mostly hornady interlocs and 46.6 grains of IRM 4064. he gets inch or slightly bigger with this load at 100 yards. 4064 is the ticket for him

Carroll B · « **Reply #13 on:** August 09, 2006, 04:32:59 PM »

I will pick up a pound of W748 and also Varget on the way home. If they don't have one of these then I will get a pound of RL15. I will also try several more rounds of the 4064 with different amounts of powder charge to see what that will do. Thanks for all the advise.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #14 on:** August 09, 2006, 04:42:27 PM »

I really like IMR 4064 in the 308 with 165 and 168 grain bullets (1 - 1.5 MOA or better in 3 different 308s I've tried it in). I haven't found it to work as well with 150 grain bullets.

Other powders I've tried in the 308 are Winchester 760 with heavier bullets and Winchester 748 with acceptable results.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #15 on:** August 09, 2006, 05:29:40 PM »

A couple of suggestions...

1. You don't shoot a hot barrel when hunting, don't do it at the range, either. All that will happen is you will wear out your barrel much faster - as others have poiunted out - and you may get shot stringing if you haven't floated your barrel. Take 3 shots then let the barrel cool.

2. That brings us to the idea fo floating your barrel. I do this to all my bolt rifles. Takes 10-15 minutes, some elbow grease, sandpaper, a Magic Marker or other cylindrical object to loop the sandpaper around, a screwdriver, and some polyurethane and a rag to seal the stock back up.

3. Loads. WW brass, CCI 250 primer
168g TSX, 46.0g BL-C(2), COL 2.800", 2611fps
168g TSX, 45.0g Varget, COL 2.800", 2653fps

165g North Fork, 47.5g BL-C(2), roll crimp in top groove, 2685fps
165g Norht Fork, 44.8g Varget, roll crimp in top groove, 2646fps

PaulS · « **Reply #16 on:** August 09, 2006, 07:16:30 PM »

Here is my favorite 308 load, I am sure you could use a boat tail bullet with a minor powder adjustment:

CASE:
MAKE   Winchester ( 167gr +/- 1gr )
CALIBER   308
HEAD STAMP   308
TRIM LENGTH   2.015
OVER-ALL LENGTH   2.755

BULLET:
MAKE   Sierra
WEIGHT   150gr
TYPE   SPITZER (2130)
DIAMETER   .308
BALLISTIC COEFFICIENT   .387

POWDER:
MAKE   Hodgdon
TYPE   H335
CHARGE WEIGHT   45.4
PRIMER   CCI 200 large rifle
WAD   NONE

BALLISTICS:
MUZZLE VELOCITY   2682
SIGHT-IN RANGE   145yd’s
GROUP SIZE   .45" at 100yd
EXTREME SPREAD   64.6
STANDARD DEVIATION   19.8

It is not the fastest load in the book but it is accurate in my gun.

Carroll B · « **Reply #17 on:** August 10, 2006, 12:38:48 AM »

Coyote Hunter I sent you a PM.

SM Bob · « **Reply #18 on:** January 08, 2007, 07:17:19 PM »

My M1A liked 165 gr Sierra boat tail hollow points match bullets with 41 grains of 3031.

Robert

determined451 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 25, 2007, 09:41:21 AM »

I have 7 308's...have not found one that will not shoot good with RL-15, or H-4895...the bullet I am using most on deer is the Nostler accubond in 150 gr.....seems to me 130 and below may blow up more....i have a pump Rem.that will do .40...try RL-15 first....this will work...then check your gun for problems...D-451