Author Topic: .308 Win (Read 808 times)

gerrez · « **on:** September 01, 2003, 06:52:18 PM »

I just purchased a Kimber 84M .308 and was looking for some ideas for the most accurate loads for deer size game.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** September 02, 2003, 02:22:19 AM »

First off, WELCOME ABOARD!!

As for the rifle, congratulations - Kimber makes high quality products. I have a Kimber 8400 Montana (Stainless/Synthetic) in 300 WSM on order that should arrive sometime at the end of this year or early next. I can't wait to get my hands on her.

As for the .308 cartridge, it is one of the most inherently accurate cartridges out there. In fact, as you may know, it is widely used in benchrest competitions. As such, generally speaking, you shouldn't have a problem finding an "accurate" factory load. "Accurate," of course, is a relative term, and one load may be accurate in one rifle, but not the next. Still, I have found that the following loads are generally quite accurate:

1) Hornady 150 or 165 grain BTSP
2) Federal Premium 150 grain Sierra Boat-Tail
3) Federal Premium 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip

All of these rounds are generally very accurate and very effective on whitetails. I think that you will be pleased.

Zachary

gerrez · « **Reply #2 on:** September 02, 2003, 06:47:03 AM »

And for hand loads what powder do you prefer. I have not touched it yet but I can't wait. I have always been happy with Nosler as well as Hornaday and I believe both are equally good, I just need to see what she will shoot.

dbuck · « **Reply #3 on:** September 02, 2003, 12:18:47 PM »

If you are hand loading, then IMR 4064 is a great power for the .308.

Try using Nosler 150 Ballistic Tip and 46.0 grs. of IMR 4064 which should give you about 2830 fps. Thats a good starting point and a mid-road reload, 48.0 being max. I would purchase a Stoney OAL gauge and the 308 case that you can purchase and put a Nosler 150 Ballistic tip in and see what you OAL is for that rifle, each chamber very's and then back off about 30 thousands, but be sure that it chambers in your magazine and the OAL is not to long. You can purchase these items from Midway. This will get you started, but I would also purchase a Nosler reloading book and look at the 308 section.

If you are not into reloading then follow Zachary's advise.

Good luck with your rifle.

dbuck

Dana3of5 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 03, 2003, 11:10:17 AM »

I love my .308! As for powders, I have tried WIN 748, H-380, IMR 3031, IMR 4064, and Re15. I have a Ruger VT with a stainless barrel. For some reason the 4064 opened my groups up. The 3031 closed they down. The powders that I have found in the stainless barrels that are the most accurate has been 3031, Re15, and H-380. All shot less that .70 5 shot groups. In a friends .308 he uses 4064 and it groups well. I theorize that the metal difference may have something to do with "harmonics" being produced on the barrel, not for sure, but it seems right.

BTW I also use moly coated bullets, that may make the difference too.

Buy a Sinclair or Stoney Point bullet comp. Best money you could buy!

brotherinlaw · « **Reply #5 on:** September 04, 2003, 09:15:48 AM »

I have a stainless composite Browning A-bolt in .308. I shoot 150 gr. Federal Core-lock I get at Wal-Mart (don't reload yet). I shoot consistent sub MOA (occasionaly out - probably human error :shock: ) off the bench. I may be lucky with this match up but who cares. In any event, it's more accurate than I can be in the field deer hunting. I absolutely love this rifle for the price range and I have a number of center fire rifles.