Author Topic: Favorite powder for the .308 (Read 704 times)

Leadlum · « **on:** August 21, 2005, 04:41:32 AM »

I`d like to know what your favorite powder is for loading your .308? I`m using 4064, and 4895 right now for my 150gr hornadys and 3031 for my speer 130 HP`s. The 4064 is giving me good groups; but the speeds are over 100 fps difference sometimes; I`m even weighing each charge. Also 4064 is a little "chunky" going through my RCBS powder thrower. The 4895 is giving me good groups; and the speeds are close to each other; but I think they are a little slow;and I`m reaching the top of the case. I havn`t used any ball powders yet; mainly because the stick burns so clean. But I`m open to suggestions. My manuel says W-748 is a good hunting load. I had a guy at the range suggest R-15. So what do you think?
Ray

ricciardelli · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2005, 06:40:55 AM »

130's:
Varget From 45.0 grains to 50.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

150's:
N-135 From 31.7 grains to 46.0 grains
Remington 9-1/2 Primer

jd45 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2005, 06:57:27 AM »

I've been getting good results in my Rem. Varmint Synthetic with Hodgdon's Varget & 150"s & 165"s........1" groups @200yds. I have to say,tho, I'll defer toSteve's wisdom regarding the VV N-135. My groups could probably shrink were I to try that powder. I've only used VV in my pistols as yet. jd45

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 22, 2005, 01:32:46 AM »

IMR 4064 has always given me the best performance.

warf73 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2005, 09:04:52 AM »

If you step up to the 180gr. bullets I've had great accuracy with the H4895.

Warf

remington660 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2005, 04:45:33 PM »

I just finished up a 'shoot out' with several powder/bullet combinations in my 308, and Varget came out on top for both accuracy and velocity. Runner up was IMR 4064.

Zeke Menuar · « **Reply #6 on:** August 22, 2005, 04:58:12 PM »

RL-15. Works great in 308. Also use it in 300 Savage and 303 British.

ZM

Lone Wolf · « **Reply #7 on:** August 22, 2005, 08:55:50 PM »

I shoot 308 exclusively - and use a variety of powders depending on the application. The 4 usual powders are Varget, RE15, IMR 4064 and IMR 4895. All are good powders in the 308 and to that end the military currently uses RE15 in its M118LR ammo and formally used IMR 4895 in its M118SB and M852 ammo, Also Federal uses IMR 4064 in its FGMM ammo.

That said with 175s I use either 4064, Varget and RE15 with RE 15 being my main powder choice. 4064 is a very good powder and shoots as well as RE 15 but is extremely temp sensitive. As a matter of speaking this is what normally causes the swing in velocity from shot to shot as the ammo warms in a hot chamber. RE 15 on the other hand is not overly sensitive to temp changes, in fact I've used the same load in 40 deg weather and 105 deg weather with no problem. Lastly Varget is good as well though it varies a good deal from lot to lot.

With 168s I use either 4064 or H4895 (more temp tolerant that IMR powder).

Nazgul4570 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2005, 01:00:50 AM »

I have fired a .895" group (3 shots) at 300 yds using AA2520. Have had good results with this for several years pushing 168 SMK's. The ES is close, don't have my notes here.

Leadlum · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2005, 08:32:46 AM »

Thank`s eveveryone for the replies. Today; I did go out, and shoot a .750 group at 200yds! with 45.0grs of 4064, and my 150gr Hornady s.p. flat base. I bought some Boat tails, and they don`t seem to shoot as tight of a group? I did notice the loads were increasing in speed as we went along; probably because the sun was beating down on them in the box; and cooking inside my barrel. The speeds were between 2750-2800fps. I was real happy with that 200yd group. I`m shooting these loads out of my Rem.308 VS. Keep the suggestions coming. Thanks.

tommy4toes · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2005, 03:45:48 PM »

RE 15 ? Reload** 15?

t4t

cal sibley · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2005, 04:16:48 PM »

I get good results in my .308Win. with both IMR4064 and IR4895. My Browning Micro-medallion has a 1 in 12" twist so I don't load it with the heavier 180gr. bullets. 168gr. is my upper limit in bullet weight. I'm starting to get good results also with Varget powder. The .308Win. is quite versatile as to which powders it will shoot well. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal