Powder recommendations for a .308

[Carroll B]

I will be shooting targets 80% of the time.  I will be loading a 130 gr Hornady SP, and a 168 gr Hornady BTHP.  I have loaded some with the H380 I bought when I got my new Ruger M77, but haven't shot them yet.  What other powder do you recommend?  I would like to stick to 1-2 powders, and will be weighing each charge rather then using my powder measure.

[jh45gun]

I used 3031 in mine with good luck but I am sure there are lots of choices as the cartridge is a versatile one. Jim

[adirondacker]

in my 77 i use 165 grn sierra bthp with 4064 powder.seems like i use 4064 for a lot of stuff.my buddies pick on me about it ,but hey it always seems to work.only thing i've tried it in an wasn't happy with the accuracy was cast loads in my 45/70.if you want to know the charge of powder let me know,i can't rememer off-hand.cci primers and rem cases,i remember that.

[jimann]

My 308 loves IMR 4064!!! I'm on my second barrel thats a lot of 168's and 190's... I have not tried the lighter bullets.
jim

[Don Fischer]

I've done a lot of loading for the 308 and have found three powder's that alway's work. 3031, 4064 and BL-C2. I've had such good luck with those that I've never tried any other's. I've never loaded a 130 gr bullet and never had luck with any 150 gr. Don't know why, everybody else does. I use the 165 gr Hornady inter loc and the 180 gr Hornady inter loc

[jd45]

You might want to give Hodgdon's Varget a try, as well. jd45

[Awf Hand]

I enjoy being the lone dissenter...

Mine seems to thrive on H-414 for most projectiles. It meters very consistently (spherical powder), and offers a pleasing aroma when burned.
-That said, it burns somewhat dirty, but it's easy to remove and the (appearance of) this soiling doesn't seem to harm accuracy.  I buy this stuff in 8# kegs.

Another strong contender (and Hodgdon product) is Varget.  This is essentially a select grade H-4895.

[Mark whiz]

Traditionally, some of the best powders for .308 are:
IMR 4064
IMR or Hod 4895
Hod Varget
Hod BL-C(2)
Win748
Alliant RL-15

I prefer the stick powders for 168gr bullets, but the ball powders do very well with 150gr bullets.

[Carroll B]

I searched the forum and a lot of people like the 4064 so I'll give that a try.  I appreciate the input.  I remember back in the early 70's when I started reloading, you had to rely strickly on the manuals or else hope you could find someone to talk to.  The internet sure makes it easy.

[lilabner]

Edward Matunas, who writes for NRA, recommends IMR 4064, WW 748 and H380 as the most likely best powders for a .308. You might try comparing them.  Go to www.logicsouth.com/~lcoble/dir7/rldpwder.txt for his recommendations.

[Carroll B]

lilabner:  Your link was exactly what I was looking for.  I printed it and saved it for future reference.  Thanks.

[brasskeeper]

I have used IMR 4064 and IMR 3031. 3031 is the one I like best. I have bought a can of W748 but I have not tried it yet