Accurate 308 loads?
 

Two days ago i went to the local gunshop and ordered a Rem. 700 in 308. It is a varmint/tactical style that the dealer said was a Special Police rifle and the model was a "premier dealer only" item. He had one in srock in 223 so I told him to get me one in 308. It has what looks to be a 20" bull barrel. It has a syn. stock that is shaped much like the M40 sniper rifle. I am getting this brand new for only $589. I haven't owned a 308 before so I was looking for some advice on where to start on bullets and powder for an acc. load. I won't be shooting anything larger than deer. My 22-250 does great with 38.5gr H380 and 40gr V-Max. My wifes 30-06 does unbelievable with 150gr B-Tip and 50.5gr Ramshot TAC. I will probably start with one of these powders and 165gr bullets. Hornadys A-Max bullets are usually very accurate. Any tips or suggestions?

RE: Accurate 308 loads?
 

I reload two bullets for hunting in 308 Win. My favorite is the 150 gr. Nosler Accubond with my second theRemington Core Lokt also in 150 gr. Both are exceptionally accurate andperform well, but the Accubond holds tighter groupsin wind and extreme long shots. I use Winchester brass, Federal GM-210-M primers with IMR4895 powder.Anothervery good powder is Alliant RL 11.This powder isvery accurate for the 150 grain,but the IMR seems to be a bit more consistent in temperature extremes. I wouldn't recommend loading the Hornady A-Max as a hunting bullet. This particular bullet was designed for match shooting and is not the best performer on game. If you are a Hornady fan, their boat tail spire point and SSTare excellent hunting rounds.

RE: Accurate 308 loads?
 

Thanks for the advice. I used the A-Max 140 in my 6.5x55 and shot two deer. I agree with what you said. Both traveled less than 50yds, but bullet performance was not what I wanted. I now use 140gr Gamekings. I just thought the 30cal A-Max might be a little tougher. I really like Hornadys and am interested in the SST, just haven't tried them yet. Have any experience with them?

RE: Accurate 308 loads?
 

My most accurate round is 168gr gameking with 44gr of Varget with 210 primer. My hunting round is 165gr gameking with 45gr of Varget with a 210 primer. Chronos at 2700fps. I always wanted a 150gr deer load, but my medallion does not like them. I have tried BT's and triple shocks 150.

RE: Accurate 308 loads?
 

The very best accuracy that i have ever achieved in 30 years of reloading for .308 is with a R-P case, Winchester primer, 42 grains of IMR 3031 and a 150 grain Hornady round nose bullet seated .010 off the rifling. Yes, a Hornady round nose. It is easier for companies to make perfect round nose bullets than to make perfect spire points, etc.It is an awful looking load with thecannelure protruding out past the end of the case. This is not the ultimate long range hunting load. However, i have shot scores of 1/4" and 3/8" groups with it at 100 yardsin my Model 700 BDLwith it'ssporter weight barrel. Won lotsa bets also.

Folks miss the boat by nottrying IMR 3031 in .308. For me it is the perfect powder for the .308 and 150 grain bullets. i have killed dozens of deer with the .308 loaded with 45 grains of IMR 3031 andtheSierra 150 grain SBTor Spitzer. Mostwere bang flops.

RE: Accurate 308 loads?
 

3031? I will have to try it. I really want to lower the number of powders I have and buy only 8lb containers. I use 3031 for my 45-70 and my 30-30, and it would be great if I could load my 308 also with it, so I wouldn't buy 4064 or varget anymore. I use 4350 in my 270, 06, and 7mm-08. I am trying to work out a H1000 load in my 300win mag and STW or RL25. That way, I would just buy 3 8lb containers to fill all my needs. And have BL-C for 204 in one pound containers.

RE: Accurate 308 loads?
 

I have done a lot of load development for the .308 Winchester, and generally like (or liked) Alliant RL12 best of all. For some unknown reason,they quit making it a couple of years back. For the 175 Matchkings, RL 15 has worked very well. WW748 has also produced some great loads with the heavier bullets. If you wanted to develop one load, and use it for both target shooting and hunting; I would start with the 165 Nolser Ballistic Tipahead ofa full throttle charge of IMR 4064. Or any of the polymer tipped hunting bullets - like the Hornady SST - in the 150 and 165 gr. weight range. One of the nice things about the .308 Win - not real fussy and generally pretty easy to come up with accurate loads.