Reloading for the 308

[phorsfall]

I’m about to start loading for the 308 WIN and have decided on a 150 gr bullet for both hunting and and target. What I’d like to know is what is an optimal powder choice for this cartridge and bullet weight. Looking forward to the wisdom, Thanks in advance.

[lamrith]

FWIW - I found my 308's did not like 150grn bullets. Just not accurate for me in 2 different 308 bolt guns I tried. I ran 3 different factory loads as well as 2 different powders in both guns with no success. Again, just me and I do not consider myself a super experienced reloader but wanted to share my experience. I went to 165/168grn and was sub MOA in same guns.

[Duke EB]

I think there's a perfect load for every weight/powder combo, it just takes a lot of work to find it.
There are a bunch of good powders for 308, such as varget, AA 2520, IMR 4064, Alliant RL 15, and many others.
Varget and IMR 4064 from IMR are great choices. They are both stick powders though, and harder to meter consistently without trickling. 4064 is also one of the most versatile powders, as it can be used for a lot of calibers.
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-education/reloading-beginners/reloading-308-winchester
Ramshot TAc and AA 2520 are good, from Accurate/Ramshot.
RL15 is temp sensitive, so maybe not the best choice, but very capable.
Hodgdon H380 and BLC2 are also good, and should meter well.

[mcyclonegt]

There is not one perfect powder for .308, there are a ton of powders that work great. Last I used was 748 and H380. Varget, 4895 also work well. I tend to save my Varget for more precision rounds though. What do you have?

[phorsfall]

I have a Savage Axis II I have these 2 powders in mind. Not sure what the load data would be for a 150 FMJ or a Hornady Interlock soft point, but I’ll find out.

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[phorsfall]

Or,

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[MadPick]

FWIW - I found my 308's did not like 150grn bullets. Just not accurate for me in 2 different 308 bolt guns I tried. I ran 3 different factory loads as well as 2 different powders in both guns with no success. Again, just me and I do not consider myself a super experienced reloader but wanted to share my experience. I went to 165/168grn and was sub MOA in same guns.

I had the same experience.

Maybe 150-grain bullets will work for you, Patrick. Give them a try. But if you just can't get the groups that you think you should have, try a 168- or 175-grain and see what happens.

[mash man]

FWIW - I found my 308's did not like 150grn bullets. Just not accurate for me in 2 different 308 bolt guns I tried. I ran 3 different factory loads as well as 2 different powders in both guns with no success. Again, just me and I do not consider myself a super experienced reloader but wanted to share my experience. I went to 165/168grn and was sub MOA in same guns.

I had the same experience.

Maybe 150-grain bullets will work for you, Patrick. Give them a try. But if you just can't get the groups that you think you should have, try a 168- or 175-grain and see what happens.

All of this. Varget or benchrest.

[Nitro_Guns]

I load nothing but Reloader 15 with 168gr SMK's

308's are very "forgiving" and many recipes will work.

[phorsfall]

Any body have luck with a 165/168gr bullet? I believe I have a 1:10 twist: and from what I gather a 170 – 220 grain bullet would be more accurate.

[MadPick]

I have a 1:10, and 168 and 175 work about equally well for me.

[phorsfall]

I’ll load up some 168gr. I know the round/rifle is good for hundreds of yards, but I only plan to shoot out to 200 yards

[Powderman]

I load a lot of .308. Here's some info that might help.

Powders that I have used with good results:

IMR 4064 - I use this one to duplicate the ballistics of Cartridge, Special Ball, M118. Works very well with 168 and 175 grain bullets.
RL 15 - another superbly accurate powder.
IMR 4895, IMR 3031 - Very good alternatives as well. Consider IMR 3031 the "Unique" of rifle powders. Look up almost any rifle data, and you'll probably find a load for IMR 3031. Both of these can be tough to meter, but function very will in bolt and gas guns.

For ball powders:

AA2460/W760/WC846/Hodgdon BL(C)2--all are almost exactly the same powder. WC846 can be had in bulk as it is a military surplus powder. Meters VERY well--but start low with recommended loads and watch for pressure signs.

Also, with the .308, be very aware of different ogive contours as well. You might find that a bullet like the Sierra GameKing and MatchKing work well with a given charge--but a bullet with a longer bearing surface and steeper ogive will give you pressure signs.

(Hint, hint...check out www.gibrass.com. Jeff Bartlett has 8 lb jugs of WC846 on sale at $109 each.)

[phorsfall]

Thx Powderman. This is load data I have, does the loads look right. Also as far as bullets go I plan on using Hornady interlock flat based as well as a FMJ

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[Duke EB]

One other thing, you have to be careful with IMR 8208xbr. The pressure can spike with just a hair too much powder.