Favorite projectiles and powders for 308 win?

What velocity do you get with your 45 grain load and those 178s? I used to have a marlin bolt gun that really liked the 178 and 168s but I sold it to a buddy that wanted to get into hunting. I believe it was a 1/11 twist or 1/12. I currently have a howa that is a 1/10 twist.
Here's the data from a Savage 308 of my fathers. 24" 10 twist. Super accurate load also. 2.80 COAL. Lapua brass and CCI LRP
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    321.3 KB · Views: 42
42 grains of Varget and either a 168 ELDX or a 168 Sierra Matchking, depending upon what I was shooting at. Used in Daniel Defense Delta 5 and a Savage FCP-SR with equal and predictable .25 MOA performance.
 
As predicted, there are so many combinations of bullets and powders that seem to work well with this cartridge. I've had the best results with IMR4064 and Varget with 168gr pills. My most consistent bullets have been Berger CH and Hornady AMAX in my 308win. However, it really gets down to splitting hairs. I may have to try some lighter monos just to see if I can bump up the velocity, but I have other rifles in different cartridges that may get jealous.
 
That's me also with the other rifles but with prices and availability or just trying not to burn out my 300Rum I'll shoot my 308 win probably 100 to 1 over the rum. Seem like it's always a struggle to find the right powder, or primer or brass but I haven't looked in over a year though. Been having 2 much fun with my 308 and my 7mm-08. I shoot a 168, 162, and a 150 grain load in it. Shot my last deer with it. It's was supposed to be the 308's turn this year but I have a broken arm right now. So I'm probably going to take a pass or see
If I can find something on a short day hunt.
 
I took note of the 2.770" COAL in the photo you posted, that was an eye opener for me. I load mine .054" off the lands which puts me at 2.924 COAL - they work very well. I wish they would make a light weight LRX in .308, I'd buy 'em by the truck load.

How far out have you take game with them? I limit my shots to 300y max.
Here is a Coues buck my son-in-law and I took this past weekend at 478 yards with the 308 and the 130 TTSX. Complete pass through with a 1.5 " exit. Was shot behind front shoulder and exited just behind opposite side shoulder. Buck buckled up and took 1 step and dropped. Excellent performance as expected and very minimal meat bloodshot.

IMG_3544.jpeg


IMG_3554.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Here is a Coues buck my son-in-law and I took this past weekend at 478 yards with the 308 and the 130 TTSX. Complete pass through with a 1.5 " exit. Was shot behind front shoulder and exited just behind opposite side shoulder. Buck buckled up and took 1 step and dropped. Excellent performance as expected and very minimal meat bloodshot.

View attachment 612179

View attachment 612180
Just shows you don't need the heavy bullets. Been using 125's in my 308's for years and have never let me down.Nice harvest. Wish I could get out more, but health says otherwise.
 
.308s are just so eager to please. I ordered some Berger 168gr Classic Hunters to try, as I had very good results from them in a previous .308. Also picked up a jug of N150. It is much more affordable than Varget and everything I've read about it says it performs well in the .308, particularly with heavier bullets. The burn rate charts put it close to H4350, but those who've used it claim it's much closer to Varget, maybe just slightly slower burning. Anyway, as you can see, the combo is very stable. Any one of the four charges would be fine. All are 10 round groups. I'm going to go with the 45.2gr charge. 9 of the ten shots went into .445" and 8 of the ten went into .287". Gotta love a good .308!

John

 
depending on barrel length and/or usage and distance i shoot anywhere from 110-195's with vv550, 748, cfe223 and big game for now. barrel lengths from 12.5-26".
 
i gotta comment on this.

i use 120grain barnes tac-tx and 110 grain tac-tx with ramshot tac. 3300 with 110 and 3200 with 120.

20" barrel. ar-10.
 

Recent Posts

Top