1000 Yard .308 Reloading

[LXnastynotch93]

RL-17 is the new powder on the block, shooting a 180gr at 2742 on a 22" barrel with 210M...
This is a sporter barrel.
Luck to you.....

That's why I would back off the powder load. Ideally I think 2650 would be idea. I wouldn't use 210M either, probably CCI LR200. I'm not trying to destroy my barrel or the rifle, that would be a nightmare.

As far as RL17 goes, I don't have a chrono, and I've heard it shoots a little hot. I'd rather stick to RL15 where I know 43 grains will put me in the 2650-2700 range.

 

[srlamy]

My barrel is a 24 inch. My Buddies 5r has the new 20 inch, speeds are very close. But do your home work!

RL 17????? think I might have to give it a try! Thx

 

[Speck]

Power Pro 2000MR is another powder that works well in 308 with heavy bullets. I've never shot it with anything lighter than 185gr but i shoot the 185s at 2800 and the 200s (Berger Hybrids) at 2650 in my match gun (28 inch barrel) and its VERY accurate and has served me well in FTR competition. Shoot mainly at 600 yards but it hammers at 1000 yard also. Just another powder to think about.

 

[Crankbender]

42g of R15 and a 178g Amax in a win case at 2.85OAL gives me 2535fps out of a factory Savage heavy bbl 26". Just shot it and checked speed yesterday. In the summer time that load is closer to 2600fps if i remember correctly.

Great accuracy, never shot fruther than 600yards though.

 

[LXnastynotch93]

42g of R15 and a 178g Amax in a win case at 2.85OAL gives me 2535fps out of a factory Savage heavy bbl 26". Just shot it and checked speed yesterday. In the summer time that load is closer to 2600fps if i remember correctly.

Great accuracy, never shot fruther than 600yards though.

That's right around where I want to be. I'm thinking about 42.5-43 grains of RL15 behind a 178gr AMax is going to be just about perfect at around 2650-2700 fps. Hopefully I can borrow someones chrono and get it really dialed in, and then I'll just stick with that load.

 

[jbirdhunter]

if I'm shooting a 26" barrel do I need to back off the powder or can I go with more?

 

[srlamy]

With a 26 inch barrel you can use a slower burning powder and get a bigger projectile like a 185 berger juggernaut in a good accuracy node. The Juggernaut has a much higher bc than a 175 smk or a hornady 178. The extra length gives you more burn time and the higher BC makes the bullet cut the air better. Always work your loads up and be safe RL 17 burns a bit slower than RL 15 and alot of 308 shooters are using it with great results.

 

[jbirdhunter]

I'm looking to use a 175 g SMK what would be a good powder mix? This is in a RRA LAR8.

 

[srlamy]

I use reloader 15. I havent found a 308 bolt or semi auto 308 that didnt love it or Varget. Those seem to be the "go to" powders. US issue m118lr which is the military 308 sniper round had reloader 15 with at 175 smk in lake city match/lr brass. It was my starting point for long range shooting in 308 and shot around 2650 fps out of my 5r milspec 308. feceral gold metal match 175 is very very close in speed and poi to m118lr. Reportedly 43.1 grains of rl-15 with a fed 210 match primer and a smk 175 seated to 2.815 is the clone for m118lr.
It works well in my gun and hold .5 moa if I do my job