.308 Starting load

[MarkInPA]

I have a new to me .308 Winchester with a short 18" barrel. A Remington Mohawk 600. I don't have any experience loading for it. I will be using it for whitetails at ranges probably not exceeding 200 yards. Most likely, 100 yards would be the maximum range. I've been thinking of starting with 165 grain bullets either from Sierra or Nosler. Not sure on the powder choice yet. Can you give me some feedback? Just looking for a starting place. Any suggestions on bullet and powder choices?

 

[med358-boise]

Varget with a 165/168 load 45.4, 45.8, 45.2, 45.6, & 46.0. Two consecutive loads in that group should produce a nearly identical POI relative to POA with nearly identical group size. Split the difference between the two loads.

 

[med358-boise]

If you have IMR 4064 you can do the same with 42.8 as the mid point of your range.

 

[med358-boise]

If you have IMR 4895 you can do the same with 43.6 as the mid point of your range.

 

[Stadoc]

Varget with a 165/168 load 45.4, 45.8, 45.2, 45.6, & 46.0. Two consecutive loads in that group should produce a nearly identical POI relative to POA with nearly identical group size. Split the difference between the two loads.

^^^ what he said, but I use 44 gr of Varget

 

[Dean2]

Varget, 4895, BLC 2 and 8028 are all good powders pick the one you have and work a load. The 308 is not picky to load for.

I use 4895 with 150 grain Horn in my 20 inch barrel. No problen getting 3100 fps.

 

[Rick Richard]

Varget 44.0 with168 shot the best out of mine. So, start a bit lower and work up. Good luck.

 

[MarkInPA]

I have not even checked the reloading manuals for appropriate powders but, I was thinking about IMR 4064. I do have a good supply on hand along with IMR 4350.

 

[Dean2]

I have not even checked the reloading manuals for appropriate powders but, I was thinking about IMR 4064. I do have a good supply on hand along with IMR 4350.

4350 is too slow. It will be accurate but ypu will be well down on speed.

 

[MarkInPA]

4350 is too slow. It will be accurate but ypu will be well down on speed.

I just checked my Sierra reloading manual. Yep that's what I found, 4350 is too slow.

The 4064 is listed right in the middle of the listed powders, so I'm thinking that is a good starting point without going out and buying new powder.

The way it sounds, if I do find the need to try another powder, Varget would be a good choice.

 

[Dean2]

So I have to ask, you know what you have for powder on hand, you must know faster powder is better in shorter barrels and the bullet you are picking is in the med heavy range for the cartridge. Why would you not put the powder choices in the original post, and why would you not at least check the Hodgdon on line load data. It would have taken less time than submitting the question. Once you have a couple of powders in mind, fair question is what generally produces better speed and accuracy in a 308 with a 165 grain bullet.

 

[med358-boise]

I just checked my Sierra reloading manual. Yep that's what I found, 4350 is too slow.

The 4064 is listed right in the middle of the listed powders, so I'm thinking that is a good starting point without going out and buying new powder.

The way it sounds, if I do find the need to try another powder, Varget would be a good choice.

There are various statements of what weight of IMR 4064 replicates Federal Gold Medal National Match with 168 Sierra MK they all seem to revolve around that between 42.8 and 43.5, IIRC

 

[MarkInPA]

So I have to ask, you know what you have for powder on hand, you must know faster powder is better in shorter barrels and the bullet you are picking is in the med heavy range for the cartridge. Why would you not put the powder choices in the original post, and why would you not at least check the Hodgdon on line load data. It would have taken less time than submitting the question. Once you have a couple of powders in mind, fair question is what generally produces better speed and accuracy in a 308 with a 165 grain bullet.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to waste anyone's time. I'm just looking to see what others have had success with in short barreled .308's.

Once you have a couple of powders in mind, fair question is what generally produces better speed and accuracy in a 308 with a 165 grain bullet.

I agree. That's what I am after. I can look in the load manuals and find published velocity. I can find a trend of which powders shoot faster. Accuracy is something else. Each rifle can be very unique in what it likes but, it does seem each cartridge has it's trends. I know that if I take someone else's favorite load, I have to experiment in my own rifle and see if it performs the same.

Bottom line, no matter what I decide to load, I will check my reloading manuals and be sure that it is within published loads and I will start at the bottom and work up with charges checking for pressure signs as I go.

 

[Monster Toms]

Have shot 600-308s for 45 years, Varget H335 H322 Win 748, 125-130 grain will work fine on deer as will 150-165's
They are a little snappy with recoil with the heavier bullets but enjoyable.