Improving the 308 Win performance

[JAYgs8163]

"shot squirrels at 500 to past 1000 yds with it. It was good for squirrels but light for elk, at long range". Really, you're shooting squirrels "past 1000 yards". WOW. "Good for squirrels but lite for Elk". , your post brings nothing to the topic. Secondly I've seen numerous other posts of yours and most bring nothing to the topic of discussion with the exception of what "you" MAY have accomplished. Stop already! We don't need you patting yourself on the back.

 

[44-40]

"shot squirrels at 500 to past 1000 yds with it. It was good for squirrels but light for elk, at long range". Really, you're shooting squirrels "past 1000 yards". WOW. "Good for squirrels but lite for Elk". , your post brings nothing to the topic. Secondly I've seen numerous other posts of yours and most bring nothing to the topic of discussion with the exception of what "you" MAY have accomplished. Stop already! We don't need you patting yourself on the back.

You're just angry cause I don't agree with you...And my Leverevolution experiment gave me 100 fps less velocity than your bragging load with 2" more barrel, showed other powders can do better, one temperature insensitive. "Really" I belonged to the Varmint Hunters Club for many yrs, and "really ...the record was 3200 yds on a Prarie Dog 338 Lapua, 2200 yds was the 308 record. So my past 1000 was just maybe average, or a little better in the club, nothing that special...really". I shot the 308 for 30 yrs and all manner of testing and rifle alterations. The experience is shared as what might be possible with the 308..if you going long the bullets should be tested at the longest range they perform at and at what velocity the manufacturer says they are designed to act as a hunting bullets ...Or not... it aint my gig. The 308 will kill elk by the truck load, at reasonable ranges, but it's the LR with 150 gr bullet... how far do ya want to push it?..running out of velocity and bullet performance quickly at distance ..500 yds would seem to be a reasonable limit, with the 150 gr bullet under field conditions in a 308... to get decent field performance on the elk for a reasonablely good marksman....and of coarse it's my opinion...grasshopper.

 

[JAYgs8163]

Happy for ya. I ain't angry at ya. Enjoy your evening.

 

[nralifer]

@Bear Spray, here are the numbers I got the other day with the LVR and 154 HHT. I was using cheap cooking thermometers to record temps so they might be off a little. I actually think the cold rounds were colder than the 44 degrees it was reading.

46.0 gr 44 degrees 2792 fps 81 degrees 2827 fps
47.0 gr 44* 2861 fps 82* 2881 fps
48.0 gr 44* 2912 fps 85* 2925 fps
49.0 gr 44* 2925 fps 88* 2966 fps

Sample sizes were only one round of each so take from it what you will. Of course it would have been nice to have the rifle cold too but no such luck. Hope this helps a little. Will try to do a similar test next week with three round samples of one charge wgt, or maybe two.

I take it this data applies to LVR powder? Looks like you're data indicates about about a 0.9/sec/degree

 

[shootnpoke]

I take it this data applies to LVR powder? Looks like you're data indicates about about a 0.9/sec/degree

Yes sir, that is LVR powder. Would like to do a more extensive and complete test but time and the cost of components prevents that for me.
BTW, when might the lighter 308 BD2 become available? I would really like to try them out. Can't remember if it is a 135 or 125, but doesn't matter much to me as our deer here aren't that big and I don't have much opportunity for shots more than 300 yards.

 

[USAFRet]

I reckon this would be on topic. I have a SIG Cross in 308. Anyone got any pet loads for this rifle, by chance? I did get some good groups with 165 grain Accubond over 43.5 grains of Varget. Norma brass and CCI 200 primer. Unfortunately, I can't get a velocity because the rail extends right below the muzzle device and can't get the Magnetospeed on it.

 

[rellison312]

This thread would be dedicated to ways to improve the performance of the 308 Win or the 7.62x51 mm cartridge without wildcatting the case. Experienced and innovative reloaders should find this interesting and are encouraged to participate. The 308Win is so versatile, inherently accurate and commonly used, and yet its performance in terms of MV, trajectory and speed is a bit mediocre. I am sure it can out perform the 3006. To start with I offer up my favorite hunting load I have used for the past 6/7 years in the 308Win. The 150 gr BD or BD2 with 49 gr of Leverevolution going 2920 fps from a 1:10, 20"Douglas barrel in a short action rifle. The same load from a 24" Bartlein 1:9 twist barrel goes 3050 fps. This load would be a pretty decent long range Elk load to 900 yds or so.

Put a .284 bullet in the case

 

[wvbearhunter]

Here is food for thought. Quite a few 308 Win loads still have 500-600ft lbs of energy at 1000 yards which places them in the same arena as 357 mag. Now provided the projectile is designed to expand at the remaining velocity it should be as effective as the magnum. Quite a lot of elk have been killed with 357 mag handguns, have they not? I honestly do not have a dog in this fight as we do not have an elk season here and I have never drawn a tag in neighboring states BUT I am a devout lover of the 308 Win. Plus, I love tinkering with handloads...I am hoping N-550 ups the game for me

 

[JAYgs8163]

Here is food for thought. Quite a few 308 Win loads still have 500-600ft lbs of energy at 1000 yards which places them in the same arena as 357 mag. Now provided the projectile is designed to expand at the remaining velocity it should be as effective as the magnum. Quite a lot of elk have been killed with 357 mag handguns, have they not? I honestly do not have a dog in this fight as we do not have an elk season here and I have never drawn a tag in neighboring states BUT I am a devout lover of the 308 Win. Plus, I love tinkering with handloads...I am hoping N-550 ups the game for me

LeverEvolution powder will get you some serious velocity and energy with the proper projectile. Read through this post more and you'll see some of the velocity we've been getting running the 150 BD. 18" barrel, 10 twist, 308 bolt gun. See below velocity with the 150 BDII

 

[wvbearhunter]

LeverEvolution powder will get you some serious velocity and energy with the proper projectile. Read through this post more and you'll see some of the velocity we've been getting running the 150 BD. 18" barrel, 10 twist, 308 bolt gun. See below velocity with the 150 BDII

I havent seen LE powder in any of the stores I frequent in over 2 years. TAC has worked really well for me recently

 

[44-40]

I havent seen LE powder in any of the stores I frequent in over 2 years. TAC has worked really well for me recently

Depending on what manual you refer to Hodgdon of Hornady... Hodgdon says Leverevolution. PP 2000 MR, are next to each other in the burn rate, with CFE 223 slightly faster than both.
With 2000MR I'm getting 3098 fps with LC brass and 155 Lapua bullets with a 22" 9 twist..
Leverevolution, 2000MR, CFE 223, are all on the shelves locally...and the primer limit has been raised to 1500 primers, at more reasonable prices.

 

[JAYgs8163]

So this I just finished this up this evening. 18", 10 twist, 308.

 

[USAFRet]

So this I just finished this up this evening. 18", 10 twist, 308.
View attachment 479368

Very nice!

 

[JAYgs8163]

Mock up before bedding.