Improving the 308 Win performance

[JAYgs8163]

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

These guys are rock solid with very fair prices. Here ya go!

LEVEREVOLUTION 1 LB

store.thirdgenerationshootingsupply.com

 

[can1010]

These guys are rock solid with very fair prices. Here ya go!

LEVEREVOLUTION 1 LB

store.thirdgenerationshootingsupply.com

they used to be a great place with fair prices until they started the we calculate shipping after you place order and bill separately. I got bit once and it won't happen again. just be informed on their shipping policy before ordering.

 

[wvbearhunter]

they used to be a great place with fair prices until they started the we calculate shipping after you place order and bill separately. I got bit once and it won't happen again. just be informed on their shipping policy before ordering.

Yeah thats sketchy. No estimate or anything

 

[JAYgs8163]

they used to be a great place with fair prices until they started the we calculate shipping after you place order and bill separately. I got bit once and it won't happen again. just be informed on their shipping policy before ordering.

Paid $32 shipping last time for 8lbs. That's doesn't seem "sketchy" or unreasonable. If buying only 2lbs or something you always get bit because of Hazmat. Their cheaper than Hodgdon ALL the time. By the way they have always calculated prices for shipping ATF.

 

[can1010]

Paid $32 shipping last time for 8lbs. That's doesn't seem "sketchy" or unreasonable. If buying only 2lbs or something you always get bit because of Hazmat. Their cheaper than Hodgdon ALL the time. By the way they have always calculated prices for shipping ATF.

I checked their shipping policy before I posted just to be sure since it has been a couple years since I ordered. the shipping policy states shipping averages $20 and hazmat is $50. when I got bit, it was $17 shipping on $45 in brass. as with all hazmat the more you order the better.

 

[JAYgs8163]

Hazmat with them for a normal residential order is 22.50. If you call them they will also always give you total shipping fees. My cost to ship 8lbs is 32.50. Anyways. They list $50 due to large ammo orders they get. Anyways…. And they still answer the phone.

 

[can1010]

the info i gave was from my experience with them and the shipping policy on the web site, if things are different then they should post it so people can make informed decisions when ordering.

 

[LRNut]

I always order bulk. I never buy less than 8 lbs of powder. My last order was for .22 RF; Powder Valley was selling 500 rounds for 29.99 so I ordered four boxes.

 

[nralifer]

I think your data is interesting and gives me the idea to try our 205 gr 308 SBD2 in the 308 from a 24" Bartlein 1:9 twist barrel to see how it compares to the 225 and 230 gr Hornady bullets you tested. The 150 gr BD2 to 600 yds compares favorably to all the bullets you tested as it shoots flatter, has over 1500 ft-lbs of retained energy, but it's wind drift is a few inches more. As you might imagine, heavy for caliber bullets may have substantially higher BCs but you lose so much in MV that at 600 yds and before the lighter bullet has a flatter trajectory. From that barrel I am able to safely push the 205 gr BD2 to 3200 fps with Starline SRP brass. Give me a few days to get the data.

Have to correct this post. I don't know what I was thinking but 3200 fps from the 205 is too optimistic. More realistic is 2700 fps from the 195 gr BD2. I apologize for misleading anyone.

 

[44-40]

Because it wasn't 100 degrees, I was able to try some 150, and 168 gr loads with Leverevolution and a few with 2000MR...in 308 9 twist 22" barrel...a hot day at the range.
With Lapua brass 50.0 gr gave me 3006 fps, no problem with pressure, on Lapua brass.
Ran the hybrid cases to 51.7 gr ...3050 fps as they have more case capacity. But can hold 55 grs of powder, and take 80,000 psi.
2000MR with Lapua brass pushed the 150 gr bullet to 3093 fps
Hybrid cases were well over 3100 fps but running out of case capacity...may be able to bump to 3200 fps..may also try a little more Leverevolution for this rifle, Lapua & hybrid cases, with this lot of powder.
Also ran the 358 Winchester 16" AR 10 to 3766 fps with a light 9mm bullet, for a bunny load, accuracy conducted at a mere 50 yards was great...now all I gotta do is find a rabbit.

 

[4th_point]

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.

I'm using Varget, Lapua brass, CCI 200, and the 150 BDII in a factory 16" Cross. Basically as much powder as I could stuff in the case and still fit the SIG mag. Very happy with the load out to ~700 on targets and ~500 on one buck.

 

[richhymas]

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.

Lots about this post is making controversial claims and thoughts. In a true apples for apples comparison the 308 will never outperform a 30-06. True a light load 30-06 may be slower than a crazy hot load for a 308 but apples for apples it isn't going to happen.

Same for the 900 yds on elk. Possible, maybe. Appropriate, never.

Use the 308 the way it was intended. Moderate weight pill inside 400 yards absolute max distance. If you want to shoot further and faster just sell it and buy a hotter cartridge. I have loaded the 215 and 230 bergers in a 308. They shot reasonably well at like 2200 FPS. But still didn't increase the range at which the bullet was going over 1800 FPS at impact. Just provided more mass for penetration and appropriately moderate expansion at 0-300 yds.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm using Varget, Lapua brass, CCI 200, and the 150 BDII in a factory 16" Cross. Basically as much powder as I could stuff in the case and still fit the SIG mag. Very happy with the load out to ~700 on targets and ~500 on one buck.

How many grains of Varget? Were you able to get a velocity?

 

[bamban]

How many grains of Varget? Were you able to get a velocity?

Pat, post #1024 should be a good starting point for your cross. LVR or 2000MR would do the trick. The latter is good powder for 308 and 223