Powder Suggestions and Misc Questions

[BoomFlop]

So, I'm a new Reloader. I currently have only reloaded for my son's Remington 700 Varmint 223 Rem and my Remington 700 LTR with very good results.

Anyway, Iam going to start reloading for a Remington 700 LTR in 308 Win and multiple 7mm-08's(3 total).

I am overwhelmed by the multitude of powders that seem to work well with both the 7mm-08 and 308 Win. Do you guys usually buy a bunch of 1# containers of powder to see what a rifle/bullet/primer likes or should buy an 8# of one powder to insure lot number and tune load? I am probably over thinking this, however, I tend to overthink everything. Lol

Any advise on choosing a powder to start with (new Reloader without any powders other than Benchmark for 223 Rem) would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks
Steve

 

[Tagnbagem]

Give varget a try. Ram shot tec is also good and a little easier to find.

 

[ShtrRdy]

With my .308 Win I have tried several powders and seem to always end up back to Varget.

 

[LVJ76]

Happy fathers day Steve.

For the 7mm-08 with 120gr to 140gr bullets IMR-4064 and Varget are your best options.

With heavier bullets from 150gr to 168gr I have always used IMR-4350 and IMR-4895, but this fall I will be trying out H4350 and RL16, I want to go with temp stable powders and that give me a little more speed. So for the heavier bullets I would try H4350 and RL17.

I usually buy 1 lb to test the powders to see if they work, and then I'll get the big jug. But some of these are hard to find, so I would get the big jug and since you have 3 of these rifles, they will most likely work on one or the other, so get the big jugs, at least thats what I am doing soon, one big jug of each

Hope this helps, stay safe and god bless

 

[LVJ76]

Apologies for the typo, meant RL16 both times

 

[JMW67]

VARGET will work with all calibers mentioned as well as h4895 both are extreme powders which means they are not very temp sensitive

 

[Zen Archery]

I see look to see what a common powder is (my local gun shop, not box store) is very knowledgeable in a caliber. Then go to that to see how it performs. I hardly ever switch powders unless I am forced too (pandemic) or I see radically improved results in a different powder.
As others stated Varget is a good standard.

 

[Mrvmax]

I've got numerous different powders but I tend to like powders that can be used on multiple calibers. I use Varget for 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win and 7mm-08. I use them for hunting, not bench rest shooting.

 

[just_jon]

I don't generally buy 8 pounders for experimentation. I did that with my 6.5 creed and found my rifle did not prefer H4350. Low ES/SD, but accuracy was not where I was with other powders. Luckily, it found a home in several others chamberings.

Once I select a bullet, I look for a couple of powders with a max load with a load density of >95% and load 10 rounds starting at max and dropping down .2 or .3 grains for each of the remaining 9. i generally start with the bullet seated .020" off the lands. I willI then shoot Over a chronograph at 100 yards starting with the lightest load and working up to max looking for pressure signs and trying to identify a speed node like shots 4, 5 and 6 below from a recent test with a friend's 6.5 creed and StaBALL 6.5.

 

[DocDoc]

Did you mean 5,6,7? Number looks like a strange outlier.

 

[LVJ76]

Also, if you have anyone around you that reloads, get some samples of powders to test out and then you can buy your own.

 

[LVJ76]

What barrel length? Some burn faster for shorter barrel some slower for longer barrel

 

[BoomFlop]

LVJ76

Happy Father's Day!!!

Unfortunately I do not have anyone that I know that reloads.

My original plan was to load 120 gr Ballistic Tips with Varget in the 7mm-08's and 168 gr Berger Classic Hunter's in my LTR with Varget and all with BR2 primers. Varget is just really hard to find as you probably know.

What are your thoughts on brass brand. I was planning to buy Lapua. I purchased Starline for our 223 Rem and although they shot well, I wasn't impressed with the variation in overall length, which was even more difficult with loading 40gr bullets. I mean a lot of them were .015 short of trim too length.

Have a great day all!
Steve

 

[BoomFlop]

308 Win:
Rem LTR
1-10 TW
20"

7mm-08:
Rem 700 Mountain
1-9.25 TW
22"

Rem 700 SPS
1-9.25 TW
24"

Browning XBolt
1.9.25 TW
22"

Thanks
Steve