308 pet loads

[TexMex247]

Although I've been shooting and hunting for over 25 years now, I just got around to buying a .308. Specifically a Howa 1500, 20 inch HB rifle. I already reload for 11 different calibers and really don't need the burden but as usual, I can't leave well enough alone.

I am looking for a paper punching load for accuracy but I may also use it as a back up deer, hog or coyote rifle. As far as bullet selection, it seems you can't top the sierra match kings for accuracy so the 168gr SMKs make my short list. I also like the idea of some 150gr hornady SSTs for 4 legged critters.

As far as powder, I have Tac, H335, H and IMR4895, H4198, H414, Varget, IMR 4831, BlC2 and a few others in hand.

The hunting load doesn't need to be sniper accurate but I would like to keep it around 1 MOA if possible. I do expect the 168 gr load to be sub moa all day. I have a comparator on hand and plan on measuring the distance to lands on the rifle before I decide on an OAL for each respective bullet.

Any input here is appreciated. I know every rifle is different but there have to be several proven loads out there that will achieve these goals.

Thanks gents - Texmex

 

[Sam7sf]

Congrats on the howa. I got one is 6.5 Swede. Can’t really speculate on your question without knowing your twist rate. I could just look it up but I won’t. Why take the fun and conversation out of it?

 

[Dawico]

Look at the Hornady 165gr SSTs. Accurate and great hunting bullets.

Worked up a load for a rifle years ago using IMR4064 and four different rifles shoot sub MOA with it. Two bolt guns (Savages) and two autoloaders (DPMS LR308s).

4895 and Varget should do well if you don't want a new powder.

0.020" off the lands is my go to OAL when testing. Usually don't see the need to test jump further once charge is dialed in.

 

[Big Dipper]

This has worked well for me.

Let's see your targets and groups!

 

[TexMex247]

Twist rate is 1:10. Will definitely pick up some 165gr SSTs.

 

[TexMex247]

That's what I'm talking about Bdipper ! I'm really wanting to make Tac or BL-c2 work for some plinking rounds but I'm not opposed to restocking Varget or 4064 if it works that well under SMKs. Probably only have a pound each of the latter two. What primers are y'all running BTW?

 

[Dawico]

Winchester LR primers for me.

Nothing fancy really.

I have some FGMM primers but haven't used them in my 308 loads.

 

[Dawico]

Guess I am using IMR4895 in my 308s with the 165gr SSTs.

https://www.texasguntalk.com/index.php?posts/1751867

IMR4064 is working well in my 223. It is a good choice for 308 though.

 

[TexMex247]

Interesting about 4064 in the 223. Never thought to try that powder with the 223. Long ago I had a sub moa Ar load put together with H4198 but it wouldn't cycle the bolt in my carbines.

It's a luxury to not have to worry about running a gas system since I'm loading specifically for a bolt gun. Kind of a game changer as far as powder choices.

 

[Dawico]

Interesting about 4064 in the 223. Never thought to try that powder with the 223. Long ago I had a sub moa Ar load put together with H4198 but it wouldn't cycle the bolt in my carbines.

It's a luxury to not have to worry about running a gas system since I'm loading specifically for a bolt gun. Kind of a game changer as far as powder choices.

I had it and 4895 when working up my load so I tried it.

IMR4895 wasn't notable but the IMR4064 was stellar.

Results posted in same thread as above. 75gr Hornady bthp Match in my 1:9 Savage.

H4198 is finicky in ARs. The pressure curve timing is wrong. It can be done but most people just go with a better powder choice.