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Best varget loads for .308 Win.

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sniper13 View Drop Down
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    Posted: April/27/2009 at 22:13
Hey...I am new to reloading and need a little help with the best loads...any help would be appreciated. I am useing federal brass,CCIbr2 primers,Hornady 168gr. HPBT and varget. Can anyone tellme what loads I should try, 43.5 seems about average. I am useing a REM 700 w/ 20" bull barrel & 1:12 twist....thanks.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sniper13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/27/2009 at 22:15
Also...I am shooting 500-800 yards max.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shenko Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/27/2009 at 22:24
Try some.  I worked up to 44.5 gr for my rifle.  Hodgdon lists up to 46.
Varget, according to reports, often works best at close to max loads.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sniper13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/27/2009 at 22:34
What kind of velocities are you getting????
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 02:43
44.5grs at .020 off the lands 2775fps average with a 26 inch VS.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Steelbenz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 02:45
If you can get a copy of handloader mag #257 it had a great article for the most accurate .308 load with Varget.  I don't have time this morning to scan the data or I would post it for you. PM me if you want it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sniper13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 08:46
Thanks guys.....any kind of help is appreciated
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 09:43
I don't shoot 168s, so I have not data for those.  With my 175, I use 42 grains Varget, with Fed brass though.  When I got my new barrel with my tighter chamber I had to drop my powder 1.6 grains if I go to 42.3 I occasionally get a sticky bolt.  My velocities are around 2670 with that load.

Every rifle is going to be different.  Just start at the low end of your manual and slowly work up.  Check out this site, this is how I find loads for my rifles.  It works very well and once you find the best powder charge, then you can start messing with other things like neck tension, seating depth and stuff like that to optimize your round.  http://optimalchargeweight.embarqspace.com/#
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sniper13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 09:46
Thanks....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 10:24
For bolt guns I have loaded 44 gr Varget and 168 gr  but I also load some lighter Varget loads for gas guns at 42.7 gr varget.  If you are going to longer distances you need to move up to either the 175 smk or the 190 smk.  I have some 175 SMK loaded at 43.2 gr Varget at about 2500fps. 
 
I am getting ready to start working with the 190s in a bolt gun and the Horniday book shows 40.9 gr Varget but Hogdon Powders shows loads with the 190 SMK from 41 gr varget up to 44.0 gr (thats probably too hot).  Sierra shows 41.4 grains Varget max for the 190. and Mike has been loading 42.5 gr  Varget with the 190.  I dont think I would use more than  42.5 gr varget with the 190 but I am inclined to use IMR 4350 at (max) 47.8gr load from Sierra manual pushing the 190 SMK at 2600 fps (carefully measured).


Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - April/28/2009 at 10:29

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sniper13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 11:11
Thanks urimag....what do you think the optimal range of my set up would be??? 500-700y??? my optics are ss 10x42m. And do you think I should use 175's
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 11:47
168s SMKs were designed for 600 yards.  The 175 SMKwere made because people wanted to shoot farther, so they built the 175.

However the 168 Amax is a different bullet and will stay stable at 1000 yards unlike the 168 SMK.  At least that is what I have been told, I have never shot either of those two bullets that far.  I also have been told that the 168 amax bullets is not near as accurate as the 175 SMK at 1000 yards. 

So if you plan on shooting past 600, I was just use 175 SMK, 185 Lapua's, or 190 SMKs.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 12:00
My load for 168gr. Match Kings is 45.5gr. Of Varget.
Your load will be close to that, maybe a tad less, as the other guys have mentioned.

Also, I would try 155gr. Lapaus or 168gr Match Kings with your barrels 1 in 12 twist.
They seem to favor your barrel.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sniper13 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 13:40
Thanks cheaptrick.... my understanding is that I have a 600 yard rifle w/168's and maybe 800 w/175's....does that seem right. Also what kind of velocity were you getting w/45.5
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 14:32
Honestly unless your rifle does not like 175s I don't see the point in shooting anything lighter. That way you can shoot 1000 plus if you want. The 175 will do anything the 168 will do at short range and much more at longer ranges.  My 1-12" barrel shot 175s very well at all ranges. 

Plus if you just stick with 1 bullet that will do it all, then you only have to gather dope for that one load.  That is unless you are using your rifle for multiple tasks, hunting/target shooting etc.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 14:59
Tool, my 12 twist 26" barrel flat out don't cotton to 175gr. pills.
I have tried handloads, match ammo, and the girl aint haven't it.
I concede the fact that she "should" shoot better. But, I have not faired better than 1 MOA with any 175gr bullet.
I don't recall seeing or reading about a 12 twist Remmy that shot 175's better than 168gr bullets.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 15:02
Mike McDonald is going to blow my earlier post to pieces!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 15:06
168 Berger VLD's with 45.5 varget is great out to 500 yards with winchester or lapua brass.
I also shoot 165 gr acubonds with the same results.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 15:08
Thus the reason I said "unless your rifle does not like 175s"  Wink

Mine shot 1/2 MOA oe better with 175s.  Twice at 600 yards I shot under 3 inch 3 shot groups.  Maybe 168s could have been as good or maybe better, but that point I didn't really care.  I know a lot of people who shoot 175s out of there 1-12s and they shoot sub MOA consistently.  So again if you gun shoots then good why not?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/28/2009 at 16:03
I'd START with 155gr. Scenars with that rifle.
Just add Varget and CCI primers.

I follow ya, Tool.
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