First batch

[Toolndie7]

I finally got around to loading up some 308 for the first time. Been saving lake City, Hirtenberger, and federal brass for awhile and have had dies. Ive been reloading other calibers for awhile but first time with 308,  Got around to finally ordering powder and projectiles the other day and started off with some Sierra 168gr hpbt's over some Hodgdon Varget powder. Loaded some LC brass with a rough spread from 40.5-45gr of powder to see what my 308ar was keen on. Thought I would share the results. Distance was 120yds and Barrel is a Criterion 18.5" medium weight match SS 1:10  Groups are definitely not my best and I hadn't shot this rifle in quite sometime.

 

 

 

 

[survivalshop]

  What were the , SD & ES  on those shot groups ?   Any kind of pressure signs with the Cases ? 

Edited January 18, 2018 by survivalshop

[Toolndie7]

2 hours ago, survivalshop said:

  What were the , SD & ES  on those shot groups ?   Any kind of pressure signs with the Cases ? 

Primer just started to flow into the firing pin hole at 45 grains nothing crazy I could just feel a slight "burr" with my fingernail. Im going to do more playing around 43 and 44 grains so im not worried.

as for Deviation and spread?  You can calculate that if you like.  The fps shown was what I got for each shot in each group. Although it was shot through a $100 chronograph so make of it what you will.

[survivalshop]

  You are making me do math , my Chrono does all that ES & SD for me , well, both of mine do ! 

  The reason I asked was , that the best ( lowest ) SD is alway what I go for , but it does boil down to best group . The best SD seems to be the most consistent in grouping for all those I test , but not always.

   Don't completely rely on the Primers for high Pressure signs , the fired Case can show  HP signs earlier then the Primer .

  Looks like your loads are shooting pretty good , which do you like ?  I like # 4 or # 8

[survivalshop]

 # 4 SD -  9.71 fps

 # 8  SD -  13.05 fps 

  I used this calculator - https://www.easycalculation.com/statistics/standard-deviation.php

[Sisco]

42gr is a sweet spot for me with Varget, and with RL15 as well, although with RL15 41.8 is slightly better across all my 308’s.

[Toolndie7]

16 hours ago, survivalshop said:

 # 4 SD -  9.71 fps

 # 8  SD -  13.05 fps 

  I used this calculator - https://www.easycalculation.com/statistics/standard-deviation.php

Thanks for the link and doing some math SS  I'm liking 44 grains but currently experimenting with 42.6 - 43.5 in .1 increments.  We shall see....

[Toolndie7]

16 hours ago, Sisco said:

42gr is a sweet spot for me with Varget, and with RL15 as well, although with RL15 41.8 is slightly better across all my 308’s.

Definitely like the way varget meters. I've never tried RL15 but have heard of it. Once I get the 308ar dialed in I want to do the same with the lrb M25  and she what she likes. With a 22" 1:12 barrel I'm sure it will be different. 

[survivalshop]

6 hours ago, Toolndie7 said:

Definitely like the way varget meters. I've never tried RL15 but have heard of it. Once I get the 308ar dialed in I want to do the same with the lrb M25  and she what she likes. With a 22" 1:12 barrel I'm sure it will be different. 

 I cant wait to load test for my Socom , one more month 

Edited January 20, 2018 by survivalshop

[mineralman55]

Assuming you did everything else consistently, it looks like you hit a "node" around 42-43 grains. Good job.

Varget is my goto for the 30-06. Tried it some in the .308 and 5.56, but nothing extensive. Great all around powder.

 

[98Z5V]

On 1/18/2018 at 6:06 PM, Sisco said:

42gr is a sweet spot for me with Varget, and with RL15 as well,

Same here. 

[Toolndie7]

I know, I know, it's not a true "group" as its only 3 shots but I loaded up 100 more of these to see what I can do.  This was shot this morning at 120yds at about 30°f