Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 308 win + 178 ELD X

Hey guys,

Loaded up some 178s using Varget for a 20" barrel. Hornady data shows 42.4 as max with COAL at 2.800.

Anyone running this combo? What type of velocity are you seeing?planning on using this for speedgoat this fall.

Most 30-06's barely hit 2,800 fps with 180's. Should do fine. Antelope aren't hard to kill.

I think the OP means COAL of 2.800”, not velocity of 2800 fps.

My Hornady book has 2450 fps with that load, using a 22” barrel. With a 20” I would be surprised with 2400 fps.

Thanks stammster. Yes coal is 2.800. Was hoping to hit 2650ish but most likely will not

I'm wondering why you think it will hit 2,650,when the book says 2,450 with that powder? I'd use TAC, or CFE223, if top velocity was a concern. 2,400 is about what I'd expect with the load you have at hand.

Thanks BSA, I wanted to see what powder might get me closer to that speed or if it was even possible. The velocity seemed low to me but...

I checked Hodgon load data, a 180 using 45.0 max charge of Varget is 2660ish.

2600-2650 shouldn’t be a big trick with a 20-22” barrel a few decent powders with a 180. No idea why Hornady only shows 2400.. Thats really slow.

Thats what I was thinking beretzs.i have a lb of Varget opened so Ill load up with that. I may switch to TAC if results are not good. I hit some pressure with max Varget loads using 155s in this rifle so I'll have to work up slow again.

I guess the good thing with the 308 is you can load it with so many different powders that’ll work.

From 3031 on up should find some magic for you somewhere. Never used TAC yet but I hear a lot of folks rave about the stuff.

Thanks! This Hornady manual seems anemic for most loads....it was gifted to me. I need to find a different load manual.

TAC and AR Comp have worked very well, but so has IMR8208XBR and CFE 223. TAC should yield better speeds than Varget and I know CFE223 will as well.

Not a direct comparison, but in my new 308w, I'm running almost 2,790 fps with a 175 SMK and a max charge of CFE223. However, with that being said, it was slightly overpressure, so I had to back that down 1.5 grains:

Not nearly as accurate as the 47gr charge, but it will work and I'd rather play it safe than mess up a good rifle.

I didn't check the velocities with the new load, but I'm pretty sure it's still running a good 2,690 fps in the 26" tube. I know Hornady does not list CFE223 for the 178, but they do for the 165 for some odd reason, but I'd try that first. The good thing about that powder, is, I've been seeing it everywhere and it is reasonably priced. I'd save that Varget to sprinkle on cornflakes or something like that.

Thanks BSA! Good info as always!

No problem buddy. Good luck with that 308. I have been having fun with my new one. About ready to head out the door and try some new bullets, as we speak.

Awesome. Enjoy!

I'd bet a dollar if CFE223 works, LVR will work as well.

I think you could load a 308 case with poop, top it with a rock and send it down a galvanized tube and it'd still shoot..

Wait a minute, are you saying the 308 is inherently accurate?

Man, I will leave that to you all to discuss what is inherently accurate..

I bet your right!

I’ve ran 4064, Varget, RE15, lots of TAC, N140 and 8208 in a few different 20” 308s and 175-178 bullets. Even ran too hot 2650 was about all they had.

The 308 shoots like schidt. Lets just face it!!! It inherently wishes it was a 30-06.


I need to bring a tape measure next time. But that looked to be about 3/4" to me.. ^^^