|
|
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 541
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 541 |
Preferred powder for 308 WCF and 165 gr NPT or Speer Hot Core?
Been using Varget, works well but anything else considered better overall?
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,170
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 17,170 |
I use 46 grains of Varget. It works great. No need to chase the Rainbow.
Randy
NRA
Patriot Life Benefactor
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,241
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17,241 |
I use 46 grains of Varget. It works great. No need to chase the Rainbow. Tough to argue with that one. Tried and true.
Now with even more aplomb
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 30,950
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 30,950 |
Murky, There's an amazing number of powder that will give good results in the .308 with a 165gr bullet. Cartridge : .308 Win. (SAAMI) Bullet : .308, 165, Nosler BalTip 30165 Useable Case Capaci: 46.812 grain H2O = 3.039 cm³ Cartridge O.A.L. L6: 2.800 inch = 71.12 mm Barrel Length : 24.0 inch = 609.6 mm Predicted Data for Indicated Charges of the Following Powders. Matching Maximum Pressure: 61250 psi, or 422 MPa or a maximum loading ratio or filling of 108 % These calculations refer to your specified settings in QuickLOAD 'Cartridge Dimensions' window. C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations. USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !
21 loads produced a Loading Ratio below user-defined minimum of 60%. These powders have been skipped.
Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Hodgdon CFE223 *C 104.7 49.3 3.19 2843 98.4 61250 7929 1.107 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Ramshot Big Game 104.7 48.1 3.12 2829 99.1 61250 7674 1.110 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4895 104.3 45.0 2.92 2825 99.3 61250 7699 1.122 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Alliant Reloder-17 *T 108.0 48.9 3.17 2824 99.0 56062 8175 1.137 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon BL-C2 99.4 46.8 3.03 2816 99.8 61250 7552 1.123 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Norma 203 old 107.4 46.9 3.04 2814 99.7 61250 7537 1.129 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 748 96.9 45.0 2.92 2813 100.0 61250 7276 1.116 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Norma 203B *C 105.6 45.6 2.95 2813 99.3 61250 7601 1.124 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-15 *C 105.0 45.3 2.94 2810 98.9 61250 7625 1.124 ! Near Maximum ! ***
IMR 3031 105.3 42.5 2.75 2807 100.0 61250 6878 1.120 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 4064 107.8 45.5 2.95 2798 100.0 61250 7072 1.149 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H4895 101.2 43.7 2.83 2796 99.5 61250 7425 1.127 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Hodgdon H414 108.0 49.3 3.19 2795 94.8 58002 7993 1.133 ! Near Maximum !
Winchester 760 108.0 49.3 3.19 2795 94.8 58002 7993 1.133 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Ramshot Wild Boar 99.5 45.9 2.97 2794 99.2 61250 7463 1.121 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H380 106.1 46.8 3.03 2791 97.8 61250 7621 1.128 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Accurate 2520 99.8 45.4 2.94 2791 100.0 61250 7063 1.134 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206H 101.4 43.8 2.84 2790 99.2 61250 7437 1.128 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4320 106.8 45.3 2.94 2788 99.1 61250 7332 1.112 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2495 101.6 42.9 2.78 2779 100.0 61250 6776 1.156 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N540 *C 104.4 45.5 2.95 2768 100.0 61250 7018 1.129 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N530 *C 97.4 42.3 2.74 2766 99.8 61250 7107 1.128 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H335 92.1 43.4 2.81 2766 100.0 61250 6886 1.127 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Hodgdon VARGET *T 107.1 44.7 2.90 2762 98.7 61250 7292 1.123 ! Near Maximum ! ***
ADI AR 2208 106.8 44.7 2.90 2762 98.7 61250 7292 1.123 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant AR-Comp *C *T 100.2 41.8 2.71 2761 100.0 61250 6347 1.126 ! Near Maximum ! ***
Norma 201 *C 102.6 43.3 2.81 2758 99.8 61250 7104 1.141 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 8208 XBR 99.6 43.0 2.78 2757 99.8 61250 7030 1.128 ! Near Maximum ! ***
IMR 4064 108.0 44.0 2.85 2756 98.9 61240 7156 1.127 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H322 97.6 40.9 2.65 2755 100.0 61250 6649 1.125 ! Near Maximum ! ***
ADI AR 2219 91.7 40.9 2.65 2755 100.0 61250 6649 1.125 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot TAC *C 98.8 46.0 2.98 2753 97.1 61250 7371 1.130 ! Near Maximum ! ***
IMR 4007 SSC 107.1 46.9 3.04 2738 94.6 61250 7392 1.135 ! Near Maximum !
Ramshot X-Terminator *C 96.4 44.4 2.88 2737 99.1 61250 7055 1.134 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2230 94.5 44.2 2.86 2737 99.5 61250 6908 1.140 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N550 *C 108.0 47.6 3.09 2731 96.7 52780 7841 1.185 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-12 97.2 42.8 2.77 2724 100.0 61250 6489 1.132 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2210 92.4 41.2 2.67 2722 100.0 61250 6717 1.134 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4451 Enduron *C*T 108.0 46.0 2.98 2716 94.8 59299 7319 1.141 ! Near Maximum !
IMR 4166 Enduron *C*T 107.8 44.5 2.89 2714 95.3 61250 7119 1.134 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Benchmark 98.3 41.8 2.71 2713 99.9 61250 6675 1.136 ! Near Maximum ! ***
ADI BM2 90.4 41.6 2.69 2713 99.9 61250 6659 1.136 ! Near Maximum !
Vihtavuori N140 *C 108.0 44.8 2.90 2711 99.8 59197 6800 1.146 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-10x *C 94.9 38.7 2.50 2709 100.0 61250 6236 1.145 ! Near Maximum !
Accurate 2200 89.7 39.3 2.55 2707 100.0 61250 6487 1.134 ! Near Maximum !
ADI AR 2206 100.3 42.8 2.78 2704 99.4 61250 6732 1.135 ! Near Maximum !
Last edited by antelope_sniper; 01/11/20.
You didn't use logic or reason to get into this opinion, I cannot use logic or reason to get you out of it.
You cannot over estimate the unimportance of nearly everything. John Maxwell
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 19,070
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 19,070 |
I have been using IMR 4064 for about 53 years.Seems to be working. Everything I shot with it died
If God wanted you to walk and carry things on your back, He would not have invented stirrups and pack saddles
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8,642
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 8,642 |
IMR 4064, sharp knife, cast iron skillet. Add salt and pepper as needed...
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,114
Campfire Savant
|
|
Campfire Savant
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 151,114 |
I use 46 grains of Varget. It works great. No need to chase the Rainbow. Tough to argue with that one. Tried and true. It works great
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,017
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,017 |
IBack when Varget was hard to get, I tried RL15, and have used it ever since.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,265
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,265 |
“Perfection is Achieved Not When There Is Nothing More to Add, But When There Is Nothing Left to Take Away” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 63
Campfire Greenhorn
|
|
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 63 |
Another vote for 46g of Varget (AR 2208 here!).
It gets me 2730 f/s out of my 22.4" Tikka Bbl. with 165g SST and gives 2 holes and usually DRT on fallow deer with high shoulder shots.
Cheers, Jack
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,932
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,932 |
IMR 4064, Varget, RL-15: Take your pick
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,518
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,518 |
To your original question; I don’t think you will find a powder for your load that is better than Varget! Some may shoot as well, but there is none better in my experience.
If we live long enough, we all have regrets. But the ones that nag at us the most are the ones in which we know we had a choice.
Doug
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 244
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 244 |
BLC2
Easy to use.
Easy to measure.
Old school powder but works.
In stock everywhere just about all the time.
I use it with Speer 150 hot cores....in .308 win Rem 700 at 45 grains.
Works every time.
Best
Heavy
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,401
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,401 |
Used a bunch of different powders in the 308 under 165 gr. bullets. If I had to pick just one I couldn't but presently I am using BLC-2.
Dog I rescued in January ![[Linked Image from i.postimg.cc]](https://i.postimg.cc/yYDjsxrQ/IMG-0124.jpg)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,263
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7,263 |
Just to be a contrarian I would use CFE223 or R16 as I like velocity. If I was reloading in quantity I would get a couple of 8 lb. jugs of milsurp. Bl-2c or 8208 and rock on. But you can't go wrong with any of the previous suggestions.
"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,792
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17,792 |
I was using a Jack O'Conner .30-06 load which used IMR 4064, recently switched to IMR 4350. Used the 4350 load with Sierra GK 165 to take two deer this fall, the load kills with authority.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,325
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,325 |
Years ago I bought a Ruger M77 RSI, the International for a ridiculously low price because the gay said it was inaccurate as hell. $200 for the gun, dies, bullets of which there were plenty, brass and the sellers somewhat words saying, "Good luck." It took two years to find a load. Ended up with a max for the rifle using W760 and the 165 gr. Speer Hot Core. Best that gun will do consistently is 1.50". I killed a lot of deer with that load.
I came into two more of those rifle in .308, all well below their worth because their owners couldn't get a usable level of accuracy from them. Seems all three like the same load. Did some tinkering with them on that metal nose cap and now groups are closer to 1.25".
Velocity is similar in all three with the combined average being about 2550 FPS from the 18.5" barrel. That same load run through a Winchester M70 with 22" barrel is 2610 FPS.
You cannot change a thing. Winchester brass and WLR primer and that Speer bullet. Change to a Sierra or other brand bullet and accuracy goes straight to hell. Change primer and no more accuracy. The strangest thing about it is the Speer Nitrex factory load would shoot right along with my handload with exactly same results. A pox on Speer for dropping that load.
Two more things; why did I buy three? Well, one was for my wife. She wanted to take over mine and the the last just a moment of weakness due to a very pretty piece of lumber. Second, I was at the range shortly after buying the second one testing the loads and I ran info the guy I'd bought it from. The look on his face when we checked targets was priceless. He wanted to know what I did and offered to buy the rifle back for twice what I gave him. Told him I'd do it but that I'd given the rifle to my wife and I was sure she wouldn't sell.
Paul B.
Our forefathers did not politely protest the British.They did not vote them out of office, nor did they impeach the king,march on the capitol or ask permission for their rights. ----------------They just shot them.
MOLON LABE
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 224
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 224 |
+1 I use 46 grains of Varget. It works great. No need to chase the Rainbow.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,841
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,841 |
I've been impressed with Benchmark of late. 8208 and AR Comp are also worthy of trying with 165s.
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,662
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,662 |
RL15 has worked well for me, but no better than Varget.
'Four legs good, two legs baaaad."
----------------------------------------------
"Jimmy, some of it's magic,
Some of it's tragic,
But I had a good life all the way."
(Jimmy Buffett)
SotG
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,081
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,081 |
Either bullet over a bunch of powders will work well. Given my druthers I'd go NPT 'cause SPS sells 'em cheap and RL15 since it was a buck oh five per # cheaper than Varget a quarter century ago.
|
|
|
|
|
549 members (11point, 2500HD, 257 roberts, 160user, 10ring1, 219 Wasp, 70 invisible),
2,965
guests, and
1,217
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,191,335
Posts18,468,659
Members73,928
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
