looking for insight on loads and best components (bullet selection, powder, etc) for my 20" 1:10 heavy barrel. I have recently added a precision armament brake. I have worked out the harmonics. Now I am just trying to find the right mix but am having some frustrations. No expectations on shooting beyond 600 with this rifle but want solid performance at that range. Anyone have suggestions? SMK 175 and ScenarL 175 are on my bench. Was considering 155s for the speed but drift is a big question mark. Open for suggestions....
20" barrel issue
- Thread starter Jhayes76
- Start date
its is a .308
I should add that I am currently using Varget powder with Lapua brass and CCI LR primers. I have also tried 4064.
With keeping the distance under 600 yds, am I worrying too much about drift with the 155s? AB shows it as very stable bullet. Almost too stable. My last chrono session showed slower fps than what I wanted to achieve fro stability at distance. My initial thoughts were to try something lighter??
bullet choice? gr?
With that 20 inch barrel, you should consider staying away from slow burning powder, hence staying away from heavy bullets. Your idea of using lighter bullets than 155 might be worth a try, but my choice would be staying with the 155's.
powder suggestions?
If you want a complete powder burn to avoid muzzle flash when it's darker outside, I would try the following powders...
IMR-3031
H-322
AA-2495
Viht. N-140
Otherwise don't give much thought about which powder might be better in a shorter barrel. It might make a little difference if comparing a 16" barrel to a 30" barrel, but best powder for top velocity in a 20" barrel will be the same as the best powder for a 30" barrel.
IMR-3031
H-322
AA-2495
Viht. N-140
Otherwise don't give much thought about which powder might be better in a shorter barrel. It might make a little difference if comparing a 16" barrel to a 30" barrel, but best powder for top velocity in a 20" barrel will be the same as the best powder for a 30" barrel.
The "best" powder is not determined by the barrel length. The "best" powder is determined by case volume and bullet weight. Powder burns completely in the first few inches of the barrel. Muzzle flash is just heat and pressure that has not been used to accelerate the bullet. It is hot glowing gases that have not cooled and high pressure left over.
i was in the process of checking my case volumes. if i am running compressed load or close to it, to fill the case, is it best to slow down the powder and fill the case or speed up the powder? sorry, lots of questions coming up here as i progress through.
Down South
FTR Junkie
IMR 8208 & H4895 are great powders for your application as well.
With compressed loads you need to align the powder kernels. A long drop tube will help but I found that using a bullet or lead wire just under the diameter of your neck sitting on top of the power charge while vibrating the case does the best job of compacting the powder charge.
For 35 caliber I use a 32 caliber bullet; for 30 caliber I use an 8mm and so on.
For 35 caliber I use a 32 caliber bullet; for 30 caliber I use an 8mm and so on.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.