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LOAD DEVELOPMENT FOR .308 WINCHESTER

1911cwp

You don't know what you don't know.
I will start load development for my 308 Winchester today. New Lapua brass, Federal 210 primers, Sierra 155 gr HPBT 2156C bullet, Varget powder. I will check the brass to trim if necessary, clean pocket and primer hole, full length size.
My question is I have two sets of load data. One from Sierra starting at 41.4 grs and stopping at 44.8 max. Another from the Hogdon site starting at 44.0 and ending at 47.0 gr.s. I have seen loads in Accuratte Shooter under 30 Caliber of others shooters data and there are one or two that using same components use larger powder weight.
This is my first time doing it this way and I am new to rifles. I have never checked for pressure signs, only loaded to minimum powder weight and shot for fun.
My method here is to start with minimum load and work up by .3 grains each and look for velocity node and check for pressure signs. Any input as to method or difference in load date between those two sites?

Savage Palma rifle, 30" barrel, 1:13 inch twist. NF scope 12-42 Benchrest, 20 MOA rail, I have shot out to 600 yards and range goes to 785 yards. I understand Palma chambers are supposedly different from others. I have not tried any other size bullet. Again, new to this rifle activity. Only have shot pistols until this. Trying to get away from factory ammo and load my own since I have all the gear or most of it that I feel is necessary for fun. Not a competitor other than against myself. However, I want to do the best I can with what I have within my club.
 
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I will start load development for my 308 Winchester today. New Lapua brass, Federal 210 primers, Sierra 155 gr HPBT 2156C bullet, Varget powder. I will check the brass to trim if necessary, clean pocket and primer hole, full length size.
My question is I have two sets of load data. One from Sierra starting at 41.4 grs and stopping at 44.8 max. Another from the Hogdon site starting at 44.0 and ending at 47.0 gr.s. I have seen loads in Accuratte Shooter under 30 Caliber of others shooters data and there are one or two that using same components use larger powder weight.
This is my first time doing it this way and I am new to rifles. I have never checked for pressure signs, only loaded to minimum powder weight and shot for fun.
My method here is to start with minimum load and work up by .3 grains each and look for velocity node and check for pressure signs. Any input as to method or difference in load date between those two sites?
sir,
What is the twist rate and why did you select 155 gr
 
Got it'
Sounds like your on it.
Do other Palma shooters use Varget powder?
What MV are you looking for?
Extra post - 47 gr of Varget is pretty hot'

It is HOT and not for the first time reloader who may have limited skills and most importantly quality equipment/tools to load at that level. But yes.. Most of the US Palma team is up to that charge weight in Varget with a 2156 SMK.
To the OP:
Right where you stopped on your load development there should be a great node that shoots in "just about" every 308 rifle or at least a very large amount of them as there is no Garentee's in this game. Also should be a Wide Node up at the 46.5 to 47.0 gr of varget. However... Without a lot of knowledge of running them up there at that range I would suggest finding the next best group below that. With the Higher BC of the 2156SMK all you need is around 2950 ish fps to get to 1000yds. You should be there easy enough at that next node down.
Practically the whole US Palma team shoots this load. I think your in good company sir.
 
So what I understand is my selection of powder, primers, brass and prep are good to allow me to load well enough and be safe a when using Sierra data.
 
Thx
So what I understand is my selection of powder, primers, brass and prep are good to allow me to load well enough and be safe a when using Sierra data.

I did not say that at all'
My comment was that 47 gr of Varget was pretty Hot.
SPJ
 
So what I understand is my selection of powder, primers, brass and prep are good to allow me to load well enough and be safe a when using Sierra data.

SC
I like the fact that your admittance of still learning and being cautious as you move to what your combination is going to be maximum. This bids well for you. Safety first.
With that 30" barrel and the components you have selected you should be easy to hit that 2950 ish fps.
Based on a lot of testing of this exact combination I expect you to be able to go over Sierra's Max published data as I stated previous. We don't know your chamber dimensions so this leaves us in some dark or gray area. Please proceed with caution. ( I believe you will)
How many rounds are on the barrel? I typicaly don't start a real load development until after I have 100 rounds on the barrel as all the ones I have shot up have increased in speed by around 80fps or so at or around 100 rounds. Then I start my accuracy load work up after that.
Just another way to do it and may not be right or wrong in some folks eyes.
Hope this finds you well and best of luck.
 
SC
I like the fact that your admittance of still learning and being cautious as you move to what your combination is going to be maximum. This bids well for you. Safety first.
With that 30" barrel and the components you have selected you should be easy to hit that 2950 ish fps.
Based on a lot of testing of this exact combination I expect you to be able to go over Sierra's Max published data as I stated previous. We don't know your chamber dimensions so this leaves us in some dark or gray area. Please proceed with caution. ( I believe you will)
How many rounds are on the barrel? I typicaly don't start a real load development until after I have 100 rounds on the barrel as all the ones I have shot up have increased in speed by around 80fps or so at or around 100 rounds. Then I start my accuracy load work up after that.
Just another way to do it and may not be right or wrong in some folks eyes.
Hope this finds you well and best of luck.

Do you run 2950 FPS in your 308 with Varget?
What is your powder charge to get that FPS?
I'm just asking because it's very impressive for sure.
SPJ
 
So what I understand is my selection of powder, primers, brass and prep are good to allow me to load well enough and be safe a when using Sierra data.
It should be , no problem.. You will of course have to work up... If you can't find what your looking for try imr4064 or even as stated their accuracy load powder.... I shoot the 168 smk and have found faster to not be as accurate but I am not pushing them as far as you are going to and each barrel is different of course....
 
If a fellow runs the 2156 SMK on a Ballistics program you will see its pretty hard to beat at over 3000fps. A guy would have to move all the way up to the 185 190gr class of bullets to start getting an edge at 1000 yards. At 600yds.. Well you saw the results of that. Little bugger shoots.
Of all my Match Rifles in a Variety of calibers.. The 155 and 308 combo holds better elevation at 1000yds than any other thing I have owned or played with day in and day out. Very consistent performer.
Hope this finds you well Mr Jim.
 
No jump. Using Sierra COAL per the data.[/QUOTE said:
Please don't take this the wrong way. If your just seating to book spec Over all Length your most likely jumping the bullet. We just don't know by how much.
Some things to research that will help you along.
Honady Over all Length tool. (Used to be Stoney point brand)
Bullet ogive gage.
Shoulder bump gage.
A caliper.
 

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