308 -215 hybrids

[wglanden]

Started loading some FTR rounds in anticipation of getting my rifle back next month. Using Lapua palma brass, RL-17 powder and 215 bergers. Started loading with 45 grains (read a couple different articles that this might be a good starting point). Went up to 45.5 and 46.0 grains. Noticed there isn't much room left at 46.0, even with the bullet seated out as far as it is.

Have any of you guys loaded a round like this, if so, where did you start your load development at?
Thanks in adavance,
Bryan

 

[Jay Christopherson]

you will not be happy with RL-17. I have 5lbs of it that I would be happy to give someone for free (WA State area). Stick with the classics in .308.

 

[wglanden]

Jay,
What didn't you like about RL17?
Which powder would you recommend?
Thanks,
Bryan

 

[Chappy]

I would be trying some H4350 if the rifle has the proper freebore for those 215s.

 

[wglanden]

Seems as tho 4350 is the magic powder for everything! That's what I use in my 260, only problem is getting it around here. Guess I'm going to end up buying a big load of it online.

 

[Chappy]

Only in the heavier bullets for the .308.

 

[gilmillan1]

you want to use Varget for the 215s. Thats what the best FTR shooters shoot. The trick is not the powder. Thats the easy selection of components. The difficult part is figuring out the twist rate and the freebore these shooters are using in their 308s. These are not conventional chambers. If you do not have a 9 twist and a crazy freebore. Dont even worry about using the 215s. You will be very frustrated trying that gun to shoot. Been there.

 

[wglanden]

Well, I only have 1-10 twist hopefully that'll spin it fast enough to stabilize it otherwise I'll be buying another barrel. The gunsmith said he had a reamer to cut for this length bullet. Looks like this might be an expensive learning experience.
Thanks for the input.
Bryan

 

[gilmillan1]

1 in 10 will not cut it. Try it. You want 2600 fps.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Well, I only have 1-10 twist hopefully that'll spin it fast enough to stabilize it otherwise I'll be buying another barrel. The gunsmith said he had a reamer to cut for this length bullet. Looks like this might be an expensive learning experience.
Thanks for the input.
Bryan

1:10 will be fine. Make sure you have enough freebore for the bullet. Try Varget (which is what I use) or H4350. Don't worry about trying to get to 2600 fps with the 215's in a .308 - if you make it, you will be running too hot, IMO. You don't need to get there to have a *highly* accurate load. Between speed and accuracy, accuracy always wins.

To answer your earlier question, RL-17 is the devil's powder. It'll send you home smiling from the practice range, and home crying on match day. It'll keep showing you just enough promise in load development to keep you wasting barrel life on it.

 

[wglanden]

Thank you Jay!
Guess it will be varget, I have a couple pounds of that and it's more readily available than 4350 around here. Shame I already loaded a few rl17 loads, but oh well live and learn.
Do you have an idea of how many grains of varget to start at?

 

[Scott Harris]

To answer your earlier question, RL-17 is the devil's powder. It'll send you home smiling from the practice range, and home crying on match day. It'll keep showing you just enough promise in load development to keep you wasting barrel life on it.

Otherwise known as a double base powder

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Thank you Jay!
Guess it will be varget, I have a couple pounds of that and it's more readily available than 4350 around here. Shame I already loaded a few rl17 loads, but oh well live and learn.
Do you have an idea of how many grains of varget to start at?

I started with 41 grains and worked my way up to my current load.

 

[wglanden]

Thanks Jay,
I appreciate the help!
Bryan

 

[paulT]

1 in 10 will not cut it. Try it. You want 2600 fps.

Newer lots of 215g hybrids not as long as the older lots
A 10 Twist .308 barrel with velocity of 2,550-2,600 should see full stability with newer lots of 215g hybrids.