308 Reduced loads: 400y Accuracy?

[slowbalt]

Is it possible to have good (2MOA) accuracy with reduced loads in a 308 up to 400 yards? If so, do you recommend any data? Thanks.

 

[mgunderson]

I have a been playing in this area. How far do you want to reduce the speed and how long is the barrel? Give me a little more information please.

 

[slowbalt]

I'd like to reduce it as much as reasonable, rifle is a tikka, 20in barrel

 

[Michshooter]

I tried a couple years ago with a Bergara and never found the accuracy and recoil reduction I was looking for. But that gun was picky.

I recently moved to a tikka in 6.5cm and have just found a load with 130tmk’s that is incredibly accurate and recoils less than anything I tried in my .308. Bonus is it holds enough velocity for expansion well past anything I will ever need.

 

[SecondsCount]

@lb-ft

I've seen some success with the reduced H4895 loads from Hodgdon and 150 grain bullets. I want to try 125 grain next.

 

[lb-ft]

H322, there’s data out there for roughly 38 grain charges with 125-150 bullets. Greatly reduced recoil and very accurate in two 308 bolt guns I’ve loaded for.

 

[ebb]

Seconds Count has used the same powder I did for an older neighbor that was having trouble with recoil in a very light weight 308 Ruger. I went the full 60 % reduction that Hodgdon publishes. He shoots it so I have no idea if he has good accuracy or not. But he is shooting again and seems to enjoy it now. That made it mission accomplished for me, until he asks for more accuracy. i shoot 125 Ballistic tips in a truck gun 30-06 but it has not had the desired effect.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

Seconds Count has used the same powder I did for an older neighbor that was having trouble with recoil in a very light weight 308 Ruger. I went the full 60 % reduction that Hodgdon publishes. He shoots it so I have no idea if he has good accuracy or not. But he is shooting again and seems to enjoy it now. That made it mission accomplished for me, until he asks for more accuracy. i shoot 125 Ballistic tips in a truck gun 30-06 but it has not had the desired effect.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I didn't think they recommend a reduction of 60%

I think they recommend to reduce "to" 60%
Which is a reduction of 40%

 

[mgunderson]

Gotta be careful with bullet selection. If you decide to let the bullet drop slower than the speed of sound. The sierra 175 matchking is one of my favorites. The 20 inch barrel will limit the speed reduction as well. Unless you really want to go down this rabbit hole I would suggest buying a 300 blackout.

A short barrel makes this much easier. 17 inch was my limit since it isn't worth the paperwork to me to go shorter.

The 308 case volume is way too big to promote good combustion. I built a 30br with a fast twist barrel. The slower you go the more the bullet drag in the barrel becomes a factor.

Are you still inclined to go down this path?

 

[AWS]

My old Savage 99(300Sav) rebarreled with a 03 two groove barrel would do 3" three shot 200 yard groups with Lee 170gr flatnose gas check cast bullets over a book load of 700 or 800X(can't remember which). I put a pile of $100 fox on the boards with it in the 1970s.

I still load 800X in my 222, 223 and 5.6x50R for small game. Load data available on the James Calhoun sight. Seafire has done a lot of work with Bluedot loads.

 

[ebb]

No, Mr Smith you are absolutely right, and I reduced it properly, I just didn't explain it right. I am glad you corrected me as I would not want to lead someone in the wrong direction.

 

[Davidheart]

I shoot subsonic 308 to 200 yards and receive 2-3" groups using 10g of Trailboss. I'm sure other's could do better.

 

[slowbalt]

Gotta be careful with bullet selection. If you decide to let the bullet drop slower than the speed of sound. The sierra 175 matchking is one of my favorites. The 20 inch barrel will limit the speed reduction as well. Unless you really want to go down this rabbit hole I would suggest buying a 300 blackout.

A short barrel makes this much easier. 17 inch was my limit since it isn't worth the paperwork to me to go shorter.

The 308 case volume is way too big to promote good combustion. I built a 30br with a fast twist barrel. The slower you go the more the bullet drag in the barrel becomes a factor.

Are you still inclined to go down this path?

Guess I'll pass. I was hoping for an "easy" solution to my conundrum.

I am looking to compete in an event where shots are 100-400m, positional. I have two "sort-of suitable" rifles, but nothing genuinely adequate (one PRS rifle in 6BR. More than accurate enough, but much too heavy for a day in the field, second being a Tikka battue in 308. A joy to carry around, but at a round count of 150/day, I doubt my shoulder (or the pencil barrel) will appreciate).

I guess I should be happy, I get to buy something new...