.308 savage model 12 w/ 10 twist barrel..what's the best load and bullet?

[smoking-brass]

I'll be shooting f/tr this fall @ 300 yards and just bought a savage model 12 in 308...just wondering what bullet weight, powder,primers and loads you folks are using for the .308 in competition. Need your help to get started.

 

[1000yardstare]

I shot an F/TR match a month ago with a Savage M12 VLP, 10 twist. Did very well at 300, 500, 600. Load was 168 Nosler Match, Win brass and primers, 43 gr RL15. Chronos at 2650 fps.

Won a 500 count box of Sierra 155 MKs in a 300 metre Sierra ISU match. The Palma people tell me that there is no way that bullet will shoot in a 10 twist. But had a 900 yard F Class practise yesterday using 44.5 gr RL15 and the results look promising.

 

[FroggyOne2]

If I remember correctly, when John Widden won the national championship, he was shooting SIE 155's in a 10 twist.

 

[camac]

300 yards you will be after an accuracy projectile. Try the Sierra 155,168 or 175 MK's - proven performers.

 

[Thorbird]

I have found that so far my F/tr Savage 12 likes the 168SMK with 42gr of RL-15, Wolf Primers. That is Sierra's accuracy load for the 168, and the fact they use Savage barrels made that a good starting point.

 

[smoking-brass]

Thanks guys for all the info.... time to load and test.

Vince

 

[p scully]

i shot f-class out to 600 with my ft/r using 43 gr. varget, lapua brass, fed 210m, 175 smk.

 

[Pappy83]

I shoot the old 180smk out of my daughters savage precision carbine and out to 200yds my 5 shot groups stay under 1 inch. the 168 work great also. For those curious about light bullets her rifle loves 130gr barnes TSX bullets loaded with max load of varget 5 shot groups stay under 1 inch at 100yds.