308 Sierra Gamechanger and 'Jump'

[JDM]

Just acquired a Weatherby Vanguard Camilla 308 for my Daughter and in the process of working up a load for it. Would really like to use the Sierra's 165gr TGK but have run into what I think could be a problem. I've measured the COAL using a Frankford Arsenal COAL gauge with the TGK and came up with a figure of 2.990 inches. Allowing for .02 off the lands, that trims the length to 2.97. Problem is, the magazine is only 2.85. If I shorten the COAL to 2.85 so it fits in the magazine, the jump will be .120. I think that's way too much - or is it? Haven't shot anything out of the rifle yet. I'm not married to the TGK's but would like something in the 165gr weight range for anything from antelope to elk. All ideas, thoughts, and suggestions are appreciated.

Jeff

 

[Zero333]

Don't overthink it. Load it to mag length and test powder charges. You will easily get sub moa and be done.
You don't need a sub 1/2 moa hunting rifle inside 400 yards. Even a 1 moa rifle will hit the vitals of a deer well beyond 400 yards with out breaking a sweat.

H-4895 or Varget are your best bet to start with.

I have a 300winmag load that jumps the bullet more than 0.200" and it's the most accurate load in that rifle.

 

[highplainsdrifter]

I would suggest buying a couple boxes of commercial ammo using the 165 TGK or similar and break the rifle in. See how the ammo performs for you. If you get good results, which you may, then realize that the COAL for that bullet is 2.80. I've run into similar concerns using my .308s which all have different freebores, and not being able to get close to the lands in at least one due to the limitations of the magazine. I finally decided that I didn't need to use the magazine if my purpose was for shooting at the range. And when I did need the magazine for hunting, good enough was good enough for ethical distances at hunting. Just my thoughts on the subject....

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I also like to use H-4895 powder and you can do lower charges with it safely for reduced recoil loads. You could also drop back to a 150 grain Bullet for less recoil, that would still do the job for her.
By the way, could you give us your opinion on the Camilla rifle. I have some family members that would be interested in a rifle like that.

 

[JDM]

Thanks for the advice so far. Looking at using Varget and CCI 200's. Hope to get good (1-1.5 MOA) accuracy between 2700-2800fps.
Keep it coming.

McGraw, I'll let you know how it shoots after I take it out. I won it in a raffle and thought it would be good for my daughter to use for big game hunting. She really likes the feel of it. She immediately noticed how the shorter stock fit better than anything she's shouldered before and how light weight it was. (still need to put the scope on it) Only downside is she's left handed and they don't make it in left hand. Can't look a gift horse in the mouth though.

 

[Richard Coody]

Just acquired a Weatherby Vanguard Camilla 308 for my Daughter and in the process of working up a load for it. Would really like to use the Sierra's 165gr TGK but have run into what I think could be a problem. I've measured the COAL using a Frankford Arsenal COAL gauge with the TGK and came up with a figure of 2.990 inches. Allowing for .02 off the lands, that trims the length to 2.97. Problem is, the magazine is only 2.85. If I shorten the COAL to 2.85 so it fits in the magazine, the jump will be .120. I think that's way too much - or is it? Haven't shot anything out of the rifle yet. I'm not married to the TGK's but would like something in the 165gr weight range for anything from antelope to elk. All ideas, thoughts, and suggestions are appreciated.

Jeff

If it is an original weatherby chamber they all have long chambers. Roy Weatherby believed in jump. That is how he was able to get the velocities he did. You might want to read about it.

 

[Rdlningcltchdmpr]

I suggest if it is for hunting, the 110ttsx barnes bullet . max load cfe powder= about 3350 fps. Or ramshot tac powder= up to 3500 fps, or h4895 for about same speed. This combo is better than best for hunting. 1/2"-3/4" groups in most guns. If target shooting , the 115 Berger, 125 Berger, 125 matchking, 118 bib, 118 barts. These make tiny tiny groups even jumping them alot.

 

[Ringostar]

I picked up some of the 165 TGK to try. I have a Weatherby Mark V ultralight weight in 30-06. I didn’t even try to find the lands with them. I seated them to mag length, and played with powder charge. I got a load that shoots close to 1” at 200 yds. That more than good enough in a hunting rifle.

 

[JDM]

Just got back from the range. Thanks to all who talked me off the edge! I loaded to 2.85 (mag length) with .120 'jump' and it shot GREAT! 10 rounds in a one inch group. It was just one big hole in the target.

McGraw, I'd recommend this rifle to anyone in your family that is either a youth or a female. I'm 6'2" and the stock is a little short for me but it fits my 24 yo daughter really well.

Thanks again to all.