308 troubles

[S3silver]

Would guess that most of you hyper super duper precision guys would vomit if you watched me prepare brass and load 50 rounds.

But, it's what I've got and I'm not complaining about my results. I'm saying thank you to the guys who inspired me and encouraged me to get this new barrel

LOL, you are not alone. I'm in the same boat and am very satisfied with what my reloads turn out which are generally 1/2-3/4 moa, which I'm perfectly fine with since I don't compete. It's all about learning as you go and most importantly having fun while shooting.

 

[joshb]

Based on that target, I think you’re doing pretty well with that gun!

 

[Rsadams]

In my opinion and take it for what it cost ya... If it doesn't shoot imr-4064 and a sierra 168gr SMK well then you need to start looking at something like action screw torque and a deep cleaning to start with then move on to other stuff that actually cost money such as bedding etc.... Is there better bullets and even powders of course and sometimes a rifle just hates a bullet or powder but most .308s will shoot the combination of imr-4064 and the 168gr SMK well...

 

[cosmic creepers]

Bad trigger pull can easily move the poi 1 moa, ask me how I know.

Because you jerk on the trigger like a gorilla pulling a banana stem..?

 

[cosmic creepers]

Can you shot 200 or 300 yards in my years for Target shooting this told me all I needed.

I am with the above Group IMR 4064..........
History back in the late 80's .308. Story was 1 in 10 .308's will shot 4895, all .308's will shot 4064.

Good Luck

Shoots a <4 inch group at 700 sometimes less sometimes 4¼" but right in that wheelhouse. Measured on painted steel, so not incredibly precise.

 

[Zero333]

After many years of reloading, I've settled on this principle...
If the Fist Cold bore dirty barrel shot doesn't hit 1/2 moa at 330 yards, I move one and try again.

My Brother and I actually hang a 1.6" golf ball at 330 yards.
If our actual written dope does the job on the first round, that's where we stop.

 

[cosmic creepers]

After many years of reloading, I've settled on this principle...
If the Fist Cold bore dirty barrel shot doesn't hit 1/2 moa at 330 yards, I move one and try again.

My Brother and I actually hang a 1.6" golf ball at 330 yards.
If our actual written dope does the job on the first round, that's where we stop.

I might have to try your method. Sacajewiea gold dollar at 200

 

[Zero333]

I might have to try your method. Sacajewiea gold dollar at 200

For some folks cold bore first round on target mean nothing. I on the other hand emphasize cold bore accuracy/precision.

 

[mike123red]

Try lapua brass, varget powder is good, and cci primer.
i normally get .5 inch at 100 yard. but first double check your gun make sure everything is tight and locked down.

 

[711rollerdog]

A box of Federal Gold Medal Match 168/175"s will tell you if it's your reloads

 

[dc.fireman]

I was having troubles with a new old model 70 i picked up.

No matter what I did I couldn't get this thing to shoot under an inch and a half
Got a bew barrel turned out and now this on my second try.

I think I have it written wrong on my paper.

It's a 168 grain Matchking over 42.5 gr of Reloder15 at 2.785" Winchester wlr primer and starline brass.

This is a 20 shot group.

1.7 inches overall but I'm not scoffing
17 rounds went into a hole about 0.7"

Thought you guys should know your input inspired me.

For many many years, the AMU's "cookbook" load for 7.62x51 was:

Lake City case
168 gr. Matchking @ 2.800"
39.5 gr. of IMR-3031
CCI-34 primer

I still use this load for both my bolt guns, and my M1A - it just 'works'. If you're going to sub out the powder for IMR-4895, you can try something right around 41.0 gr. - everything else stays the same.

Best of luck,

-tc

 

[JEFFPPC]

I was talking with a friend that knows Model 70s. He says one of the things he does to make them more accurate is to make sure the bolt handle doesn’t touch the stock when closed.
Is it bedded?
It seems like it’s shooting well. It might do better.

That is any bolt action.

 

[FrankG]

What chamber reamer was used to cut the chamber?

How was the barrel made?

What twist is the barrel?

Bolt isn‘t touching the breech face of the barrel at all?

Double check the finish on the crown?

Try a different scope?

Shooting with wind flags if it’s windy out?

How is the barrel cleaning/fouling?

More questions and not enough information given.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

 

[Sardious]

My MR load with a Palma rig is: 45.0 grn of Varget with a 168 SMK 2.800" and shoots great out to 600 yards.
Shooters World Prescision Rifle (red label) is a great substitute for Varget.

 

[cosmic creepers]

What chamber reamer was used to cut the chamber?

How was the barrel made?

What twist is the barrel?

Bolt isn‘t touching the breech face of the barrel at all?

Double check the finish on the crown?

Try a different scope?

Shooting with wind flags if it’s windy out?

How is the barrel cleaning/fouling?

More questions and not enough information given.

Later, Frank
Bartlein Barrels

It is an m118 reamer.

Barrel was made by JCB Inc in Portland
It is a button rifled barrel.
I've stated before that I'm ecstatic with that as a 20 shot group.
I'm 100%certain that those three flyers happened somewhere in the reloading room, and i do not care enough to track them down. A three quarter inch ragged hole with three flyers and 17 shots into a tight cirlcle is absolutely fine for me.

This post was to say thank you to a bunch of guys who gave me load ideas and encouraged me to get the barrel made.

There is nothing wrong with the rifle or rig

Thanks for advice.

 

[FrankG]

CC, No worries. Glad it's working for ya!

 

[Cloudchaser]

You have great information above on powders....I have found that alot of M70s won't shoot consistent with too much torque on the middle action screw. It will put stress on the action no matter how well it is bedded and the result is loose groups...I chased this issue for a year with a custom barreled .308.....I burned up so much powder and bullets of all makes...Mine is a feather weight with a skinny barrel and wanted to start walking early as the barrel heated up...but that was one of my problems....I agree with the comments above that seating depth might tighten your groups...most of mine are around 2.85 OAL. My best loads were 42.5grs of IMR4895 and 165gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and Sierra 168gr.HPBTs.

 

[GaryL1959]

For many many years, the AMU's "cookbook" load for 7.62x51 was:

Lake City case
168 gr. Matchking @ 2.800"
39.5 gr. of IMR-3031
CCI-34 primer

I still use this load for both my bolt guns, and my M1A - it just 'works'. If you're going to sub out the powder for IMR-4895, you can try something right around 41.0 gr. - everything else stays the same.

Best of luck,

-tc

If a 308 won't shoot that 168 / IMR3031 load, sell it.

 

[FNSafari]

if its a pre-64 model 70, there is a middle action screw that should be somewhat snug but not tight, as it can flex the action.