308 w/175 SMK moly load data

[PRR1957]

Recommendations for powder for loading Privi Partisan factory pre primed 308 w/175 gr, SMK moly coated. Need highest velocity and accuracy. Bolt gun w/26” barrel.

 

[Bart B.]

Rarely does any load produce both best accuracy and highest velocity, so some compromises are usually needed. I'd give up 100 fps muzzle velocity to get lower standard deviation and 1/3rd MOA better accuracy.

43 to 44 grains of IMR4064 or Varget is where I would start. More info here:
https://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/308win/

But only after verifying the barrel groove diameter is a few ten- thousandths smaller than bullet diameter. What barrel are you using?

 

[topsail86]

44-45 gr Varget non moly 175 SMK or Berger in my FTR

 

[Sniper338]

Newbie.

No one can tell you. You have to test it. Use varget and work up.

 

[Bart B.]

Newbie.

No one can tell you. You have to test it. Use varget and work up.

Do you think a given load will not shoot under a half MOA across several rifles?

If so, why not?

 

[Texas10]

If highest velocity is of paramount importance, you're probably going to have to put a tuner on the barrel to tune the barrel to the load. That way you get your top velocity along with decent accuracy. Varget or IMR4064 until pressure signs, then start adjusting the tuner. It's a real kick in the butt to watch the groups tighten up as the tuner is adjusted.

 

[Sniper338]

Do you think a given load will not shoot under a half MOA across several rifles?

If so, why not?

No, I know it CAN. Thats why theres pages on this forum caliber specific with prooven load data.

Its just not safe to assume what works in one persons gun is safe for someone else. So its really irrelevant to throw out load data. When it should be more throwing out a starting point.

Its different when people ask whats your load for a 300gr berger for a 338 lapua... Everyone post what they are shooting... but to ask " hey what load should I load up to be accurate and give good velocity in my 338 lapua is a stupid question. One guy may say 102gr RE33... where in mine 99grs starts pressure signs. Its just not safe.

Its just a safety thing. Any smart reloader knows they have to work up a load. We know about where to start and what components to use for the purpose because of experience that will probably shoot... but we dont jump to max loads first.

Maybe its just me, but if i give an opinion on a charge weight, its best to say, or at least remind the other person... work up to it... watch for pressure signs.

 

[Bart B.]

Its just not safe to assume what works in one persons gun is safe for someone else.

Will a given commercial factory load produce the same safe peak pressure across all rifles chambered for it?

 

[Sniper338]

Will a given commercial factory load produce the same safe peak pressure across all rifles chambered for it?

Thats irrelevant, the discussions about reloading.

 

[Bart B.]

Thats irrelevant, the discussions about reloading.

It is relevant if we use new cases. That's what commercial ammo companies do. It's called "loading" because no components were previously used in ammunition. Even if a used case is resized, ballistically, it's the same.

 

[10XSHOOTER]

45.0 RL-15 175 moly 26" Kreiger Barrel 2850 fps safe in a 40X.

 

[PRR1957]

I appreciate all the responses, but I am looking for a consensus including the newest powders.

I know about the 308 load data on this forums home page, but when was the last time it was updated ?

Just also like to say that I have loaded tens of thousands of rounds of both pistol
and rifle, plus most of has been precision meaning match prepping for IBS (many moons ago), IHMSA, PPC, and NRA High Power, and blue print my factory guns or built from the ground up.

The rifle in question is a 1999/2000 FN, Police Special (Belgian). Back in 2001 my friend and I loaded for this gun plus a gaggle of Remington, 700, PSS’s and my own blue printed Lefty Rem, 700, VS. We were using 168 gr, SMK, moly with Vhy N140, 210m, match prepped Win cases to load 1000 rounds. In all the gun we hit a magic load were all those guns shot sub half minuet or better. All that ammo was lost in a divorce, so he and I are starting anew.

So to reiterate, if possible, a consensus for a powder, including if possible the latest powders, and read my original post for the spec.

P.S. I have tried multiple times to contact Sierra, but they must be very busy because I can get through on the phone. Maybe I need to Email them, but personally, I would rather talk.

Thanks;
Pete

 

[mperry]

Recommendations for powder for loading Privi Partisan factory pre primed 308 w/175 gr, SMK moly coated. Need highest velocity and accuracy. Bolt gun w/26” barrel.

I shoot a factory Tikka with a 20 inch barrel. I shoot the non coated 175 SMK's and have had the best luck with velocity and accuracy using Reloader 15. I am a beginner in F-Class FTR but not new to reloading. I did extensive testing with Varget compared to Reloader 15 and the R-15 gave the results I was looking for. I do use Varget for most of my other 308 loads but it did not work out for me with the 175 SMK's. You may want to give it a try.

 

[D-4297]

From the FWIW Dept . I went through two boxes of 175 TMK's ; and the one thing I learned the hard way , at the 2018 SWN was ..... They don't like being pushed to higher velocities . I lost six shots out of two strings , losing a total 60 points , as I watched them go "POOF" in a flash , halfway to the target . Think I'd be lookin for another bullet to do high velocity tests with , other than a TMK . Any OTHER bullet . Push them above 2740 , and you're pushin your luck . Moly'ed or not .