.308 Win FTR hottest safe load

[BoomerangJ111]

One of the top FTR competitors is running the 185 Juggs with 46.0g Varget at 2820. I have a 29” Bartein 10 twist, .170 fb and have tested as high as 46.8g Varget with the 185 Jugg, Lapua Palma, and no pressure signs. I am getting a 0.25 group at 46.5g with a velocity of 2805. This is the best and most consistent load that I have found so far. Is anyone else competing with this velocity? I am guessing that my brass life will be shorter.

 

[Codyway]

Take 1 piece of brass, load and fire it over and over until the pocket gets too loose for your liking. In the neighborhood of 10-12 firings are where my ftr loads usually fall.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

I’m not competing with this velocity, so I’m not sure if it is the same, but I run srp brass, and get that speed with varget/juggs, lrp was a 3 and out, but that’s why Palma brass is a thing I guess?

 

[D-4297]

Just out of curiosity ; Do you guys own stock in Barrel & Powder companies ?
I'm running the 185's at 2660 - 2670 and getting 197 - 198 and 10 - 13 X's . And my Match Brass has over twenty reloads . Primer pockets start to go away as they near thirty .

 

[Florida Wally]

I just switched to N140 which for me shoots similar to Varget. I shoot the 185 Juggs at around 2,670 as well out of a 30” barrel. I’m getting similar scores as D-4297, 197 or so with 10x’s on average, at 600 yards. I’m using Alpha SRP and after 15 loads, still have tight primer pockets. The load groups in the high 3’s, below 0.400”and I’m happy with it, but if I could consistently group 0.25” like you, I would load right where you are and stock up on Varget, Juggs and Lapua Palma brass.

 

[BoomerangJ111]

I just switched to N140 which for me shoots similar to Varget. I shoot the 185 Juggs at around 2,670 as well out of a 30” barrel. I’m getting similar scores as D-4297, 197 or so with 10x’s on average, at 600 yards. I’m using Alpha SRP and after 15 loads, still have tight primer pockets. The load groups in the high 3’s, below 0.400”and I’m happy with it, but if I could consistently group 0.25” like you, I would load right where you are and stock up on Varget, Juggs and Lapua Palma brass.

I just switched to N150. Groups are even better. I am finding the best groups when the load is filling the case close to 100%, maybe even slightly compressed.

 

[BoomerangJ111]

Just out of curiosity ; Do you guys own stock in Barrel & Powder companies ?
I'm running the 185's at 2660 - 2670 and getting 197 - 198 and 10 - 13 X's . And my Match Brass has over twenty reloads . Primer pockets start to go away as they near thirty .

I was following an FTR team player. I don’t think that component life is a criteria that they are concerned with.

 

[raptor1ronin]

I'm shooting N150 43.20 30" Blake Barrel 1-10tw and in In Peterson SRP brass. My AVG V-lo is 2730 and I'm extremely happy with my groups. Last match was 199-11x, 199-10x, 197-9X. I use my 185 for mid-range. I never was a person to chase the high node and found my best grops somewhere in the middle of the pack for the juggs especially jumping them .10 thou. My FB is also .170.

 

[shooterk]

Im pushing Berger185 HB @ 2820 with 45.4 Varget, Peterson SRP, CCCBR4, .025 off. Brass is holding up well. 29 Bartlein 1-10. Mid to high 190s @ Mid Range. Interestingly it also shoots well @ 44.0

 

[BoomerangJ111]

Im pushing Berger185 HB @ 2820 with 45.4 Varget, Peterson SRP, CCCBR4, .025 off. Brass is holding up well. 29 Bartlein 1-10. Mid to high 190s @ Mid Range. Interestingly it also shoots well @ 44.0

Interesting that we use the same barrel but you are getting more velocity with less powder. I had to load 46.8g Varget to get to 2820.

I changed to N150 and getting good results at 45.5g @ 2740. Pressure sign of slightly cratered primer at 46g. Tight groups at the higher loads.

 

[shooterk]

I BN coat my bullets. My home range is at 4500 ft as well.

 

[BoomerangJ111]

I BN coat my bullets. My home range is at 4500 ft as well.

I am at sea level. I don’t think the altitude makes any difference to muzzle velocity. It does affect velocity at target.