.308 with Berger 185 Juggernauts

[Autoverminator]

26" Rock Creek 10 twist 5R barrel on a R700 SA
~2300 rounds down the tube, this barrel is getting faster over time.

308WIN Winchester Brass
BR-2 Primers
IMR 4064 42.2gr
185gr Hybrid Target .567 G1

4.15 mil / 14 moa at 600y
9.65 mil / 33 moa at 1000y

2680 fps

I have shot many 196-199 f-class matches with this load. Still haven't cleaned the target

 

[Kurt Blasser]

Here are my Jug Cortina tests. Where would be the best node?

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Here are my Jug Cortina tests. Where would be the best node?

What is your barrel length, and how was the pressure near the top end? Normally, I'd go a touch faster with a 30" barrel than your top load.

 

[Kurt Blasser]

What is your barrel length, and how was the pressure near the top end? Normally, I'd go a touch faster with a 30" barrel than your top load.

Shooting a 29" Hawks Hill Heavy Palma contour, 1/10 twist. In the first "corrected" sequence went up to 45.6 gn. Saw some primer flattening at the top two loads. That actually has two series, one .4 apart and one .2 apart.

 

[338Lapua]

Thanks for the info fellas

I think I'm going to make some more in intervals past 42.6 up to 44.0 and just shoot them at 100 first to see if the node will reveal itself that way. If I get something consistent I'll move out to further distances and see if it holds up

Honestly, I've had mixed results using ladder test and absolutely no luck whatsoever with the OCW method.

I have just as much success by starting with conventional wisdom (like here) then trial and error from there

use a solid rest!!!!! breath and hold, let 3/4 out and shoot works for me.

 

[pinoykillaz]

My 30" loves H4895 with them. When chronographed with my magnetospeed it was 2790 fps. It holds good x ring waterline at 1000 yards.

What load are you using

 

[Dgd6mm]

What load are you using

OAL 2.921
43.3 grains H4895

Always work up.

 

[ahusted1978]

I have used 185 Juggernauts in my ft/r rifle, with great success. Seated .010 off, with 45gr Varget, Lapua brass(large primer), and GM210M primers. Velocity is 2730, 27" Bartlein, 1:10 #7 with 5R rifling on a Surgeon action. Shoots like a dream, with almost no pressure signs.

 

[pinoykillaz]

OAL 2.921
43.3 grains H4895

Always work up.

Whats the jump from the land?

 

[Ned Ludd]

Depending on the length of your freebore (COAL), 2720 to 2750 fps is a very well-documented node for 185s from a 30" barrel. Although there are certainly both higher and lower nodes, you'll be running much closer to MAX pressure, or else giving up a significant amount of velocity unnecessarily.

 

[Alexander-M]

Depending on the length of your freebore (COAL), 2720 to 2750 fps is a very well-documented node for 185s from a 30" barrel. Although there are certainly both higher and lower nodes, you'll be running much closer to MAX pressure, or else giving up a significant amount of velocity unnecessarily.

I agree with Greg. My freebore was .168, and my CBTO ranged from 2.310 to 2.315, mostly 2.310. I had good results with this combination and the following load.

Using 44.2 to 44.4 gr of Varget (depending on the lot) I was getting and average of 2750 fps (*) with single digit SD's, mostly 6's and 7's for 5 rounds, from a 30" barrel; whether a Krieger 11:1 5R, or Bartlein 1:10 5R. This was Lapua brass, 185 gr Juggernauts, and one of three primers - CCI-200 for the first two firings of the brass, and then CCI250 or Tula KVB7. The latter two were slightly larger in diameter and 'extended' the life of the brass. After six firings many of the primer pockets were a bit too large for comfort.

(*) Measured with a Magnetospeed

Just my 1-1/2¢

Alex

 

[seymour fish]

Thanks for the info fellas

I think I'm going to make some more in intervals past 42.6 up to 44.0 and just shoot them at 100 first to see if the node will reveal itself that way. If I get something consistent I'll move out to further distances and see if it holds up

Honestly, I've had mixed results using ladder test and absolutely no luck whatsoever with the OCW method.

I have just as much success by starting with conventional wisdom (like here) then trial and error from there

Nature, 1 shot per incremental change in powder charge, at 100, is simple/effective. Don't over think it. This shit is easy

 

[Dshooter]

CFE223, Lapua, 210m... Getting 2697 out of a 22" barrel, 5 shot group

 

[Nature Boy]

For you guys shooting regular LR Lapua brass with these loads (+43g Varget), what has been the life expectancy of your primer pockets?

I'm starting to scrap them at 8x due to loose pockets. I'm verifying dimensions with a 0.210 pin gage

What are you guys getting?

 

[Dgd6mm]

Whats the jump from the land?

I believe .013 from touch.

 

[vegas]

For you guys shooting regular LR Lapua brass with these loads (+43g Varget), what has been the life expectancy of your primer pockets?

I'm starting to scrap them at 8x due to loose pockets. I'm verifying dimensions with a 0.210 pin gage

What are you guys getting?

I load 43gr and have 5 firings with no variation. I'll report back if I have any change in that.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I have 12 firings from my Lapua shooting 185 Bergers and 42.5gr of Varget and using CCI BR-2 primers. Still going strong.

 

[rap36case]

This is consistent for me. My 308win is Shilen built, 26", 1to10, manners stock. A little too long for PRS and not optimized for single feed, F class. I shoot 43.2grains Varget to obtain 2712fps at 80F, BR4 primers, Lapua brass, 185 Juggernaut or 185 Hybrid Target. The differences is the length of bullet. I have found COAL of 2.875 is still too long for proper function of magazines at 30F. I will try a seating ladder next time to see what the maximum efficient length is for AI mags. I get 1/3MOA off a rest, or bipod. My biggest problems are reading the wind at 1000 and maintaining sight picture after recoil.

 

[titegroup3]

I'm loading these 185s for the first time in my new rifle and was looking for what might have worked for you guys.

Barrel is a 26" Bartlein 1:10 5R

I'm planning to do a full ladder test this weekend

Nature Boy, I have this same set up. were you able to get a load dialed in? if so how was your SD?

 

[Nature Boy]

Nature Boy, I have this same set up. were you able to get a load dialed in? if so how was your SD?

Oh yeah.

185 Hybrids, 43.5g H4895, Lapua Palma brass, BR4 primer, 0.030” off the lands

2,718 fps, ES 22, SD 7

Used the Cortina/OCW method to find the load. Very accurate out to 600 yards