.308

[TimP]

Well I got a call from Robert Gradous last week and my new build (.308 Win) will be ready to ship after he gets back from the shot show. I will be shooting 300 and 600 yard F Class matches and informal paper punching at the same distances. Talking with Robert the FB (0.100) is optimized for Lapua Scenar 155 gn and Sierra 168 & 175 gn HPBT bullets. I have some Varget on hand and will start my load development with it. I am also thinking about trying Reloader 15 as well. I would like to hear whats working for you and what other powder/bullet combinations you are using. Load data would be appreciated.

Thanks, Tim

 

[necchi]

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/308win/

http://www.accurateshooter.com/articles/

 

[Shynloco]

Tim,
Just got back my Ruger M77V that had a barrel and stock change done for Benchrest Shooting. The original set up was a "Sniper Rifle" but had a falloff in grouping indicating time for a new barrel. And since I do strictly Bench Shooting anymore and strive for ultimate accuracy, I went with a Hart MG barrel though I would have preferred a Lilja (but too long a waiting period to have Dan make me one). What I've found so far (and that's with around 80 rounds down the new barrel) is that both Varget and RE15 are working and grouping very nicely. I just worked up bullet seating depth and am finding that seating bullets just touching the lands are shooting the best so far. Now as with any new barrel, I believe things will only get better with time. But I'm only shooting 100 yds using Sierra 168 HPBT/42 grs and you'd probably want to load more powder for longer distances as you indicated. Might want also to check with Lapua Rep Kevin Thomas who shoots and competes in F classes shoots and has extensive knowledge and experience about using all the bullets you mentioned. Kevin posts on this blog as well.

 

[amlevin]

I think today's answer to the question RL-15 or Varget would be "whichever one you can find".

I've found both work well in my rifle with a slight edge to Varget. Very slight.

 

[Parker Shooter]

155 gr Nosler J4 CC bullet
Lapua Brass
CCI br2
46 gr Varget
seated into the lands with light neck tension is 1/2 moa in my Savage Platform Sniper Rig

 

[DHD]

I tried to respond yesterday, but when I did a spellcheck, it ate my response . SOOO..... If I misspelled something, forgive me.

I am not sure which reamer he used for your rifle, but the one he used for my rifle works for just about anything I have used. I have only put about a box of FGMM 168's through it, but it shot them into a hole more or less. Don't shoot too much factory stuff, so it does not much matter to me. Hate 168's as I am a snob.

FWIW, my rifle is: Surgeon, Krieger 1/10 24" HVR (truck axle), McM A5a (OD), Jewell, Badger M4, NF 5.5-22x50, wth metal ceracoted Coyote, built a few years back. Too heavy, for sure, but it recoils smoothly and I can shoot it alot without getting tired of the thump. Robert told me so, so it was named/engraved "FSOB". The first letter is for "Fat".

I have somewhere around 2500 rounds through it to date. Likes H4895 best, but Vargey or Re15 is close enough to starve on the difference.

43.5 H4895, 450, Lapua Palma, 168 Hybrid jammed .015. Scary @ 300, and only excellent/great @ 600.

44.5 Vargey, 210M/PMC LR/Wolf LRM, Lapua plain or Hornady Match, 175 SMK and/or Berger 175 BT @ 2.820"ish. Simply excellent and dependable as the sun. Edge goes to the Hornady/Berger, but only after measuring many 5 shot groups @ 600.

44 Re15, 205M, Rem URBR, 175 SMK @ 2.820"ish. Once again, excellent and dependable.

My Gradous rifle looks and shoots like a large showgirl that don't mind gettin' nasty. I suspect you'll like yours too. FWIW, I have only used the Hornady Match Grade neck/shoulder bump bushing die, and never will use anything else for this gun. Good stuff.....

 

[TimP]

Thanks guys, I appreciable your time and information.