Appropriate bullet weight for .308 CZ 550

[TQB]

Hello,

I'm new to reloading .308, and I would appreciate your help on selecting the appropriate .308 bullet for a CZ 550.
The purpose of the rifle is use it in 300m BR matches. I've bedded the action and free floated the barrel.
The rifle's twist rate is 1:12.

I had originally selected Sierra's 168gr. Matchkings, but I a friend got me some Lapua 185gr Scenars.

Which of these bullets should perform better in this type of rifle?

Thank You,

 

[Shynloco]

Hello,

I'm new to reloading .308, and I would appreciate your help on selecting the appropriate .308 bullet for a CZ 550.
The purpose of the rifle is use it in 300m BR matches. I've bedded the action and free floated the barrel.
The rifle's twist rate is 1:12.

I had originally selected Sierra's 168gr. Matchkings, but I a friend got me some Lapua 185gr Scenars.

Which of these bullets should perform better in this type of rifle?

Thank you.

First off. welcome aboard! Next to your post, there is MUCH to be learned in reloading. And bullet selection is one such item. The next thing is there is NO SUCH THING as matching a bullet to a specificc make of rifle PERIOD!. And then you add the most infamous of all, "my friend." Well friends, IMHO, are a must to have, but can only give you suggestions and advice. What you do with that advice, might or might not pan out.

Now back to the bullets, both Sierra 168's and Lapua 185 Scenars are great bullets. That doesn't mean they are the best bullet for your particular application. 168's have always shot well in my .308 (Ruger) and the Lapua's shot like...well CRAP. But you also have to consider the distance you are shooting, plus whether your rifle likes the bullet. IMHO and experience, given the distance you are shooting, the Lapua's weren't intended for that distance. The 168's are your better bet. Historically, the 168's have been the go to bullet in .308. That whether for hunting or target shooting. But the only way to find out is to test the bullet. SO no matter who tells you what is a better bullet to use, doesn't mean it's so until your rifle shoots it. That's because each rifle is different and even if they are the same make and model, doesn't mean they'll shoot the same. So might I suggest you listen to what others have to say, but then go try it out yourself as your baby may confirm or tell you otherwise. I've personally experienced that time and time again and after doing my own thing, have come back to have some lively discussion with some of my buddies to let them know, my rifle told me they were full of it! (Also remember to be kind to those who "try" to help and assist you and don't screw up good relationship over something that was well intended).

Bottom line, good luck in your efforts in reloading. Feel free to ask questions and even help when you are stuck not knowing which way to go. We've all encountered that over the years and there are plenty of very knowledgeable folks up here willing to give you a hand. And if you need some supplies of something you want to try and can't find any, ASK! You might be surprised how willing some are to give a hand in need. And by all means, read, learn and reload. As time goes along you'll see and learn things you never even considered. That happens to me even though I've been reloading and shooting many years. My best!

Alex

 

[stubbicatt]

OP, I have a CZ550 V with the heavier profile barrel which likes both 175 Sierra Match Kings and the 155 Lapua Scenar and RL 15 powder, Lapua cases, standard CCI LR primers.

I have read elsewhere that the 12 twist *may* not stabilize heavier bullets. So I haven't tried any 180 grain plus bullets in mine.

Good luck. I think you will like that rifle, I sure like mine.

 

[mshelton]

All the .308s I've messed with shot the 155s well and at a nice velocity, either the Sierra palmas the Berger fullbores or VLDs. I'm sure you'll hear all sorts of conflicting opinions about running the heavys in a .308, heck some guys like the mortar rounds but I can get the 155s to 2900 and they shoot well and flat enough to be practical. Just my 2 cents though

 

[MK 19]

Hello,

I'm new to reloading .308, and I would appreciate your help on selecting the appropriate .308 bullet for a CZ 550.
The purpose of the rifle is use it in 300m BR matches. I've bedded the action and free floated the barrel.
The rifle's twist rate is 1:12.

I had originally selected Sierra's 168gr. Matchkings, but I a friend got me some Lapua 185gr Scenars.

Which of these bullets should perform better in this type of rifle?

Thank you.

Now back to the bullets, both Sierra 168's and Lapua 185 Scenars are great bullets. That doesn't mean they are the best bullet for your particular application. 168's have always shot well in my .308 (Ruger) and the Lapua's shot like...well CRAP. But you also have to consider the distance you are shooting, plus whether your rifle likes the bullet. IMHO and experience, given the distance you are shooting, the Lapua's weren't intended for that distance. The 168's are your better bet. Historically, the 168's have been the go to bullet in .308. That whether for hunting or target shooting. But the only way to find out is to test the bullet. SO no matter who tells you what is a better bullet to use, doesn't mean it's so until your rifle shoots it. That's because each rifle is different and even if they are the same make and model, doesn't mean they'll shoot the same. So might I suggest you listen to what others have to say, but then go try it out yourself as your baby may confirm or tell you otherwise. I've personally experienced that time and time again and after doing my own thing, have come back to have some lively discussion with some of my buddies to let them know, my rifle told me they were full of it! (Also remember to be kind to those who "try" to help and assist you and don't screw up good relationship over something that was well intended)

Alex

+1, Your rifle is the only one that can answer the question as to what it wants to shoot, so load up some ladders and ask her the question

 

[TQB]

As in most cases, proper research is key before buying reloading componentes.

It turns out that the powder that I have (Vectan) does not list in their reloading charts 185gr bullets.

Therefore I will return the 185 gr bullets to the seller (a friend of mine).

Thank you for your advice.